Biya Biya: Diaspora Duos

Event Date: Monday, August 11 · 7:30 - 10pm CDT. Doors at 7pm

Join BIYA BIYA for our “Diaspora Duos” series where we commission artists from different cultures to collaborate together! Steeped in diverse traditions, each duo will present a set that showcases a fusion of the two performers’ cultural backgrounds. Immerse yourself in global sounds from Ireland, Mexico, West Africa, and South Asia!

Our Live Music Show is 2 Acts with the evening ending in a jam session led by our duos. BIYA BIYA to Solidarity Studios in Avondale for a lively night of music.

MEET OUR DUOS

🌹 JACK SUNDSTROM 🌹
Jack is a bassist, composer, and educator from Chicago. Sundstrom began his musical journey at the age of 4 studying traditional Celtic music with the great Noel Rice. He has since found a love for performing all kinds of creative and improvisational music. His style blends aspects of traditions from all over the world to create a fresh unique sound world. Sundstrom is a regular member of the Shout Section Big Band, the Academy of Irish Music, and regularly collaborates with the Marquette Park Composers Workshop.

🌹 ROSALBA VALDEZ 🌹
Rosalba is a Mexican-American singer from Chicago, whose music bridges diverse cultures, blending traditional Latin sounds with contemporary influences. Her debut EP "Yo Soy Mexicana" in 2019 marked the start of a successful journey, leading to a forthcoming 10-song album showcasing her artistic evolution and cultural roots. Noteworthy performances include the SELENA Tribute Concert at Millennium Park in 2023 and captivating audiences at prominent festivals like Andersonville’s Midsommarfest, Ruido Fest, and more with her dynamic 8-piece band. Her original music has a bilingual lyrical component with a social justice theme and feel-good, upbeat, Latin rhythms for everyone to enjoy.

🌹 SHRUTHI 🌹
Shruthi is a Carnatic vocalist and union organizer living in Chicago. She is a daycare teacher and organizer by trade. In addition to performing Carnatic music, she sings with the Bollywood punk band Do The Needful, UChicago’s South Asian Music Ensemble, and in a Carnatic-Blues duo with guitarist Musila.

🌹 HASANI 🌹
Hasani (or artist name ANSI) is an Oak Park/Chicago based multidisciplinary/multi-media artist ranging from textured collages, specializations in percussion (djembe, congas, etc.) and dance (traditional West African, Afrobeat, and hip-hop). His creative endeavors revolve around exploring his Black identity with full authenticity and sacredness. He is a prominent member of many groups and ensembles including Family Junket, Najwa Dance Corp, Azania, and Amari.

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