Flushing Town Hall Welcomes Korean Folk Fusion Ensemble Sangjaru

Flushing Town Hall is delighted to present the New York City premiere of Sangjaru, an electrifying Korean folk fusion band, on Friday, February 21st. Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Sangjaru captivates audiences with its unique sound, seamlessly blending the vibrant energy of traditional Korean folk music with the rhythms of gypsy swing, funk, rock, and improvisation.
This one-of-a-kind performance promises an exhilarating experience highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Korea while embracing modern musical influences. Sangjaru’s distinctive style is unparalleled in both South Korea and the U.S.

The ensemble includes Cho Sungyoon (guitar); Kwon Hyochang on janggu (hourglass drum) and kkwaenggwari (small gong); and Nam Seonghun on ajaeng (bowed zither).

“We’re so excited to celebrate the Lunar New Year on our first U.S. tour and to make our New York City debut at Flushing Town Hall. It’s a special honor to share Korean music and culture with new audiences during this meaningful time of year,” said Sungyoon Cho, Sangjaru Leader.

The name "Sangjaru" originates from the combination of two Korean words, "sangja" (box) and "jaru" (sack). While a box retains a fixed form, a sack adapts to its contents. Inspired by this analogy, the band aspires to infuse new creativity into the rich traditions of Korean music. Through a blend of diverse musical influences, Sangjaru creates innovative cultural expressions that are both distinctive and exhilarating.

As the winner of the prestigious Sori Frontier 2019 competition, part of the Jeonju International Sori Festival, Sangjaru has been recognized for its exceptional talent and unique approach to traditional music. The competition aims to promote promising Korean artists to the global music scene, solidifying Sangjaru's reputation as one of Korea's most exciting emerging bands. Blending eclectic musical influences, Sangjaru crafts mesmerizing cultural experiences that captivate and inspire audiences across the globe.

"We are absolutely delighted to introduce Sangjaru, an extraordinary band from South Korea, to the diverse borough of Queens as part of their US debut tour," said Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director of Flushing Town Hall, a Smithsonian affiliate. "Flushing Town Hall is the only place in New York City where you can witness this phenomenal band live. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!"

Tickets
Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: 8 PM
Performance: $25 adults/$20 seniors and $18 for students with ID.
For more information or to purchase tickets for this innovative and unforgettable evening of music, visit: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/event-detail.php?id=777