World Music Weekend debuts on Southside

photo Cricket & Snail, a Monteagle, Tenn.-based duo, features Lucie Carlson, left, on violin and James Carlson on accordion. Their eclectic melodies include originals, French cabaret, classic, Celtic and klezmer tunes.

Two local musicians are spearheading an effort to share songs and tunes "from a truly multicultural America" at the first of two World Music Weekends this Friday through Sunday, May 30-June 1.

Christie Burns and Kelsey Wells say they were inspired by Ethno, a network of international music exchange events. Their local introduction will bring musicians together to share tunes, songs, dances, food and conversation. The second event, to be held this fall, will feature Ernesto Calderón of the Transatlantic Chilean Folk Ensemble.

Headlining this weekend's musical retreat is Frank Fairfield, an Americana artist who sings and plays fiddle, guitar and banjo. He will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at GreenSpaces, 63 E. Main St. Admission is $10. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a Victrola listening session, with local musician Lon Eldridge showcasing favorite 78 rpm recordings from a century ago.

photo Though he sounds like a native of Appalachia, musician Frank Fairfield hails from California's San Joaquin Valley. Among his recordings is 2010's "Unheard Ofs & Forgotten Abouts," an archival sampling of his massive collection of old 78 records.

Special guest instructors for the weekend will be Myriam DeBonte and Leen Devyver from Flanders, Belgium.

When workshops and performances aren't scheduled, participants are encouraged to take part in musical events around town, such as the a cappella singing circle at Hart Gallery and the Nightfall concert at Miller Plaza, both on Friday.

Registration for the retreat is by donation. "We want everyone to enjoy a weekend of sharing music on the Southside," organizers say on the website. RSVPs, with or without a donation, are requested at worldmusicweekends.com.

All teens may attend for free, thanks to a grant from the MakeWork Foundation. Registration is required.

For more information, call 423-779-6581.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, MAY 30

¦ 10 a.m. Teen Workshop at GreenSpaces, 63 E. Main St.

¦ Noon. Lunch break with live music

¦ 1:30 p.m. Teen Workshop at GreenSpaces

¦ 5 p.m. A cappella singing circle at Hart Gallery, 110 E. Main St. (open to all)

¦ 6 p.m. Dinner break with live music

¦ 7 p.m. Nightfall concert at Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. (open to all)

¦ 9:30 p.m. Fireside Music Party at the Crash Pad, 29 Johnson St.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

¦ 10 a.m. Arabic Rhythms Workshop at GreenSpaces, 63 E. Main St.

¦ 11 a.m. Cricket & Snail concert and workshop at GreenSpaces

¦ Noon. Lunch break with live music

¦ 1 p.m. Sacred Harp Singing at GreenSpaces

¦ 2 p.m. Teen Workshop at GreenSpaces (lasts until 5 p.m.)

¦ 3 p.m. Jam With a Sitar on The Crash Pad lawn, 29 Johnson St.

¦ 4 p.m. Yoga on the lawn at The Crash Pad

¦ 5 p.m. Potluck dinner at The Crash Pad featuring teen workshop participants

¦ 7 p.m. Crank it Up! Victrola listening session at GreenSpaces

¦ 8 p.m. Frank Fairfield concert at GreenSpaces

¦ 10 p.m. Music Party at The Crash Pad (free)

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

¦ 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Live Music Brunch at The Flying Squirrel, 55 Johnson St.

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