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.

2026 Blossoms Artists represent music, culture and traditions of Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Zimbabwe, Kehewin Cree Nation, Quebec, and Ireland.

Lotus Blossoms Performance Series

30+ live performances at schools in Monroe, Brown, Greene, Orange, and Crawford counties.

10+ hours of immersive artist residency

Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar

1000+ kids experience 2 interactive days of global art, craft, and performance

20+ cultural education exhibitions

Travel the World Without a Passport: Lotus Blossoms Concert Series and World Bazaar Return to Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is thrilled to invite the community to experience the vibrant sounds and rich traditions of the globe during the upcoming Lotus Blossoms Concert Series and the Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar. From high-energy public performances to hands-on cultural discovery, these events offer an immersive journey into the heart of international music and heritage.

Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar: A Global Playground for All Ages

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Fairview Elementary School will transform into a bustling global marketplace of ideas and creativity for the Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar. Running from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this free, family-friendly event features over 25 interactive stations. Attendees can “get their hands on the world” by learning to play traditional instruments, practicing calligraphy in different languages, and creating international crafts. It is a high-energy environment designed to spark curiosity and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our global community.

Featured Artists & Public Performances

The Lotus Blossoms season brings world-class artists to South-Central Indiana, offering public performances that bridge the gap between continents:

Making Movies (March 27, 8:00 PM at Blockhouse Bar)

This Latin Grammy-nominated band blends psychedelic rock with traditional Son Jarocho—a 300-year-old folk style from Veracruz, Mexico, Cumbia, and Afro-Latino rhythms. Known for their powerful storytelling, they bring a message of solidarity and cultural identity that turns every concert into a celebratory movement.

A Night in Argentina with Eleanor & Dario and Continuo (March 31, 5:30 PM at Blueberry Hill Estate, Paoli, Indiana)

Dinner and a show. Experience the soulful elegance of Argentine music ranging from original compositions to works by the iconic Argentinian composers Ginastera and Piazzolla. This performance highlights unique cultural exchange and collaboration transporting the audience to the streets of Buenos Aires through traditional tango and folk rhythms.

Eleanor & Dario (April 2, 4:00 PM at IU Fine Arts Plaza)

As part of the IU Arts and Humanities First Thursday, this duo offers a sunset performance that showcases the fusion of classical precision with the passionate heritage of South American folk music.

Square Dance at the Lotus Firebay (April 3, 7:30 PM at Lotus Firebay)

A traditional American square dance featuring caller, Tamara Loewenthal, and music by local artists Donny Bradley, Ella Jordan, Rob McCormac, and Jack Laskey. There is no experience necessary and all dances will be taught. Come out with or without a partner and meet fun, music and dance loving folks.

Violet Duncan (April 8, 7:00 PM at Unitarian Universalist Church)

A world-renowned Hoop Dancer and storyteller, Violet Duncan (Plains Cree/Taos Pueblo) brings the breathtaking artistry of Native American dance to the stage. Her performance is a mesmerizing display of athleticism and heritage, weaving together stories of the natural world through the symbol of the hoop.

Cécilia (April 14, 7:00 PM at Lotus Firebay)

This powerhouse trio from Quebec delivers a foot-stomping blend of Celtic and Québécois traditional music. With virtuosic fiddle playing and rhythmic step-dancing, they bring the warmth and “joie de vivre” of French-Canadian culture to Bloomington.

The Lotus Experience

Lotus Blossoms is more than just a series of concerts; it is an invitation to explore. Attendees can expect an atmosphere of joy, inclusivity, and discovery. Whether you are dancing to the electric rhythms of Making Movies or watching the intricate patterns of a hoop dance, these events are designed to broaden worldviews and foster a deeper connection to the global human experience.

“Lotus Blossoms is about breaking down barriers,” says Katarina Koch, Executive Director. “We want people to walk away not just having heard a great concert, but feeling a sense of wonder about the world and the incredible traditions our neighbors across the globe share with us.”

Event At-A-Glance

• What: Lotus Blossoms Concert Series & World Bazaar
• When: Late March through Mid-April 2026
• Where: Various locations in Bloomington, including Fairview Elementary, Blockhouse Bar, and local churches.
• Admission: The World Bazaar is FREE; concert prices vary by venue.
• Full Schedule: Visit lotusfest.org/events for a complete list of public performances.

About Lotus Education & Arts Foundation

The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Bloomington, Indiana, dedicated to creating opportunities to experience, celebrate, and explore the diversity of the world’s cultures through music and the arts.