Hanz Araki and Bethany Waickman will perform in the After Dinner Music Series from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, in Bicentennial Park in Denmark.
Considered one of the most talented Irish musicians in America today, flautist, whistle player, singer, and Juno Award winner, Araki has been lauded by publications and audiences alike. He has teamed with the Jewel of the Adirondacks, Waickman for a powerhouse evening of Celtic Music.
As a sixth generation of his family to bear the title Araki Kodo, Araki spent his early years mastering the Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. He recognized the similarities between the shakuhachi and the Irish whistle. Honoring his Irish heritage, he took advantage of the rich Irish music scene in Seattle and became known for his instrumental work on the Irish whistle and flute, as well as his haunting singing voice. He has released twelve albums. His latest the 2019 critically acclaimed “At Our Next Meeting” recorded with Donogh Hennessey in Dingle, Co. Kerry. Araki has performed at numerous festivals, as well as with the Seattle Symphony, at the Gates Estate and for the Japanese Consul General. 2020 Samhain Celtic Music New Year Festival.
Waickman accompanies some of the country’s finest players at dance halls, pub sessions, and on the concert stage. She started piano at an early age and played traditional and classical music along with her fiddle- and cello-playing brothers. At UMass Amherst, she joined the contra dance band The Hip Bones. At Pinewoods Camp, she formed the energetic contradance trio Anadama with fiddler Amelia Mason and accordionist Emily Troll in 2007. After college, Waickman traveled in Ireland, moved to Boston, and signed on as Lissa Schneckenburger’s guitarist, recording on her album “Dance” and touring with Lissa’s band throughout the US, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium.
Bicentennial Park is located across from the Denmark Arts Center. DAC will follow CDC guidelines for outdoor events. Events this summer are Pay-What-You-Can. Pre-registration is requested.
The Denmark Arts Center is an award-winning 501(c)3 cultural organization founded in 1994 in the rural community of Denmark. Housed in the town’s historic 1883 Odd Fellows Hall, the DAC offers year-round events and workshops in contemporary dance, theater, music and visual art to community members young and old. DAC is at 50 West Main St., Denmark. For more information, visit http://www.denmarkarts.org.
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