Flushing Town Hall Presents Banda Magda on September 21

On Friday, September 21, Flushing Town Hall presents Banda Magda, a world music group led by Greek-born composer, orchestrator, singer and accordionist Magda Gannikou. Banda Magda moves easily from samba to French chanson, and from Greek folk tunes to Colombian cumbia and Afro-Peruvian lando, creating a vibrant and theatrical experience for audiences around the world.

Founded in 2010 in New York, Banda Magda has toured in more than 22 countries and 5 continents. Drawing on the band's global background, including Greece, Argentina, Japan, and Colombia, the group combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, cinematic arranging, sophisticated audience participation, mid-century classics and world chansons in 6 languages.

The group of close musical friends turns Giannikou's songs into unique hits, which have won them a spot with Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers Series and Snarky Puppy's Family Dinner Vol.1. They have performed at renowned venues and festivals such as WOMAD, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival, L'Olympia, Jazz à Vienne, Canarias Jazz, Apollo Hammersmith, The Kennedy Center, Kathmandu Jazz Festival and many more.

The Banda Magda show is also a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), which recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of people from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

This season, Flushing Town Hall is a new member of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's Jazz Touring Network, who made this show possible. Tickets are $16/$10 for members and students, and can be purchased at www.flushingtownhall.org or by calling (718) 463-7700 x222. The group will lead an a capella workshop prior to the concert.

Other upcoming fall/winter season highlights include South American Mash-Up: Inkhay & Río Mira (Oct 19), Paquito D'Rivera & John di Martino Trio (Oct 26), Light & Beat: Art of Korean Drumming (Nov 9), Diwali Festival: Kathak, Bhangra, & Beyond (Nov 10), NEA Jazz Masters (Nov 16), FEI Music: A Fusion Music Concert (Dec 2), The Rainbow Fish by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Dec 8) and a Winter Holiday Weekend (Dec 8-10).

Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot - located a short distance from the 7 train - at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.

Once again, Flushing Town Hall is opening its doors to teenagers - for free. Under the "Teen Access Program," all 13- to 19-year-old boys and girls (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. The program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love in the arts and culture.

Watch the music video for Banda Magda's Ase Me Na Bo here: