Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Lotus: The diversity of the world’s cultures, through music and the arts. ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://www.lotusfest.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [Summer Night of Lotus June 9, 2022](https://www.lotusfest.org/summer-night-of-lotus-june-9-2022/): Food by Pili's Party Taco and Döner Kebab - [Lotus Blossoms Sponsors & Donors for 2022](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-blossoms-sponsors-donors-for-2022/) - [Lotus receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant for 2022 Lotus Festival](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-receives-national-endowment-for-the-arts-grant-for-2022-lotus-festival/): Funds from the grant will go directly towards our 29th annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, this September 22-25, to support Lotus Artists, production costs like staging and technical equipment, visual arts materials for the Festival Arts Village, and much more.  - [Lotus Blossoms Lineup 2021](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-blossoms-lineup-2021/): Artists participating in Lotus Blossoms share their diverse musical and cultural traditions with school children, community members, and families throughout South Central Indiana. While they are here visiting, Lotus Blossoms Artists conduct workshops and perform at schools, the Lotus Firebay, and other community spaces, especially spaces that allow underserved or economically disadvantaged populations to experience world-class global music and arts programming. This year, most of the Lotus Blossoms programming will be virtual.Find Blossoms Events Here. - [Lotus Firebay Open House](https://www.lotusfest.org/openhouse/): We hope you'll join us as we open our newly renovated Firebay venue to our friends and neighbors. Stop by the Lotus Firebay on Saturday, February 23, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. for an event packed with free hands-on fun, live performances, interactive activities, and more. - [Lotus Blossoms 2026 Performance Series and World Bazaar](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-blossoms-2026-performance-series-and-world-bazaar/): Lotus Blossoms supports more than 12,000 kids in Indiana Uplands have access to diverse music and art experiences and supplemental music, art, and STEM education in their classrooms. - [Lee Williams Obituary](https://www.lotusfest.org/lee-williams-obituary/): Lee Williams Obituary written by Andy Graham - [Lotus Blossoms 2026 Season Performances](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-blossoms-2026-season-performances/): Lotus Blossoms connects world artists directly with children and community members in South-Central Indiana. For many individuals, especially in rural communities, engagement with a Blossoms artist begins a lifetime of curiosity about the wider world. - [The Lotus Festival 2025 Playlist](https://www.lotusfest.org/the-lotus-festival-2025-playlist/): Checkout the official music playlist. Listen to the music of the Lotus Festival and get ready for a great weekend! Learn about our ticket packages! - [2025 Lotus Blossoms lineup](https://www.lotusfest.org/2025-lotus-blossoms-lineup/): Larry & Joe (3/10/25 - 3/11/25) - [Lotus Awarded IAC Grant](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-awarded-iac-grant/): July 31, 2024 - [Share Memories for Lotus@30 Project](https://www.lotusfest.org/share-memories-for-lotus30-project/): One of the aims of  Lotus@30 is to prompt memories and thoughts about the long arc of Lotus’ 30 years – whether about Lotus the organization or Lotus the festival. We’d love for you to answer the following questions. - [Lotus Welcomes New Staff](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-welcomes-new-staff/): We are happy to welcome one new member to the Lotus team and to welcome back a returning member to the Lotus team! - [New Lotus Board Members](https://www.lotusfest.org/new-lotus-board-members/): I firmly believe in the mission that the LOTUS foundation is working towards promoting diversity and expanding everyone’s global outlook by giving them opportunities to experience different cultures. - [2024 Lotus Blossoms Impact Report](https://www.lotusfest.org/2024-lotus-blossoms-impact-report/): Check out the amazing impact Lotus had through our 2024 Lotus Blossoms program. - [Lotus@30 Fireside Chat Focus Groups](https://www.lotusfest.org/l/): Call For Participants: Lotus@30 Fireside Chat Focus Groups - [2024 Lotus Blossoms Residency with Chinobay](https://www.lotusfest.org/2024-lotus-blossoms-residency-with-chinobay/): For over 25 years, Lotus has connected south-central Indiana with musicians from around the world through its Lotus Blossoms spring programming. - [Lotus Blossoms in the Community](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-blossoms-in-the-community/): Lotus Blossoms is our annual four-week series of artist workshops andperformances that bring culturally diverse music and arts experiences to South-Central Indiana. Every spring, the Lotus Blossoms program connects world artists directly with children and community members. In this blog post, we want to share with you the schools and organizations to which Lotus Blossoms brings international musicians.   - [Lotus Partners with MCCSC STEAM/CS Team](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-partners-with-mccsc-steam-cs-team/): The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is delighted to announce a new partnership with the MCCSC STEAM/CS team for its 2024 Lotus Blossoms spring programming. The STEAM/CS team will contribute science activities and funding for the 2024 Lotus Blossoms Residency Program. Funding comes from a grant through the city of Bloomington aimed at bringing artists into schools. - [Aoife Scott Band](https://www.lotusfest.org/aoife-scott-band/) - [Civic Champs Volunteering System](https://www.lotusfest.org/civic-champs-volunteering-system/): We are excited to announce that Lotus has migrated volunteer systems to Civic Champs.  If you are an active Lotus volunteer, we have already created an account for you on Civic Champs. If you haven't already done so, please verify your account information from the email or text message that was sent out on Friday, February 16th.  You will be prompted to fill out a general volunteer application and liability waiver form. Then you will be able to apply for open volunteer positions.  If you are not already an active Lotus volunteer, please click here to access the Lotus volunteer events page and then click "create an account" in the top right corner of the screen. Civic Champs has an app for your phone or tablet. The app is a great way to receive notifications about upcoming volunteer commitments and to receive information from Lotus about volunteering. ** In order for the app to work, you need to allow it to track your location when the app is in use only. If you do not allow it to use your location while the app is in use, it will not allow you to search for Lotus events.Search for Lotus events by clicking "discover" at the bottom of the app. For instructions and customer support please click here. Thank you for your patience during this transition. We will do our best to make it as seamless a process as possible. Please call the Lotus office at (812) 336-6599  if you need assistance. About Civic ChampsOur mission is to create the most intuitive and impactful volunteer management system for nonprofits and their championsOur vision is to ignite volunteer service, strengthen nonprofits, and improve lives and communities. - [Participate in the Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar](https://www.lotusfest.org/participate-in-the-lotus-blossoms-world-bazaar/): Created in 1996 with the help of area teachers, the Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar has become a tradition in Monroe County schools — public, private, and charter — as well as in our community. - [Bring Blossoms to Your School or Community Group](https://www.lotusfest.org/bring-blossoms-to-your-school-or-community-group/): Each spring (March- April), Lotus hosts a roster of global teaching artists who travel to perform in schools, classrooms, and community centers across a multi-county area in south-central Indiana. Musicians, dancers, and storytellers share their cultures and heritage with thousands of students through performances and interactive activities, and they field student questions about their lives, childhoods, and experiences.  - [2024 Lotus Blossoms Artists](https://www.lotusfest.org/2024-lotus-blossoms-artists/): Aoife Scott BandAoife Scott is an acclaimed folk singer and songwriter hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Born into a renowned musical family, Aoife's upbringing immersed her in the rich traditions of Irish music. Together with her bandmates Andy Meaney on guitar and Joanna Hyde on fiddle, Aoife’s music moves from ethereal to vibrant in the course of a song and has an emotional depth that pulls in audiences of all ages. Aoife has won numerous awards for her talent including the 2017 “Song of the Year” from the Irish Folk Music Awards. The Aoife Scott Band is the 2024 Jamie Gans Blossoms Artist. ChinobayBorn in Uganda, Chinobay’s musical journey is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Buganda musicians. The rhythms that emanated from the Kanyange king's palace, just a stone's throw from his childhood home, formed the backdrop of his early years and this immersive musical environment left an indelible mark on him. Today, having toured over 75 countries, he is a seasoned songwriter, a dedicated educator, and a bridge-builder between cultures. His original compositions breathe life into the diverse stories of humanity, showcasing Africa in its full spectrum of richness- transcending its portrayal merely as a backdrop for adversity. Making MoviesMaking Movies blends pulsing Afro-Latino rhythms, psychedelic jams and rock ’n’ roll swagger into powerful live performances, full of theatrics and cathartic climaxes. Armed with the ambitious and politically charged 2017 release I Am Another You — “lyrically and sonically one of the best albums of the year,” NPR raved — and a companion EP, You Are Another Me, the Kansas City band punches out one high-energy song after another. The foursome showcases their Latin American roots, with frontman Enrique Chi incorporating traditional instruments like the Panamanian mejorana alongside electric guitar, or the Chaurand brothers swapping drums and percussion for a dueling zapateado huasteco, a traditional form of dance from Veracruz, Mexico. The band’s political idea is straightforward enough that they can express it in four words: “We are all immigrants.” Northern Resonance Northern Resonance is a Swedish string trio consisting of viola d’amore, hardanger fiddle and nyckelharpa. Their take on Scandinavian music combines the best of newly composed folk music and embeds it in a chamber-music like setting, creating an original and dynamic musical landscape. Lotus audiences know that Väsen has played in Bloomington several times over the years. Northern Resonance’s three members have all had Mikael Marin and Olov Johansson as teachers while studying at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Their debut album, released in 2022, was nominated for a Swedish Grammy. Lotus is excited to present Northern Resonance for Blossoms in their Bloomington debut. - [2024 Lotus Graduate Fellows and Interns](https://www.lotusfest.org/2024-lotus-graduate-fellows-and-interns/): I am a second-year master's student working on a MPA with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management. I have a lot of passion environmentally, but I also enjoy reading and playing video games. I have three guinea pigs named Mr. Ruffles, Senor Gordo, and Sir Onyx! - [Lotus Super Fans, Daniel & Annie Miller](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-super-fans-daniel-annie-miller/): As we prepared for the 2023 Lotus Festival, Tamara Loewenthal, Lotus Artistic Director, received a heartwarming phone call from Lotus Super Fan, Annie Miller. - [Lotus Awarded BCCF Grant](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-awarded-bccf-grant/): Photo: Merrill Hatlen - [Lotus Receives 2024 GIG Fund Grant](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-receives-2024-gig-fund-grant/): Photo: Jeremy Hogan - [Lotus Blossoms 2024](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-blossoms-2024/): This year's Lotus Blossoms is right around the corner! It will take place from March 18 - April 12, 2024.  Our Lotus Blossoms Bazaar Community Day will be on  Saturday, March 23. - [2024 Lotus Festival Dates](https://www.lotusfest.org/2024-lotus-festival-dates/): We are delighted to announce that the dates of the 2024 Lotus World Music & Arts Festival will be October 3 - 6, 2024! We can't wait to engage you in more perspective-changing world music and arts experiences! - [2023 Lotus Festival Impact Report](https://www.lotusfest.org/2023-lotus-festival-impact-report/) - [Lotus Artistic Director Attends 2024 Worldwide Music Expo](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-artistic-director-attends-2024-world-wide-music-expo/): In mid-October, I had the opportunity to travel to Spain to attend WOMEX, the World Music Expo. WOMEX just celebrated its 29th year, so it’s a year younger than Lotus. For those who haven’t heard of this event, it’s a combined tradeshow and music festival where artists who have been juried perform on 6 to 7 stages every night for an audience that includes agents/agency reps; booking specialists/artistic directors of festivals, concert series, and independent venues; and music lovers in general. WOMEX moves around Europe, with a different host city every year. The main qualification is that the host city must have enough venues that are walkable from a central location, and that the city can support the hordes that descend, via housing and food options. - [Thank you, 2023 Lotus Festival Volunteers](https://www.lotusfest.org/thank-you-2023-lotus-festival-volunteers/): Ilze    AkerbergsKeegan    AllansonAndre    AlvaEric    AshbyKirsten    AshbyBob    AustinPenny    AustinLisa    AutryDaniel    AxlerIngrid    BaderMadeline    BaileyEric    BarberCathy    BarfootMatt    BarnardViolet    BaronJennifer    BassCindy    BeauléWarner    BeauregardMarilyn    BehrmanTammy    BehrmanMichael    BienzJill    BirdJennifer    BlytheShawn    BlytheSteve    BohonPriscilla    BorgesMolly    BoswellGeoff    BradleySabrina    BrantChristopher    BrownLeon    BrownCynthia    BrubakerAntonio    BrunoLauren    BryantAnn    BungerMichael    BurnsDee    BurtPaul    BurtKristen    BylMichael    CainPatty    CallisonJelene    CampbellJill    CampbellGuillermo    CarrasquelErica    CassidyDenise    CavanaughGeorge    CesnikRachel    ChengKendra    CookBrian    CorbinLaurel    CornellTanner    CrawfordPamela    DavidsonAmber    DayDave    DebikeyKelli    DebikeyMarie    DeerCathy    DensfordHayden    DiedrichAlexa    DowCherri    DuPreeKathie    DurkelChristopher    DvorakMolly    EaglesonMayan    EartheartAvery    EdwardsDarrell    ElliottKate    EspejoBethan    EvansHugh    Farrell - [Biografías de Artistas de Lotus Festival 2023](https://www.lotusfest.org/biogrfias-de-artistas-de-lotus-festival-2023/): Al-Qasar (Arabian Fuzz / North Africa, France) - [2023 Lotus Festival Lineup & Schedule](https://www.lotusfest.org/announcing-the-30th-festival-lineup/): This year's festival is September 28 - October 1, 2023.  Tickets are on sale now at the BCT Box Office and online. Discover the artists featured in this year's festival. We can't wait to see and hear them in person! - [Wear an Orange Shirt on Saturday, September 30th ](https://www.lotusfest.org/wear-an-orange-shirt-on-saturday-september-30th/): Starting in the early 19th century, native children of Canada and the US were separated from their families and forced into residential schools.  These boarding schools were established by the US and Canadian governments, as well as some church organizations, with the goal of eradicating native culture. Generations of children forced into these schools were made to cut their hair, take English names, and abandon their traditional clothing. They often faced abuse, and were prohibited from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural beliefs. The last residential schools closed in 1996. Learn more at culturalsurvival.org and orangeshirtday.org. - [Lotus Education & Arts Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-education-arts-foundation-welcomes-new-executive-director/): The Lotus Education and Arts Foundation Board is excited to announce that Katarina Koch has joined the organization as Executive Director. Katarina brings strategic planning, leadership and development skills to the organization, as well as a deep understanding of the role local non-profits play in creating community impact. While she has spent the past few years in Paoli, IN, she will be returning to her roots in Bloomington as a graduate of O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. We are confident Katarina will help ensure Lotus continues to serve our mission, honoring our 30-year history while embracing new opportunities for the next 30. - [ Lotus announces search for new Executive Director](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-announces-search-for-new-executive-director/): As the Lotus Education & Arts Foundation enters its 30th year as a world-class organization dedicated to promoting the diversity of world cultures through music and the arts, the Lotus Board has been examining the new landscape facing performing arts non-profits. Lotus returns to full programming this year, and we are re-organizing to reflect our current needs. To that end, Lotus has decided that resuming the organizational structure used pre-pandemic, with both an Executive Director (ED) and an Artistic Director (AD) on staff, will help