An eclectic world music series is coming to Midland in March. This lineup boasts musicians with a variety of musical styles and backgrounds, offering viewers an insight into global cultures through music.

The series also offers family-friendly events and a night of Burlesque and aerial acts that are free and open to the public.

Beyond the Pale

Brookside Music Association and Midland Cultural Centre have joined forces to present a cabaret-style series of world music performances from March 2-24th. The lineup includes some of Canada's top world music ensembles, including Beyond the Pale - one of Canada's premier world music acts.

For two and a half decades, Toronto's Beyond the Pale has been creating their unique blend of Eurofolk fusion. Drawing inspiration from Klezmer and Balkan styles as well as jazz and classical music, their songs take listeners on an expansive musical journey. Aleksandar Gajic (violin), Bret Higgins (bass), Milos Popovic (accordion), Eric Stein (mandolin and mandocello) and Martin van de Ven (clarinets) round out this dynamic ensemble consisting of Aleksandar Gajic (violin), Bret Higgins(bass), Milos Popovic(accordion), Milos Popovic(accordion), Eric Stein(mandolin/mandocello) and Martin van de Ven(clarinets).

On Saturday evening, the series will also welcome Ruben & Clay - national stars of Fox's "American Idol" for over two decades - to perform on the Croissant Neuf Stage.

As part of the series, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in Afro-Cuban religion Santeria and is a Juno Award winning women-led ensemble that blends Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms to sing songs about immigration, courage and love. Elizabeth Rodriguez studied classical violin before moving to Canada in 2013 where she continues her musical career as a singer-percussionist and composer.

For an unforgettable night on the town in Downtown Midland, don't miss out on free events like Commons Live Music Series and Pendulum Lounge at Midland Center for the Arts. These free events feature craft cocktails, small plates and hearty offerings from local restaurants.

OKAN

Brookside Music Association and Midland Cultural Centre are joining forces to present an eclectic world music series beginning March 2. Toronto's Beyond the Pale will headline this inaugural event, creating their trademark blend of Eurofolk fusion inspired by Klezmer and Balkan styles for over two decades. Their music traverses a vast and exotic musical landscape. Featuring Aleksandar Gajic (violin), Bret Higgins (bass), Milos Popovic (accordion), Eric Stein (mandolin, mandocello) and Martin van de Ven (clarinets), they offer something special for their fans!

The series will also feature OKAN, which takes its name from the word for heart in Santeria - an Afro-Cuban religion. This Juno Award-winning women-led ensemble blends Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, courage and love.

The series will conclude at Pendulum Lounge at Midland Center for the Arts, a cabaret-style venue that will host music from various genres and is free to the public. Admission is free but seating is limited; enjoy craft cocktails, small plates and hearty offerings while listening to live performances. Tickets can be obtained both online and at the door; additionally guests are invited to experience "Meet the Makers" display where they can sample local produce, crafts and more.

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Brookside Music Association and the Midland Cultural Centre present this eclectic world music series, featuring artists from around the globe. Presented in cabaret style, audiences will have an up-close and personal musical experience.

Elizabeth Rodriguez, born in Cuba and now based in Toronto, blends Afro-Cuban roots with jazz and global rhythms. Together with her drummer Magdelys Savigne they perform songs about immigration, courage and love.

At this event, Juno award-winning women-led ensemble OKAN will also be performing. They'll be sharing their Afro-Cuban inspired pop music.

This exciting concert series brings together musicians from around the world, featuring music from Africa, Asia and Europe. Performances by The Myriad Trio--composed of three principal players of major symphony orchestras--and The Verona Quartet will include a world premiere work by Korean-born American composer Texu Kim--complete this exciting lineup.

This show will also showcase art works created by Central Texas students that are being considered for inclusion in the 2024 Emergency Preparedness Calendar, a project that promotes disaster preparedness and recovery. The calendar will be distributed to schools and libraries within the area.

In addition to the music, there will be art displays from local artists and food from several restaurants in town - all free and open to the public!

At the Really Small Museum, an art exhibit will be on display featuring sculptures that address climate change. Visitors to this gallery can take self-guided tours of the outdoor artwork or join a guided tour with a docent.

The museum will also feature production art from film, including sketches and storyboards that link iconic movies with groundbreaking directors. On view from February 25th until March 11th, this exhibit promises a glimpse into the creative process behind modern day Hollywood productions.

Don't miss out on any exciting music events and art shows this month - don't miss these highlights!

This month, many music events cater to children and families; however, there are still plenty of choices for adults as well. In addition to music and art activities, there are also several other great ways to spend your Saturday.

Magdelys Savigne

Starting in March, Brookside Music Association and Midland Cultural Centre will be presenting an eclectic world music series in a cabaret setting.

The series will present four acts with a total of eight concerts.

Toronto's Beyond the Pale is set to headline, showcasing their signature brand of Eurofolk fusion with heavy doses of Klezmer and Balkan influences. Also drawing influence from jazz, classical music, bluegrass, 'newgrass' and reggae music genres, this group traverses an expansive musical landscape.

The series culminates with Juno award-winning Afro-Cuban band OKAN, who take their name from Santeria, the grandest figure in Afro-Cuban religion. Pay them a visit for their songs about courage and love that resonate throughout this turbulent world.

This series is unique in that it's presented as a concert. For just $60 plus taxes and fees, you can purchase your pass to attend all four concerts - an unbeatable deal for world music fans this year! The list of participating performers keeps expanding with some exciting new acts added regularly - check out the link for full details on who will be performing when and make sure to mark your calendars for this incredible deal!