Bang Danjos was a groundbreaking concert born from a series of innovative cross-cultural collaborations, uniting artists from diverse traditions in a vibrant celebration of music and movement. Curated with creative vision from artistic director Jirong Huang, marketing strategists Angie Nguyen, and music manager Diane Kadota. This production evolved from a dynamic concert series that bridged artistic disciplines and cross-cultural heritages. The result is an electrifying showcase on the grand stage of Vancouver’s Playhouse Theatre, commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Japanese Consulate in Vancouver and spotlighting international guest artist Hiroshi Yamaguchi (tsugaru shamisen).
The Cross-Cultural Evolution of Bang Danjos
This concert grew from a constellation of collaborative projects, each exploring the intersections of sound, culture, and performance:
Speaking Strings – Standup comedians from Fictionals Comedy Co. paired with the sounds of the ancient Chinese erhu, showcased in humor – speaking, weaping, singing and squealing in delight.
Pipers Air Supply – A gathering of pipers with performances by Chinese suona, dizi with Scottish Highland pipes.
Plucking Strings – A global lute family reunion featuring Vietnamese dan bau, Chinese ruan, Indian sitar, and Western guitar.
Fiddles Around the World – A unique dialogue between Chinese fiddle, Indian dilruba, and Western fiddle.
Taps and Twang –Tap dancers in rhythmic conversation with cross cultural banjos from China, Canada, and Japan
Bang Danjos – The explosive finale, uniting the Chinese sanxian, bluegrass banjo, and Japan’s tsugaru Chinese shamisen.
The Concert Experience
Under the musical direction of Jirong Huang (erhu), Bang Danjos brings together an extraordinary ensemble:
Hiroshi Yamaguchi (Japan) – Celebrated tsugaru shamisen virtuoso, blending folk and rock energy.
Qing Chang – Master of the sanxian (Chinese banjo), weaving classical elegance.
Nick Hornbuckle – Bluegrass banjo phenom, driving the pulse of Appalachian tradition.
Dayna Szyndrowski – Dynamic tap dancer, merging movement with strings.
Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble – A powerhouse of guzheng, percussion, bass, and guitar.
Hosted by renowned linguist Dr. Jan Walls, the evening promises a thrilling journey through bluegrass, Chinese classical, and Japanese folk-rock, culminating in a genre-defying mash-up that transcends borders.
A Night of Cross-Cultural Fusion
Bang Danjos was more than a concert—it’s a testament to the power of artistic exchange. By reimagining traditional instruments in unexpected collaborations, this event challenges conventions, celebrates diversity, and amplifies Vancouver’s multicultural heartbeat. Don’t miss this historic convergence of sound, where every pluck, strum, and tap tells a story of connection.
Be part of the legacy. Witness the banjo like never before Vancouver Chinese Instrumental Music Society Presents
Bang Danjos
Saturday November 16 2013, 7:30pm Vancouver Playhouse Theatre
Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble: Jirong Huang, musical director – erhu Dayna Szyndrowski – Tap Dancer Jonathan Bernard – percussion Featured Banjos: Sarah Tan – guzheng Qing Chang – sanxian Lawrence Mollerup – Bass Nick Hornbuckle – Bluegrass Banjo John Oliver – guitar Hiroshi Yamaguchi – tsugaru shamisen
Strumming drumming and tapping!
Bang Danjos showcases three unique manifestations of the banjo. Come join us and witness the influences of bluegrass, Chinese classical and Japanese folk-rock in a stimulating mash up of culture and styles. Known for his appearance in the Asia Art Festival, our concert features honored guest performer Hiroshi Yamaguchi. He will be showcasing the infectious sounds of the Japanese tsugaru shamisen that so rarely makes an appearance in Vancouver.
The evening’s program will be emceed by renowned linguist Dr. Jan Walls and includes Evelyn Chang on sanxian (Chinese banjo), Nick Hornbuckle playing bluegrass banjo, Hiroshi Yamaguchi on tsugaru shamisen tapping and twanging with our very own dancer Dayna Szyndrowski.
Be apart of history as the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble breaks traditions, enriching Vancouver’s live music scene with vitality through an event that promotes the beauty of diversity and intertwined stylistic identities.
For more information or reserved tickets contact Angie@dkam.ca| Tel 604.683.8240 | Fax 604.683.7911
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Powell Street Festival, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver, Hamber foundation the Canada Council for the Arts, Listel Hotel and the Consulate General of Japan.
踢踏铮铮
2013年 11月 16日 （星期六）晚上 7:30
温哥华女皇小剧院
預訂座位＄20
Hiroshi Yamaguchi – 津輕三味線
常青 － 三弦
Nick Hornbuckle – 蘭草班卓琴
溫哥華中華樂團 黃繼榮 － 二胡 Sarah Tan – 古箏 Jonathan Bernard – 打擊樂 Laurence Mollerup –貝司 Dayna Szyndrowski – 踢踏舞 John Oliver – 吉他 Barbara Vargas – 踢踏舞
錚錚，咚咚，踢踏
“踢踏錚錚” 一展身手三種“班卓琴”的獨特體現法。 請過來，跟我們一起享受一個晚上的令人興奮的蘭草民樂，中國傳統民樂與日本搖滾民樂的不同文化風格。以亞洲藝術節出名的客串嘉賓山口宏在此要跟我們分享他津軽三味線的餘音繞梁的音樂 －－ 在溫哥華可算是難得的機會。
著名漢學家王健做此次節目的主持人，節目單包括常青彈三弦，Nick Hornbuckle 彈蘭草班卓琴，山口宏彈津軽三味線，還有他們給伴奏的 Dayna Szyndrowski 和 Barbara Vargas 跳踢踏舞！
歡迎你捲入溫哥華中華樂團的劃時代的，豐富現場音樂演奏的，生氣勃勃的，提倡多元音樂與互動風格的優美認同。