Tempe to host “SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG” event
Feb. 7
The City of Tempe brings to the stage musicians from 16 different island nations to perform at an event called SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG. The performance takes place Feb. 10 at 7:30 pm at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
The event will be filled with music, dance, and film to raise awareness and to call-for-action on climate change. During the performance, musicians from seafaring nations will blend indigenous traditions with roots-reggae and R & B.
On Arizona Horizon, we spoke to Brendan Ross, the City of Tempe Deputy Community Services Director and also to BaoBao Chen, the Creator & Director of SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG.
About the show
Representing indigenous artists from such nations as New Zealand, Madagascar, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Tahiti and Papua New Guinea, musicians and vocalists deliver a riveting concert experience blending film, traditional music and song with contemporary styles of roots-reggae, beats, grunge, R & B, folk and spoken word.
SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG evolved from extensive visits to 16 island nations and collaboration with over 100 artists, elders and community groups. The resulting project is a multi-platform event, using artistry to bring a message from regions around the globe.
The project began when the creators heard the United Nations UNEP report about the loss of culture, as populations in those areas hardest hit by climate change were disappearing. They decided to start visiting these places, and began recording musicians on their traditional instruments or songs.
Show Information
SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG will take place on Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the gallery at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
Tickets for SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG are $25 and $10 for youth (12 & under.)
For tickets or more information, please visit Tempe Center for the Arts or smallislandbigsong.com.
You can also call 480-350-2822.
About Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe Center for the Arts opened in 2007.
Located on the edge of Tempe Town Lake, the venue houses a state-of-the-art 600-seat proscenium theater, Sculpture Garden, 200-seat studio theater, a 200-seat multi-purpose Lakeside room, a 3,500-square-foot art gallery, as well as an outdoor amphitheater.
TCA is committed to fostering creativity and providing diverse, enriching cultural experiences for the community.
Address:
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
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