ensure Lotus flourishes in its fourth decade. Lotus’ current Executive Director, Tamara Loewenthal, will be transitioning to the position of Artistic Director, and now Lotus seeks a new ED. - [Lotus receives grant from National Endowment of the Arts](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-receives-grant-from-national-endowment-of-the-arts/): We're pleased to announce we have been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to receive a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000! This grant will help to underwrite some artist fees and activities at the 30th Annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, occurring this year from Sept 28 - Oct 1, 2023. This grant is one of 1,251 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling nearly $28.8 million that were announced by the NEA as part of its first round of fiscal year 2023 grants. - [Lemon Bucket Orkestra to play at 2022 festival!](https://www.lotusfest.org/lemon-bucket-orkestra-to-play-at-2022-festival/): Born in Toronto as a quartet of buskers, the Lemon Bucket Orkestra is now a 12-member guerilla-punk-klezmer band that delivers cathartic and exhilarating performances. On or off the stage, the Orkestra creates an immersive experience of big brass, strings, drums, dance, and passionate vocals. With these Canadian musical adventurers, you have license to be a little wild.  - [Announcing the 29th Annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival Lineup!](https://www.lotusfest.org/announcing-the-29th-annual-lotus-world-music-arts-festival-lineup/): This year's festival is September 22 - 25. Tickets are on sale at Buskirk-Chumley online and in the box office. In the meantime, discover the artists and check out our Spotify playlist featuring them. We can't wait to see and hear them in person! View the festival's mobile app here: https://lotusfest.rendezville.com - [Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar Virtual Resources](https://www.lotusfest.org/2021bazaar/): Virtual Bazaar Guide Welcome to the Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar's virtual resources! We are really excited to share these with you. At our in-person Bazaar, colorful flags burst from every corner and lines of tables are set up with activities from around the world. As you try your hand at a craft or listen to lively music from our performers, you are inspired by all you see and learn.  Our presenters have spent hours creating activity sheets to replicate some of what they do at the Bazaar. Without their time and commitment, we would not have these pages to share. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for being our partners. With their help, we have done our best to emulate the special feeling of the Blossoms Bazaar through our virtual Bazaar resources that you can access below. Click Here : Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar Virtual Resources Here are some hints for navigating the virtual bazaar: When you access the home page, you will see the activities listed on “clouds” surrounding the globe. If you start at the bottom left with Introducing Ghana and move clockwise, the activities can be navigated in the same order as the order of sheets in your packets. Click on a cloud and it will open up to the name of the presenter, with a link to their activity sheet, in color. If they have a video, you will also see a link to their video there. You can navigate back to the home page of the Bazaar in several ways: Click the button that looks like a house on the right side of the page (hover your mouse on the right side of the screen to make the house appear). On the track line that runs below (at the bottom of) the page, slide the circle all the way to the left. If you have a touchpad, you can use it to zoom in or out on a particular activity, or home. You can also use the arrows on the bottom of the page to go forward or backward. Again, the first page will be Introducing Ghana. - [Lotus Winter Workshops](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-winter-workshops/): Looking for a colorful, creative, educational activity to brighten up the dreary winter months? Look no further than Winter Workshops with Lotus! - [Lotus Story: Samantha & Doug Eibling](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-story-samantha-doug-eibling/): "Our world gets smaller every day, and we can all benefit from the universal uniting that music and the arts can provide." It's not lost on us the impact of the power of music and the arts on community. Especially during the global pandemic, we have witnessed the capacity of the arts to unite across boundaries and transverse borders in order to bring people closer together. Friends of Lotus, Samantha and Doug Eibling, have played such essential roles for Lotus and continually offer support, with Samantha as a local business owner and Doug as a former board chair and current advisory board member.  Lotus explores the global diversity of cultural heritage through music and the arts. We especially love Doug and Samantha's take on why they support our mission: “The Lotus Festival is a favorite event annually for Sam and me. To spend a couple nights dancing in the streets with friends old and new and discover new music is something we always look forward to. But, our real satisfaction as donors is the year-round work that Lotus does in our region to break down barriers and introduce new and different cultures into schools and community organizations. Our world gets smaller every day, and we can all benefit from the universal uniting that music and the arts can provide.” Doug & Samantha Eibling Thank you for everything you do, Doug and Samantha,  for Lotus and for your community!  Consider giving a gift to Lotus to enable us to make Bloomington a unique, vibrant place that celebrates the diversity of the world’s cultures through music and arts programming all year long. Donate about lotus Join us at an event - [Shop to Support Lotus this Holiday](https://www.lotusfest.org/shop-to-support-lotus-this-holiday/): You can support some of your favorite nonprofits while holiday shopping this year – and all year-round!  Follow our directions below to sign up for Kroger Community Awards and Amazon Smile to ensure a portion of your purchases go towards Lotus, at no extra cost to you!  Email Nicole at nicole@lotusfest.org with any questions or for extra assistance.  Thank you for your support! 3 Steps on How to Sign Up for Kroger Community Awards Create an Online Account An online account is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. If you already have an account, sign in and link your Shopper's Card to your account so your transactions apply to Lotus. Link your Card to an Organization Sign in to your online account Search for your organization Enter the NPO number for Lotus: TV770 Select Lotus and click "SAVE" Shop and Support Lotus! All transactions moving forward using your Shopper's Card number will then be applied to the Lotus, at no added cost to you!   4 Steps on How to Sign Up for AmazonSmile Visit smile.amazon.com Sign in with the same account you use for amazon.com Select your charity Start Shopping! *Don't forget to checkout @amazon.smile.com to generate donations for Lotus! - [Lotus receives Arts Midwest Grant](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-receives-arts-midwest-grant/): Lotus is delighted to announce that we have been selected as one of the recipients of the Arts Midwest GIG (Grow, Invest, Gather) Fund for 2022! This grant will go directly towards supporting two of our Lotus Blossoms artists for programming next spring. - [Give a matching gift to our end-of-year fundraising campaign](https://www.lotusfest.org/give-a-matching-gift-to-our-end-of-year-fundraising-campaign/): Help us raise $20,000 before the end of the year! This year, every dollar donated will be matched up with funds contributed by the Lotus Board and a generous friend of Lotus, up to $10,000. Go to lotusfest.org/donate to give online and send checks (made out L.E.A.F) to P.O. Box 1667, Bloomington, IN 47402. Your contributions go directly towards  our year-round arts and music programming costs, including art supplies and materials, production costs of our concerts, and will help cover fees that directly support the work of Lotus artists from around the globe. Thank you to everyone for your support! donate - [Lotus Story: Alison LaRosa](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-story-alison-larosa/): Read more about the work and mission of Lotus.  - [Lotus Story: LuAnne & Bill Holladay](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-story-luanne-bill-holladay/): "We give because Bloomington wouldn't be Bloomington without Lotus...and Lotus wouldn't be Lotus without Bloomington." Lotus is so grateful for the support shown by the many in Bloomington and beyond! Whether it's through volunteerism, generous gifts, the lending of resources to put on a music festival, championing Lotus Blossoms, or all the above, it truly takes a community to present year-round global music and arts programming.Lotus celebrates each gift, from first time donors to long-time supporters and donors Bill & LuAnne Holladay. Hear from them why they choose to donate to Lotus: We donate to Lotus every year, above and beyond buying tickets, for the same reasons we volunteer every year: it’s a well-run organization; we believe in the value of the arts in general and the Lotus mission in particular; and it puts on great events...But more than anything else, we give because Bloomington wouldn’t be Bloomington without Lotus. We truly believe that. For more than 25 years, Lotus has brought the world to Bloomington and broadened our horizons, musically and culturally. It has helped shape who we are, collectively, as a community. But this works the other way, too: Lotus wouldn’t be Lotus without Bloomington. This town embraced the Lotus mission in 1994 and that enthusiasm has never waned. The interrelationship makes Lotus unique…and it’s why we can no longer imagine Bloomington without it. LuAnne & Bill Holladay Thank you, Bill and LuAnne, for your unflagging support. Lotus feels the love!Consider giving a gift to Lotus to enable us to make Bloomington a unique, vibrant place that celebrates the diversity of the world’s cultures through music and arts programming all year long. Donate Join Lotus for Giving Tuesday Join our Donation Drive - [Suggested Local Nonprofits 2021](https://www.lotusfest.org/suggested-local-nonprofits-2021/): Join Lotus and our Lantern & Luminaria Project in shining a light on local organizations addressing housing and food security in our community. You can demonstrate your support by purchasing a Lotus lantern from the project or donating directly to these organizations listed below. - [About the Lotus Lantern & Luminaria Project](https://www.lotusfest.org/about-the-lotus-lantern-luminaria-project/): The Lotus Lantern and Luminaria Project is an initiative to bring the glow of lanterns to our Bloomington community, as the days shorten and the nights get longer. To celebrate lantern traditions from around the world, Lotus is working with a few lantern artists to create templates for building lanterns that can be used decoratively in homes and businesses, or on walks, to light the way.The project is designed to be welcoming and inclusive by focusing on lantern customs that represent several different world traditions. Lotus will supply the materials and will hold workshops that will allow physically-distanced participation.We’ll have three separate designs:A Korean inspired paper basket lantern (designed by Shelley Hanmo Qian of JunoniaArts) with a Lotus charm and origami cicada (optional) that holds a tealight. This design can be made with colored paper, scissors, tape, string, lotus charm, and origami cicada (design by community member Marlen Rust).A Chinese lantern (designed by Shelley Hanmo Qian of JunoniaArts), using construction paper, stapler, string, hole punch, and scissors.Luminaria, based on Mexico/Southwest US border regions designs, using recycled paper.In November 2021, we’ll focus on workshops to willing participants and on building lanterns together via in-person physically-distanced workshops. Sign up on Eventbrite for our free workshops.Every celebration needs its songs to go with it. The community song portion of our Lotus Lantern Walk will be led by trained song leaders so everyone can easily follow along with the music. Singing during the lantern walk will be done with masks on, as required for safety. We hope to have a couple of different groups involved in learning these tunes.On November 19th at 6 p.m., we’ll host the 2nd annual Lotus Lantern Walk. People who have built a lantern will be invited on a walk that begins at the Lotus Firebay (105 S Rogers Street). Participants can pick up a free LED tea light candle or use our battery operated twinkle lights that must be returned to Lotus at the end of the walk. From the Lotus Firebay, we’ll head to the B-line, and continue to the Showers Plaza. We’ll circle around, physically distancing and masked, and stop to sing a couple of lantern songs. We’ll then head back to the Lotus Firebay doors for some hot chocolate to be served in individual, covered cups. *Event subject to change, based on current COVID-19 health guidelines at the time.On December 10th, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., businesses and homes in our community will be invited to display their lanterns in their windows, to celebrate art and shed a light on tradition and important needs and causes. Online instructions for the Chinese lantern, Korean lantern, and the Luminaria are available to those unable to attend in-person workshops by request to amanda@lotusfest.org. Businesses and organizations willing to participate by displaying a lantern may contact Nicole Vasconi at nicole@lotusfest.org.   - [Lotus Lantern Workshops 2021](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-lantern-workshops-2021/): Register for the workshops ## Pages - [The Lotus Team](https://www.lotusfest.org/about/the-lotus-team/): Katarina KochExecutive Director - [Newsletter](https://www.lotusfest.org/newsletter/) - [Test Tickets](https://www.lotusfest.org/test-tickets/): At the Lotus Board Annual Retreat and follow up over email, there was ample discussion around ticket prices for the 2026 festival including: - [Test Events Page](https://www.lotusfest.org/test-events-page/) - [Test HomePage](https://www.lotusfest.org/test-homepage/): Be the first to know about events, lineups, tickets and other Lotus updates! - [Matching Campaign](https://www.lotusfest.org/donate/matching-campaign/): 1:1 dollar match for all donations and new monthly subscriptions from November 2025 - January 2026 - [Memorial and Tribute for Lee Williams](https://www.lotusfest.org/memorial-and-tribute-for-lee-williams/): Fill out my LGL Form! - [Test](https://www.lotusfest.org/test/): 1:1 dollar match for all donations and new monthly subscriptions from November 2025 - January 2026 - [Lotus Blossoms Study Guides](https://www.lotusfest.org/education-and-outreach/lotus-blossoms/lotus-blossoms-study-guides/): Welcome to our resource page for Lotus Blossoms Study Guides! Find in-depth information about Lotus Blossoms Artists here. - [Lotus Artist Archive](https://www.lotusfest.org/lotus-artist-archive/): View a historic view of artists that have played at The Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. - [About](https://www.lotusfest.org/about/): The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Bloomington, Indiana (est. 1994). - [News and Notes](https://www.lotusfest.org/news-and-notes/): March 19, 2026 - [Lotus Blossoms](https://www.lotusfest.org/education-and-outreach/lotus-blossoms/): Lotus Blossoms is our annual four-week series of artist workshops and performances that bring culturally diverse music and arts experiences to South-Central Indiana. - [Visual Artists](https://www.lotusfest.org/visual-artist/): Read about our visual artist for The Festival held in downtown Bloomington. - [Lineup](https://www.lotusfest.org/lineup/): View The Lotus World Music and Arts Festival artist lineup and view artist profiles. The annual festival is help in downtown Bloomington, IN. - [Schedule](https://www.lotusfest.org/schedule/): Learn about The Lotus Festival schedule and what to see and hear in Bloomington. - [Tickets](https://www.lotusfest.org/tickets/): View all of festival ticket options and learn how to order tickets ahead of time. - [Internships](https://www.lotusfest.org/opportunities/internships/): Lotus interns gain valuable experience working in the nonprofit arts world including event and program management. View available internships. - [Festival Site Map](https://www.lotusfest.org/festival-site-map/): View the latest festival map to find your way in the annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival in downtown Bloomington. - [Accommodations](https://www.lotusfest.org/accommodations/): Let’s make your stay comfortable! We are delighted that you will be coming to town and want to make your experience unforgettable. - [Opportunities](https://www.lotusfest.org/opportunities/) - [Education & Outreach](https://www.lotusfest.org/education-and-outreach/) - [Order Completed](https://www.lotusfest.org/tickets-order/): Whoops! No order information is available because no purchase was made. back home - [Venue Accessibility](https://www.lotusfest.org/venue-accessibility/): The Lotus Festival takes place in downtown Bloomington. We partner with various venues and spaces throughout the city and each year is different. - [Checkout](https://www.lotusfest.org/checkout/): Purchase Tickets Checkout Error! Something went wrong! Oops, no tickets! Please browse events and add tickets to check out. - [Rent The Firebay](https://www.lotusfest.org/rent-the-firebay/): Consider the Lotus Firebay in Bloomington, Indiana for your next event to enjoy amenities. Rent the space for your next creative