MODAL MUSIC
World Music Bands
Interactive, all-ages public performance programs
From a slamming six-piece band that will rock the largest festival crowd to a budget-pleasing duet or trio, our eclectic, energetic bands offer a wide array of engaging concerts and workshops of traditional music and dance that transport your soul (and soles), on an exciting worldbeat tour.
To make sure folks connect with the powerful roots music, the band teaches and leads circle and lines dances when circumstances allow it. The audience is encouraged to drum along on percussion as well as sing along. The entire family, from toddlers to seniors, gets to join in the very accessible fun!
Unique sound
Most of our musicians are multi-instrumentalists, a fact which allows the band to create an ever changing color, but whatever the sound, every number grabs your attention, gets your feet tapping, urging you to dance.
Some festivals bring in more than one of our bands for the same event. Please note that, in general, the composition of all our bands is drawn from the same pool of musicians.
Click on a band’s title for more information on that act. Please note that, in general, the composition of all our bands is drawn from the same pool of musicians.
Jutta & the Hi-Dukes
These eclectic troubadours play everything from magical medieval Danish songs to dance-invoking Danubian grooves to delightful Dixieland ditties. Wolves, rabbits, ravens, and nightingales abound. “… listeners will find it hard to keep from leaping up to dance” so, when asked, they lead you thru fun yet easy trad circle / line dances. This Earwig Music Company artist has something for every mood, from quiet background for private parties to engaging music for fests and concerts.
Ensemble M’chaiya
Traditional Roots and Gypsy Beats to move your heart and feet! The uplifting energy of Chicagoland’s first revival Klezmer band will get your heart and feet dancing to its eclectic repertoire of hot Klezmer tunes with Gypsy grooves, swinging Sephardic and Yiddish songs, and energetic Israeli dance tunes.
Terran’s Greek Band
Greek music beyond boundaries — Rembetica, Laïki, Demotiki, Eipirotika, and more…
Nordland Band
Warm music from cool lands to melt your heart — Scandinavian music from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.
Razzemetazz
Swingin’ Songs from Pop’s Golden Era — Swing, Tin Pan Alley, Dixieland, Bluegrass, 50s Rock, and more…
Les Beaux Chemins
This unique French language music program, with everything from Medieval and French Canadian songs to Edith Piaf-style Cabaret “Chansons”, will add sparkle and fun to your event.
Die Chicago Stadtmusikanten
An eclectic German language music program by Jutta & the Hi-Dukes that ranges from Medieval songs to Oktoberfest Blasmusik-style tunes with a fresh approach to this traditional music!
Flexible and affordable
We fit the band’s size to your budget, needs, and interests.
Folks say…
[Their] music is exciting, and listeners will find it hard to keep from leaping up to dance.” Natalie Wainwright, Arts & Life reviewer, Round Table
…such a wonderful show! Not only was your performance entertaining, but also informative and instructive, which is what we were hoping for in a university environment. … everybody had a wonderful time. Thank you again for a great show!” Michael B. Cosmopoulos, Ph.D., Fellow, Academy of Science St. Louis, Professor of Archaeology, The Hellenic Government-Karakas Foundation Professor in Greek Studies, Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri
You get Gypsy music, music from Spain, Israel, everything. Finland! What more could you ask for? Not only is it entertaining and educational but you get up and dance and get a little sweaty, which is awesome! … Book them! Amazing!” Enthusiastic librarian
Your performance was truly amazing and we are very glad that you could be part of this special event.” Juan Carlos Acevedo, Outreach Coordinator, Wheeling Park District
Thank you so much for performing at our Bishop Hill Folk Festival! We have heard nothing but compliments about your music.” Todd DeDecker, Bishop Hill Heritage Association Administrator
Their artistry and sense of musical history is infused in their delicious tracks. I like [their] intelligent approach to music as well as the old world flavor of what [they] do.” Terry Loncaric, entertainment writer and poet
After over twenty years of focusing on rootsy Blues acts, I decided to branch into World Music because of this eclectic band. Their enthusiastic and authoritative approach to music convinced me to sign them to the Earwig Music label. Their CD, ‘On the World Beat’, is a fine overview of their work. I imagine you will find Jutta & the Hi-Dukes(tm) as exciting as I do!” Michael Frank, owner of Earwig Music Company.
I am not exaggerating or giving empty words when I say your performance was my favorite ever.” Ashleah White, Reporter for The Current, University of Missouri – St. Louis, Nov. 28th, 2015
