Ardaa Ensemble is led by poet Ahmed Yusuf on vocals with Magan playing the Oud and vocals, and fellow COMPAS Teaching Artist and Performer mick laBriola on percussion. After fleeing Somalia, Ahmed Ismail Yusuf lived in several states, but has lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since 1997. He did not speak English when he arrived, he [...]
Sarina Partridge
Sarina Partridge is a musician, song-leader, educator and activist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She feels most alive when learning, creating and sharing songs — especially songs that grow out of time spent in wild places. Sarina sings with a wide variety of music projects: community choir song-leading; singing/ playing with folk trio Heartwood; and performing [...]
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz
Z Puppets leads people of all ages and abilities into the power of playfulness and feats of imagination through performances, workshops and video. With a mix of hand-crafted puppetry, inventive music and quirky humor, they delight children and adults by transforming complex concepts into fun, meaningful arts experiences. Co-founders and Creative Directors of Z Puppets [...]
Willow Brae
Andrea Stern (Celtic harps) and Laura MacKenzie (wind-powered instruments) form the duo Willow Brae. As Willow Brae, they have performed at numerous festivals, fairs, concert halls, community centers, libraries and schools all around the Upper Midwest. “Brae” is a Scots word meaning hillside by a river, and their name refers to a bank of willow [...]
Victor Yepez
I strongly believe that art is for everybody. In my sculpture I utilize recycled materials because of their aesthetic properties and also with an ecological message for future generations. My hope is that my work will play a role in creating a positive future with respect for the earth, justice and dignity for everyone. I [...]
Ticket To Brasil
Ticket To Brasil is a unique international ensemble that has performed at a number of local as well as international events including the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, MN Orchestra SommerFest, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Bloomington Latin Music Festival, Ordway World Stage Festival, Sioux Falls Jazz Festival, Grand Marais Jazz Festival, MN Winter Jazz Festival, MN State [...]
TaikoArts Midwest
TaikoArts Midwest is a Minnesota based world class taiko ensemble who delivers loud, energetic performances that combine music, dance, culture, and pure athleticism. Taiko is the Japanese word for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) is movement infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group [...]
Siama’s Congo Roots
“In Congo, music is so fun. It’s shared by everyone in the community and it’s a part of everything we do.” Whether performing or hosting a super fun educational program, Siama loves taking audiences on a delightful journey to his African homeland. More About the Artist Siama (see-AHH-maw) enjoyed a joyful, adventuresome childhood in the [...]