event. - [Jobs](https://www.lotusfest.org/opportunities/jobs/): The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, gender, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual preference, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. - [Donate](https://www.lotusfest.org/donate/): Your gifts connect our community to artists from around the world, and bring joy to generations of children and families throughout South Central Indiana. - [Volunteer](https://www.lotusfest.org/opportunities/volunteer/): Be one of the 600+ people who contribute time, expertise, and goodwill to make Lotus events happen! - [FAQ](https://www.lotusfest.org/frequently-asked-questions/): Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Lotus Festival here! - [Home](https://www.lotusfest.org/): See the incredible musical lineup for this year’s Lotus Festival. - [Accessibility](https://www.lotusfest.org/accessibility/): The Lotus Education and Arts Foundation is committed to providing arts programs that are accessible to audiences of all ages and abilities. - [Contact](https://www.lotusfest.org/contact/): Do you have a question? Contact us via email or phone. - [About Lotus Festival](https://www.lotusfest.org/about-lotus-festival/): Learn about the history of The Lotus Festival, artists, volunteer opportunities and more. ## Artists - [T’Monde](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/tmonde/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL3J80ilk6w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko4czXY8AUU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_i8dMDaEPo - [Spoon River: Ella Jordan & Rob McCormac](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/spoon-river-ella-jordan-rob-mccormac/): Ella Jordan and Rob McCormac bridge disparate musical backgrounds together as Spoon River, a creative partnership whose contemporary variation on American folk music is at once charmingly timeworn and refreshingly their own. True to their respective Central Texas and Western North Carolina roots, their music resonates with the country, swing, and old-time legacies they venerate in performance, all while holding space for the poignant storytelling conveyed best through their thoughtful, original songwriting. On the heels of a rewarding sojourn to America's Heartland, Spoon River's recent relocation to the culturally rich community of Black Mountain, North Carolina feeds the duo's fervent will to capture their worlds' fragile beauty in song. - [Spoon River Stringband](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/spoon-river-stringband/): https://youtube.com/shorts/QSHY5aaLReI?feature=share - [Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/sally-babys-silver-dollars/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht0ZbPsommw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB2m3Jni21s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRMflZpdEhE - [Ruth Theodore](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/ruth-theodore/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwmk5zBwZyg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwon-Sd-3-U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5sS5eDl01g - [Pahua](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/pahua-2/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ifbbd06-ks&t=37s - [Nour Harkati](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/nour-harkati/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTssrAQq-jU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9s17K4tXbk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpZ_QJ21ddo - [Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/nikki-d-the-sisters-of-thunder-2/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRYbAOs6Y5M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foukUmQ4BHw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48A9WAUjX_s - [Insun Park & Generals](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/insun-park-generals/): Insun Park is one of the few female masters of the Gangnyeong Mask Dance, a tradition historically dominated by men. She reimagines age-old songs, continuously exploring new creative directions to introduce this ancient art — designated as a part of Korea’s National Intangible Heritage — to new audiences. The group features Park (vocals, dance), Donghyuk Heo (composition, guitar), Hyunmo Yang (drums), Johyun Kim (taepyeongso, flute), and Hahyungki Baek (bass guitar). They seamlessly merge traditional rhythms with modern rock influences. Expect something unlike anything you’ve ever seen, “a joyous and genre-defying explosion of song and dance” (Cedar Cultural Center). “A stunning voice, charismatic stage presence, and a versatile, ass-kicking rock band” (Bill Bragin). - [Gadan](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/gadan/): With no less than three (yes, three) banjos, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, Gadan delivers a powerful strings-only sound that bridges Irish tradition and contemporary roots music. Founded by Lorenzo Testa and Jacopo Ventura – renowned Italian musicians from the Irish and European folk scene – the group also boasts young fiddle virtuoso Joan Gatti, tenor banjo all-star Enda Scahill, and acclaimed Appalachian songwriter, singer, and clawhammer banjoist Eric Long. Gadan’s electrifying live performances bring precision, groove, and storytelling to the stage — proving that you don’t need a drum kit to make a crowd dance. - [Fugu Dugu](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/fugu-dugu/): Wild East Punk = Balkan brass, klezmer soul, gypsy fire, and punk, and Fugu Dugu is its unapologetic, rebellious voice. Born in Chicago and rooted in the folklore of Moldova and Eastern Europe, this female-led band performs raw, poetic, and riotous music in Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Front and center: Madame Broshkina, a classically trained violinist whose intricate melodies and searing riffs channel both the elegance of a concert hall and the unbridled energy of a punk mosh pit; and Bucky Wanko, a guitar-slinging poet whose lyrics ring out like the language of protest posters. Fugu Dugu summons something that feels all at once ancient, folkloric, electric, and new. - [El Laberinto del Coco](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/el-laberinto-del-coco/): Percussionist Hector "Coco" Barez created the genre-bending group El Laberinto (“the labyrinth”) del Coco around the folklore and rhythmic styles of the Puerto Rican folk art of bomba — “pump” in Spanish. Unique to Mayagüez, this drum, song, and dance tradition has both African and Indigenous origins, and it’s a spirited expression of contemporary Puerto Rican identity. The group digs deep into the African roots of call-and-response, “with four vocalists and four horn players to remind us throughout its performance of the power of bomba to create community” (Felix Contreras, NPR). Be ready to dance, sing, and shout in the labyrinth. - [Busman’s Holiday](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/busmans-holiday/): Bloomington’s own Busman's Holiday is the brother duo of Addison and Lewis Rogers, who have been honing their craft as singer-songwriters — and thoroughly engaging performers — for almost two decades. Their sibling vocal harmony, catchy melodies, musical turns, and simple grooves make for joyful, surprising performances. Always. - [Arun Ramamurthy Trio](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/arun-ramamurthy-trio/): The Arun Ramamurthy Trio (ART) brings together South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary jazz in an organic integration of styles. The group expands on traditional forms in explosive, improvisational flights of fancy, exploring the kindred spirits of raga music and jazz. ART's collaborative sound is driven by the dynamic rhythm section of drummer Sameer Gupta and electric bassist Damon Banks, while Arun’s original work tells stories of migration and cultural connection. "... a beautiful, exotic, ear-opening listening experience” (All About Jazz). - [Amir ElSaffar with Safaafir](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/amir-el-saffar-with-safaafir/): Composer, trumpeter, santur player, vocalist, and bandleader Amir ElSaffar has been described in the New York Times as a “celebrated trumpeter and composer who explores vital connections between jazz and Arabic music.” He has an international reputation combining jazz and western classical music with the Maqam music of Iraq and the Middle East. At this year’s Lotus, Amir joins Bloomington-based Salaam, which includes his sister, multi-instrumentalist Dena ElSaffar and percussionist Tim Moore. Salaam plays an expansive mix of traditional and original Middle Eastern music that is deeply rooted in Maqam. - [Violet Duncan](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/violet-duncan/): Violet Duncan is Plains Cree and Taino from Kehewin Cree Nation. As an accomplished author, educator, dancer, and storyteller, she has toured both nationally and internationally, sharing her talents and promoting wellness and cultural education across the US, Canada, and Europe. - [Dan Kusaya & the Chimurenga Inspiration](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/dan-kusaya-the-chimurenga-inspiration/): Dan Kusaya and the Chimurenga Inspiration celebrate the vibrant spirit of Zimbabwean culture by weaving the rich, resonant tones of mbira and marimba into powerful, contemporary arrangements. Based in Champaign, Illinois, the group fuses the rhythms of reggae, afrobeat, jazz, funk, and dance with the heartbeat of Zimbabwean Chimurenga — a tradition rooted in resilience and unity. Their dynamic performances are vibrant with cross-cultural energy. - [Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/shelley-morningsong-fabian-fontenelle/): Singer-songwriter Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) is one of New Mexico’s finest Native performers: her rich alto voice pulls from the soles of her cowboy boots, and her songs cut to the heart. Along with guitar, she plays her own compositions on Native flute. Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha), Shelley's husband and musical partner, adds breathtaking and beautiful traditional Northern Plains dancing, storytelling, and drumming. An original member of the American Indian Dance Theater, he has also recorded early 20th-century songs written by his Zuni grandmother. Shelley and Fabian live in the Zuni Pueblo in northwestern New Mexico, and through their music, stories, and dance, “they hope to bring education, peace, love, and unity” to all. - [Teho.](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/teho/): Fans of Nordic fiddling may recognize this power duo — fiddlers Tero Hyväluoma and Esko Järvelä have long played with Lotus fan-favorite Frigg. Their music is a lithe combination of Finnish traditional fiddling, Norwegian Halling, Swedish Polska, Bebop, Western Swing, and other contemporary folk musics. Improvisation is a big part of Tero and Esko’s virtuosic and charismatic performances, too. So on stage with Teho, anything can happen. “… virtuosic and occasionally off-the-wall …” (Seán Purser, Songlines) - [Swing Time Big Band](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/swing-time-big-band/): Bloomington’s Swing Time Big Band is a 17-piece jazz ensemble with vocals.  Formed in 2015 by band leader Jerry Jerome, the ensemble is now led by Hank Wintczak, former Director of Bands at Mitchell High School, and Elvin DeBruiker, a Music Education major at Indiana University. Its mission: to keep classic Big Band Swing Music of the 1930s and '40s alive and swinging in Bloomington. - [Krista Detor Band](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/krista-detor-band/): Krista Detor is a songwriter’s songwriter, a poet and storyteller whose songs can swing from wry humor to piercing tenderness in a heartbeat. She’s a performer, teacher, and creative collaborator with a long list of credits, including: being the only American woman invited to The BBC's Darwin Songhouse Project, participating in the acclaimed “Wilderness Plots” (PBS), and sharing stages with the likes of Victor Wooten, Loudon Wainwright, The Neville Brothers, and Joan Armatrading. “An artist of rare ability with a deep poetic gift” (The Allmusic Guide). - [Zar Electrik](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/zar-electrik/): Zar Electrik is a marriage of Gnawa trances, sub-Saharan loops, and bewitching techno. Anass Zine, Arthur Peneau, and Did Miosine take us on a captivating trip to the Maghreb, with vocals that are by turns enchanting or roaring, and with an instrumental mix that includes gumbri (a three-stringed bass lute), oud, and electric kora. Behind the voices, the call to dance comes from driving rhythms and electronica: it can be a dizzying spin, with trance-like, echoing, universal grooves. “Zar Electrik’s sonic blend is rich and vibrant and takes you on a transcending journey between the Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the West.… The result is simply spectacular” (Vancouver Folk Music Festival). - [Yeison Landero](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/yeison-landero/): Yeison Landero grew up immersed in the music and dance tradition of cumbia in San Jacinto, on the Atlantic coast of his native Colombia. The grandson of Andrés Landero, who was internationally known as the “King of Cumbia,” Yeison was studying the accordion and cumbia at his grandfather’s side by the time he was seven. Fast forward to now, and Yeison is the “Heir to Cumbia,” one of the genre’s greatest accordionists. He’s creating his own style within the tradition as he takes the music of his hometown to audiences around the world. - [The Holiday Playgirls](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/the-holiday-playgirls/): The Holiday Playgirls, anchored by Acadiana natives Juliane Mahoney and Renée Reed, interpret the canon of Louisiana French music with their own sincere reverence and air of celebration. Having both spent time working in the archives at UL’s Center for Louisiana Studies, their understanding of traditional music and commitment to honest culture-bearing make for a deep listening experience for anyone interested in rich music. This is the music that tells the story of a people – the lament of heartbreak and exile is there, right alongside the bounce of vigorous revelry that only Southwest Louisiana can beget. - [Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/terrance-simien-and-the-zydeco-experience/): Terrance Simien is an icon of Zydeco music, full stop — a two-time Grammy winner who has spent more than 40 years bringing this vibrant, vital Black American roots music to audiences around the world. Driven by African and Caribbean rhythms, Zydeco has evolved from a traditional acoustic music of rural Louisiana Creole communities, into a genre that incorporates rock, funk, R&B, rap, and hip-hop. Terrance and the Zydeco Experience have always been at the evolving edge of Zydeco, cooking up an irresistible sound — with a hypnotic blend of New Orleans funk and brass, Zydeco roots music, flavors of reggae and blues, and tight vocal harmonies. “Simien is a Zydeco master: his voice yearning like Sam Cooke, he delivers soul worthy of Stax greats and shows crossover class” (Rolling Stone). - [Symbio](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/symbio/): LarsEmil Öjeberget and Johannes Geworkian Hellman are Symbio, an imaginative and soulful  meeting of virtuoso folk music and electronic dance music that results in dreamy soundscapes and hypnotic beats. They may be a duo — with Öjeberget on accordion, stamp-box, and electronics, and Hellman on hurdy-gurdy and electronics — but the Symbio sound is deceptively expansive. Their latest album, “Endeavor,” won Best Album of the Year at the Swedish Folk and World Music Awards in 2023. “Charged with energy and a fascinating mix of irresistible grooves, virtuosity, and finesse” (FolkClub Prisma). - [Nidia Góngora](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/nidia-gongora/): A champion of Colombia’s Pacific coast Afro-Colombian cultural heritage, Nidia Góngora highlights a folk genre known as curralao, which is performed with marimba and percussion. At the same time, she builds bridges between the acoustic, folkloric repertoire of her home culture of Timbiquí, in Colombia, and other world music genres. Nidia says, “Timbiquí’s traditional music is a sound that comes from the jungle, and the sea, it’s a sound that represents the natural elements. So we have the marimba de chonta , which sounds like rain, we have the bombo and the cununo , which are drums that represent the thunder, the strength, and power that inhabits the jungle. All of them are made with materials found there. That’s why the music made in the Pacific region is always reminding us that we live amongst nature, and we have to live in harmony with it. Singing is also part of that, women learn to harmonize, and through singing collectively, our voices preserve an ancestral oral tradition.” The result is “a dancefloor-ready intercultural dialogue” (grammy.com). - [House of Waters (HOW)](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/house-of-waters/): “In today's world, there are no musical boundaries,” says Max ZT of House of Waters, which makes those words come alive by incorporating elements of West African, jazz, psychedelic, indie rock, classical, and world music into their astonishing, unique sound. The "Jimi Hendrix of the Hammered Dulcimer" (NPR), Max ZT is an innovator on an instrument rarely heard in contemporary music. With roots in Irish folk music, Max has studied in Senegal and India; his unorthodox playing has been a pioneering force in revolutionizing dulcimer techniques. Moto Fukushima is a recognized master of the six-string bass. With a background in jazz improvisation, Western classical music, and the music of South America, Moto's playing is a combination of finesse, subtlety, and power that leaves audiences “slack-jawed in awe” (Jazz Wise). House of Waters is “One of the most unique groups you will ever come across. . . .  