Balinese Music

Follow the drum sounds down Southwest Boulevard tonight for a free concert by UMKC's own Gamelan Genta Kasturi. Gamelan, which is the pre-eminent orchestral music of Indonesia, incorporates deep bronze gongs, metallophones, drums and bamboo flutes. The show features classics from the gamelan repertoire as well as new music, and an original piece by director Pak Alonzo Conway includes glass bells, water glasses, cellos, toy pianos, and special guests Rev. Dwight Frizzell and Dr. Thomas Aber on Western-style woodwind instruments. Also performing are Balinese dancers in traditional costumes."It's an incredibly musical culture, just unbelievable," says Jeffrey Rukaman, a founding member of the group. According to Rukaman, the many styles of gamelan range from the excited, flashy kebyar to the slow and meditative Javanese. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at La Esquina (1000 West 25th Street); donations are welcome. For more information, call 816-221-5115.
Sat., Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 19, 2 p.m., 2008