US tour of VÄGILASED

14.05.2007

May 14 -19

Featuring Estonian Folk Music in Contemporary Context
Instrumentalist and Vocalists
Award Winning Group in Folk Festivals throughout Europe

May 14

The Bistro in the Commons
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
Time: 5-7 PM
Estonian Dinner with the Performance

May 15

City Place
14 Water Street
Frostburg, MD  21532
Time:  7 PM

May 17

The Dag Hammarskjöld's Library
UN, New York
Time : 6.30 PM

May 18

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Constitution Avenue
Annapolis, MD
Time: 7 PM

May 19

Grace Hall At Grace Lutheran Church
21 Carroll Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Time: 7 PM

NB! Tickets are not required for this free performance.

Vägilased ("The Mighties") combines centuries-old folk songs with jazz and rock techniques and ancient folk dance rituals to create a unique contemporary musical experience. They play to sell-out crowds at European folk festivals.

Vägilased, made up of young graduates of the Viljandi Culture Academy, began performing in 2000. Group members have diverse musical backgrounds encompassing traditional music, jazz, rock and pop. Touring with the group will be singer Cätlin Jaago; Toomas Valk on karmoshkas (Russian diatonic accordions); Jan Viileberg on acoustic guitar; Marti Tärn, on bass guitar; percussionist Reigo Ahven, and saxophonist Marko Mägi.  Their press information says they enjoy getting in front of audiences, getting their music out to people, lifting their spirits, and having a positive effect by doing so.

Their current US tour is the result of a partnership between Arnold-based World Artists Experiences from one side and the Embassy of Estonia and Estonian permanent Mission to the UN. Each Maryland location has a "sister city" relationship with a city in Estonia. World Artists Experiences' mission is to use the arts as a bridge to international understanding. Its Ambassadors Series features noteworthy artists from around the world performing in local venues. For more information about the organization and upcoming events, visit their web site at www.WorldArtists.org.

For more information about Vägilased, and to hear recordings of their music, go to their web site at www.vagilased.ee/eng/.