a sound which one has longed to hear without truly realising it” (The Bubble). - [Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/dogo-du-togo/): Explore traditional Togolese rhythms with Serge Massama Dogo’s remarkable music, which reflects his passion for the history, culture, and “terroir” of Togo—its full flavor and complexity. The songs are based on Togolese traditional rhythms and include ritual (voodoo) melodies and festive secular melodies (bobobo, Simpa) and songs reflecting on immigration, social justice, and personal experiences. His calls his unique psychedelic Afro-rock music “alagaa beat”: “alagaa means ‘trance’ in Ewe, one of the languages spoken in Togo…. The alagaa beat brings the energy right away…. It just feels different, it takes you somewhere else” (KLOFmag.com). “Dogo du Togo’s music bursts with brilliant shades of funk, rock, and older West African traditions, familiar elements that come together in fresh sounds” (popmatters.com). - [Cécilia](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/cecilia/): Cécilia is a trio of fine Canadian musicians — Timi Turmel on accordion, Erin Leahy on piano, and Louis Schryer on fiddle. They bring fresh spirit to Quebecois and Celtic traditions that have been part of Canadian music for generations. Individually, they have cred for miles: Timi was Quebecois Champion on accordion three years running; with her siblings in the band LEAHY, Erin is a multiple JUNO Award winner; and Louis is the only eight-time Canadian Fiddle Champion (and a four-time Grand Masters Fiddle Champion). As Cécilia, they invite audiences to share in the unmistakable, irresistible vitality of their music and culture. - [Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, and Chao Tian](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/cathy-fink-marcy-marxer-and-chao-tian/): Grammy Award winning American Roots artists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer join Chinese classical hammered dulcimer player Chao Tian in this folk-infused world music exploration. Chinese and American songs are accompanied on yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer), gourd banjo, five-string banjo, ukulele, guitars, dumbek, cello-banjo, and mandolin.  - [Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/asmaa-hamzaoui-and-bnat-timbouktou/) - [Rahim AlHaj](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/rahim-alhaj-2/): Virtuoso oud musician and composer Rahim AlHaj was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and has played the oud since childhood. - [La Salsoteca](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/la-salsoteca/): La Salsoteca is a powerhouse of salsa and other Afro-Latin dance musics, led by pianist and composer Sergio Ospina Romero, and based in Bloomington, Indiana. - [Kiran Ahluwalia](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/kiran-ahluwalia/): Two-time Juno Award Winner Kiran Ahluwalia sings powerful protest songs rejecting injustice, graced with songs embracing joy. - [Al-Farabi](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/al-farabi-2/): Al-Farabi is a Palestinian and Jewish virtuoso trio from Israel. The three-way cultural conversation between members of the trio gives their performances a special energy that transcends borders. Their collaboration celebrates a variety of instrumental works by the great composers of the Arab world, in addition to including arrangements and original works by the members of the ensemble. The members of the trio are Sami Kheshaiboun, violin; Michael Maroun, oud; and Yossi Arnheim, flute. - [Yacouba Sissoko & SIYA](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/yacouba-sissoko-siya/): Malian musician Yacouba Sissoko is one of a long ancestral line of djelys —musicians who preserve the history and fables of past rulers, nobles, social groups, and families. - [Yungchen Lhamo](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/yungchen-lhamo-2-2/): Yungchen Lhamo’s name – given to her at birth by a Tibetan lama – means “Goddess of Melody.” Born and raised in Lhasa, Tibet, she made the arduous 1,200-mile journey across the Himalayan Mountains to Dharamsala, India, 35 years ago. Since then, she has found her way to countries on all continents, using her exquisite voice to sing prayers of meditation and to perform with an astonishing array of artists – including Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Lou Reed, Philip Glass, and Sinead O’Conner, to name only a few. Yungchen now lives in the US and in 2022 released the album “Awakening,” which explores “the relevance of compassion-based spirituality to our modern, interdependent lives.” She says, “I truly believe that voice has a vibrational energy to connect, empower, heal, and transform all human beings. I hope these new songs will help bring inner peace and true happiness to everyone who hears them.” - [Ustad Noor Bakhsh](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/ustad-noor-bakhsh/): Ustad Noor Bakhsh is a master of the benju, a keyed zither that is a folk instrument of Balochistan, a province of Pakistan. - [Telmary and HabanaSana](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/telmary-and-habanasana/): From Havana, Cuba, street poet Telmary has emerged as a leader at the cutting edge of hip-hop and urban music in her home country. As a rapper, Telmary uses her distinctive voice – at times deep and soulful, at times fast and aggressive – to craft a positive, empowering message that contrasts with the genre’s commercial norm. She has refined a technique that allows her to use her voice as a communication instrument as well as a percussive element, adapting to different genres, styles, and tempos. - [Maryna Krut](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/maryna-krut/): Maryna Krut (pronounced “kroot”) is a Ukrainian singer and virtuoso on the bandura, a stringed instrument unique to Ukraine that looks and sounds like a hybrid of lute and harp. Maryna’s compelling, soulful performances evoke both folk traditions and modern sensibilities, with pop and jazz flourishes. She often represents Ukraine at official events and performs for soldiers in the current war zone; she has appeared at the Edinburgh International Culture Summit, Montreal Ukrainian Festival, and is a Eurovision finalist. - [Luciane Dom](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/luciane-dom-2/): Multilingual singer, songwriter, and producer Luciane Dom is part of a new generation of contemporary artists from Rio de Janeiro. She composes and performs poetry to themes of Black diaspora, feminism, and empowerment, and she weaves in musical influences as diverse as Afrobeat, Urban Jazz, Reggae, and Ijexá (a Brazilian rhythm originating in Carnival). Her music is a call to action – to dance, to sing, and to free your body. - [Las Guaracheras](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/las-guaracheras-2/): “We are strength, union, love, sisterhood, music. We are Guaracheras.” This all-women salsa sextet (founded in the city of Cali, Colombia, in 2017) lifts and celebrates the female voice within Afro-Latin music. And the salsa? They bring it. With vibraphone, percussion, bass, piano, and vocals, Las Guaracheras do what all great salsa bands do: pull crowds to the floor to dance. They have been part of the salsa scene in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Madrid, Bogotá – and they bring the spice and soul of this music and dance tradition to Bloomington during the Lotus Festival. - [Keith Murphy & Yann Falquet](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/keith-murphy-yann-falquet-2/): A native of Newfoundland, Keith Murphy performs a traditional song repertoire drawn from Eastern Canada and Quebec as well as from his current home, Vermont. His direct and intimate style of traditional singing in English and French infuses old ballads and songs with a powerful immediacy, and his guitar playing adds driving, percussive power.  