Music at the Intersection and Festival of Nations partner for free summer series
Summer series, with free events at Sophie’s Artist Lounge and The Dark Room, celebrates the diversity and richness of cultures from around the world.
St. Louis, Mo. – May 15, 2024 – Music at the Intersection and the Festival of Nations are partnering for a free summer series celebrating the diversity and richness of cultures from around the world. Each event will feature live music, unique retail vendors and raffle prizes.
Events are free to attend (but RSVPs are appreciated). Additional details are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/festival-of-nations-x-music-at-the-intersection-3358399
May 19, 3-7 pm: DJ Cassiana at Sophie’s Artist Lounge
DJ Cassiana is a non-binary Latinx DJ based in St.Louis. Cassiana was introduced to Afro-Latin dance in 2017 and has evolved into a teacher, DJ, and sexual violence advocate in their Afro-Latin dance scene. They started and continue to host and DJ Queer Afro-Latin Dance events to create a safe space to dance regardless of gender or identity and to recognize Afro-Latin roots in Latin dance music. Follow (IG): @dj_cassiana
June 9, 3-7pm: DJ Akis at Sophie’s Artist Lounge
DJ Akis has been rocking turntables for more than 15 years. An infinite love of reggae and Afro-beats influences his mixing style, as he blends a wide array of music from different genres and cultures. Follow (IG): @internationaltakeover
June 23, 5pm: Noori at The Dark Room
Radia Ali, also known as Noori, is a multi- disciplinary performing artist, poet and fire dancer. She performs an array of styles including South Asian classical and folk, belly dance, flamenco, samba, bachata, salsa and burlesque. She uses props such as silk veils, fire fans and swords to tell stories across cultures with her movements. Growing up in a variety of different countries, Radia was able to experience dance, music and cultural practices both in Asia and Europe. She uses these experiences to create fusion choreography and movement experiences.Follow (IG): @noori0202
July 28, 3-7pm: DjK at Sophie’s Artist Lounge
DjK is a master mixer who seamlessly blends genres and is the epitome of musical diversity. Born and raised amidst the kaleidoscope of cultures in India, DjK’s musical journey began at the intersection of diverse rhythms and beats. DjK sets are a seamless blend of hard-hitting electronic drops, the soulful allure of Bollywood, the raw energy of Hip-Hop and the infectious beats of Bhangra. With “Keep Grooving” as his signature catchphrase, DjK’s mission is simple: to create unforgettable experiences through the power of music. Follow (IG): @groovewithdjk
Sept 8, 5pm: Paa Kow at The Dark Room
Paa Kow is a Ghana born drummer and composer who blends rhythm and artistry from his home with jazz and African roots, creating his own Afro-Fusion sound. Dubbed "Ghana's most artistic drummer" (Modern Ghana), he plays a custom, hand-carved, traditionally inspired Ghanaian drum set that is the only one of its kind in the world. Growing up in the small village of Enyan Denkyira near Cape Coast in Ghana, West Africa, Paa Kow began to play music and tour with his family’s concert band at a very early age. He now spreads the music and culture of his homeland by touring the world with his Afro-Fusion Orchestra. Follow (IG): @paakowmusic
DJ Cassiana, DJ Akis, Noori, DjK and Paa Kow (left to right) - images courtesy International Institute of St. Louis
All summer series events are free to attend. Proceeds benefit International Institute of St. Louis.
Music at the Intersection will also program a stage at the Festival of Nations (https://festofnations.com), Aug 24-25 in Tower Grove Park. Attended by more than 100,000 people each year, the Festival of Nations is the largest multicultural event in the region, featuring artists, performers, food and retail vendors representing more than 80 countries. By immersing the community in two days of music, art, and flavors from around the world, the is supporting its mission to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for all. Since 2010, the International Institute has welcomed more than 14,000 people as they look to resettle in St. Louis, and through programs and services, serve thousands more each year with ongoing support.
About International Institute of St. Louis
The International Institute of St. Louis provides opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive in order to create a welcoming, prosperous and healthy region for every individual in our community. These opportunities span all facets of life, family, health, community, career, culture, and much more. We know that when our neighbors thrive, our region thrives and when our region prospers, we have even more chances to prosper. Learn about our vision for the future and visit us at www.iistl.org.
About Music at the Intersection:
Music at the Intersection is a civic-led effort presented by Kranzberg Arts Foundation in partnership with Steward Family Foundation and The Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis. First held in 2021, the festival tells the story of St. Louis’ musical, cultural and artistic heritage. It celebrates the city’s imprint on the American songbook, as well as the relationship St. Louis has with its Mississippi River roots. The festival aims to celebrate musical heritage, from the West African coasts to the Caribbean islands, up through the Mississippi Delta. Music at the Intersection honors the giants who shaped genre and sound - across blues, jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop and rock n' roll - as it also calls up and gives platform to a new wave of artists.
