Blog

Think Lotus Blossoms is just for kids? Think again! Lotus Blossoms is our youth-focused arts education outreach program, but it also aims to connect artists with senior citizens, participants with developmental disabilities, and the general public.  Please join us! As always, a pillar of the program is the Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar. Free and open to all, the World Bazaar Family Day is Saturday, April 1.  Families and children have the opportunity to journey around the world at a “mini-Lotus Festival” with over 30 booths showcasing arts, music, language and international crafts. Lotus Blossoms also offers multiple public performances by our visiting artists – completely free and open to all audiences. This year’s line up features some of the world’s best performers, including artists from Iraq, China, Mexico, Uganda, and the United States. Rahim AlHaj: March 21 & 22 This Iraqi oud musician and composer is the recipient of the 2015 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor for traditional artists in the United States. As a political refugee, AlHaj seeks to infuse the suffering, joy, anxiety and determination he has experienced into his music. Wu Man: March 31 Wu Man is recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso (an ancient Chinese lute) and leading ambassador of Chinese music. She has performed all over the world as a principal musician in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project and as a soloist, all while collaborating with other musicians in a wide range of musical styles that have earned her various Grammy nominations and awards. Sones de México Ensemble: April 5 Sones de Mexico is a sextet of multi-instumentalists skilled at over 80 traditional Mexican folk instruments. The ensemble explores the riches of Mexican music, dance and culture through playing regional styles like buapongo, gustos, chilenas and son jarocho. Samite: April 12 & 14 Born and raised in Uganda, Samite is one of East Africa’s most acclaimed flutists. As a political refugee, he hopes to deliver his message of peace and hope to the world through the healing power of music. Fiddle ‘n’ Feet: April 18 With Jamie Gans on fiddle and Tamara Lowenthal on feet, Fiddle ‘n’ Feet are committed to presenting the very best in percussive dance and traditional music from North America and the Celtic countries. Find the full Lotus Blossoms Event Calendar here – we can’t wait to see all of you at these world-class performances! Lotus Blossoms 2017 is presented by The Raymond Foundation and sponsored by the Eskenazi Health Foundation, IU School of Education, IU Center for the Study of the Middle East, and Daily Leadership Studio. Additional support provided by Sandra Clark Counseling & Consulting, St. John Associates, Vibe Yoga, Tribeswell, and the IU African Studies Program.