Yann Falquet is a dynamic guitarist in the world of Québécois traditional music, and his beautiful voice brings Québécois song to life poignantly, and joyfully. Lotus fans will remember Yann from the band he co-founded, Genticorum (Lotus 2010 and 2014). As a duo, Keith and Yann are bringing folk music of Quebec and Newfoundland to the Lotus stage this year. - [Karan Casey](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/karan-casey-2/): Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey has been singing ballads, love songs, and searing social justice songs to audiences for 30 years. Lately, she’s been exploring new areas of performance on the piano, with spoken word, and in theater. A prolific solo performer, Karan also performs and records with many other artists  -- including Maura O’Connell, John Doyle, Bela Fleck, the Chieftains, Peggy Seeger, Tim O’Brien, and Seamus Eagan, and the supergroup Solas, to name just a few. For this tour, Karan will be joined by renowned singer and fiddle player, Niamh Dunne, and the amazing button accordion player, Sean Óg Graham. In 2018 Karan helped found FairPlé an organization aimed at achieving fairness and gender balance for female performers in Irish traditional and folk music. “ powerful songwriter” (Irish Music Magazine);  - [Forgotten Tribe](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/forgotten-tribe-4/): The Latin fusion, hip-hop, and reggae of Forgotten Tribe is feel-good music for the soul. Band leader Khiry Managan is a singer, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist; his original music is meant to resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds. “What we’re trying to do is bring love with the power of music,” he says. - [DREAM: Bachata Academy (now Academia de Bachata)](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/dream-bachata-academy-2/): Based in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, Bachata Academy is the world’s only school for bachata music. The Bachata Academy, or Academia de Bachata, has 550 students, ranging in age from 3 years to 24 years old. They have a staff of 45 faculty. Theirs is the only program in the world that teaches bachata music. They have Grammy nominees among their faculty, including percussionist Juan Abel Martinez (Romeo Santos, Monchy y Alexandra), who is directing the band here today. - [Dan Kusaya](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/dan-kusaya-3/): Born in Rusape, Zimbabwe, Dan Kusaya’s journey as a musician began with being immersed in traditional music and culture: ngoma percussion and dance, hosho (Zimbabwean gourd instruments), marimba, and mbira. Now, he’s a one-man band, live looping multiple instruments in performances that include traditional Zimbabwean songs, stories, and instrumentation, evoking a time when music was known to have magical properties: ceremonies where people sang for rain, appeased ancestors, harvested crops. Dan is both a skilled performer and a teacher dedicated to passing on Southern African music and culture to new audiences. - [Corey Harris and Cedric Watson](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/corey-harris-and-cedric-watson/): Hosted by Corey Harris – “one of blues’ most faithful contemporary griots” (NPR “Mountain Stage”) – and featuring renowned Creole/Blues musician Cedric Watson, “True Blues” brings the extraordinary living culture of the blues to the Lotus stage this year. - [CoolMule](https://www.lotusfest.org/artist/coolmule/): Local favorites Coolmule are Genevieve Koester, Jesse Woolen-Danner, Abby Ladin, and Sam Bartlett (on fiddle, guitar, bass, and banjo, respectively). ## Performances - [Seeds of Memory: CATS Film Footage](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/seeds-of-memory-cats-film-footage/) - [Lotus Live Interview with WFHB & Nidia Góngora](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/lotus-live-interview-with-wfhb-nidia-gongora/) - [Lotus Live Interview with WFHB & Natu Camara](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/lotus-live-interview-with-wfhb-natu-camara/) - [Zar Electrik](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/zar-electrik-2/) - [Yeison Landero](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/yeison-landero/) - [The Holiday Playgirls](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/the-holiday-playgirls/) - [The Holiday Playgirls](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/the-holiday-playgirls-2/) - [Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/terrance-simien-the-zydeco-experience/) - [Symbio](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/symbio-2/) - [Swing Workshop with Jeremy & Zoe](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/swing-workshop-with-jeremy-zoe/) - [Swing Time Big Band](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/swing-time-big-band/) - [Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/shelley-morningsong-fabian-fontenelle/) - [Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/shelley-morningsong-fabian-fontenelle-2/) - [Salsa / Bachata / Merengue Workshop with Maria & Ian](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/salsa-bachata-merengue-workshop-with-maria-ian/) - [Puuluup](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/puuluup/) - [Puuluup](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/puuluup-2/) - [Nidia Góngora Workshop](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/nidia-gongora-workshop/) - [Nidia Góngora](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/nidia-gongora-2/) - [Natu Camara](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/natu-camara/) - [Natu Camara](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/natu-camara-2/) - [Matixando](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/matixando/) - [Lee Mysliwiec](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/lee-mysliwiec/) - [La Salsoteca](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/la-salsoteca/) - [Krista Detor Band](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/krista-detor-band/) - [Kid Kazooey](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/kid-kazooey/) - [Dogo du Togo](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/dogo-du-togo/) - [Dan Kusaya & the Chimurenga Inspiration](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/dan-kusaya-the-chimurenga-inspiration/) - [Cécilia](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/cecilia-2/) - [Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, & Chao Tian](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/cathy-fink-marcy-marxer-chao-tian/) - [Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, & Chao Tian](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/cathy-fink-marcy-marxer-chao-tian-2/) - [Teho.](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/teho-2/) - [Zar Electrik](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/zar-electrik/) - [Nidia Góngora](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/nidia-gongora/) - [Teho.](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/teho/) - [House of Waters](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/house-of-waters/) - [Cécilia](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/cecilia/) - [Symbio](https://www.lotusfest.org/performances/symbio/) ## Events - [Parade Through the Lights](https://www.lotusfest.org/event/parade-through-the-lights-2026/): All are welcome. All are needed. Whether you dance, carry a lantern, create art, volunteer, or simply walk beside us, your presence helps brighten the path forward. - [Festival Unwind Yoga](https://www.lotusfest.org/event/festival-unwind-yoga-2026/): $10 donation suggested at the door. Limited tickets available! - [David Greely and Amelia Biere in Concert](https://www.lotusfest.org/event/david-greely-and-amelia-biere-in-concert/): David Greely and Steve Riley formed the Mamou Playboys in 1988 and made over a dozen albums, four of which were Grammy nominated. David learned Cajun music onstage with Steve in rural dance halls of Southwest Louisiana and in his apprenticeship to the great Dewey Balfa. Amelia Biere moved from Wisconsin to Louisiana to explore Cajun music with all her heart. Her beautiful voice, phrasing, and impeccable French, along with fine guitar and fiddle skills, have made her sought after by new and adventurous bands in the Lafayette music community and earned her a Cajun Vocalist of the Year award. Together, David and Amelia find the choicest tunes and songs that bloom beautifully in an intimate acoustic duo to create a fresh window into Cajun home music. - [Conversations in Bloom: A Symposium on Arts, Community, and Memory](https://www.lotusfest.org/event/conversations-in-bloom-a-symposium-on-arts-community-and-memory/): Lotus is hosting a series of conversations about the crucial role that the arts play in building our communities and identities. Conversations in Bloom: A Symposium on Arts, Community, and Memory invites participants to consider how the arts help us make sense of the world around us, connect individual and collective experience, and understand the communities we share. - [Arts Village](https://www.lotusfest.org/event/arts-village-2026/): The Arts Village is where creativity comes to life during the festival weekend. Wander through a vibrant evening atmosphere filled with live art demonstrations, interactive activities, local and regional artists, and a Night Bazaar celebrating handmade work, creativity, and community. Discover new artists, try your hand at creative experiences, and enjoy the energy of the festival after dark. - [Arts Camp](https://www.lotusfest.org/event/arts-camp/): The annual Lotus Arts Camp is back..this time on the Square! Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM for an afternoon of free, family-friendly crafts, activities, and community fun in the heart of downtown.