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Curated and hosted by iconic DC impressario and musician Jim Thomson.

Hill Center is thrilled to welcome back Alash, masters of traditional Tuvan instruments and the ancient art of throat singing: a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. With the belief that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

Trained in traditional Tuvan music since childhood, the Alash musicians studied at Kyzyl Arts College just as Tuva was beginning to open up to the West. They formed a traditional ensemble and won multiple awards for traditional throat singing in international xöömei competitions, both as an ensemble and as individuals. At the same time, they paid close attention to new trends coming out of the West. They have borrowed new ideas that mesh well with the sound and feel of traditional Tuvan music, but they have never sacrificed the integrity of their own heritage in an effort to make their music more hip.

The Washington Post describes their music as “utterly stunning,” noting that after the performance “audience members picked their jaws up off the floor.”

Beer, wine, and other concessions will be available for purchase!

Alash’s last Hill Center concert was standing room only, so get your tickets before they sell out!

Alash features award-winning musicians Bady-Dorzhu Ondar: vocals, igil, guitar; Ayan-ool Sam: vocals, doshpuluur, igil, guitar, and Ayan Shirizhik: vocals, kengirge, shyngyrash, shoor, murgu, xomus.

About Jim Thomson: Jim Thomson owns and operates the Washington, DC-based boutique record label Electric Cowbell Records. He currently runs Multiflora Productions out of Washington, DC, an independent live music production agency that specializes in expanding the reach of eclectic traditional and non-traditional artists by creating a time and space where their work is presented in an environment where audiences and artists alike have a meaningful and significant experience together. In 2014 he became the music coordinator for the Capital Fringe Festival and also programmed the “Fringe Music in the Library ” series, which offered free live music in the DC Public Libraries through a sponsorship from the DC Public Library Foundation. He has booked several US tours for acclaimed artists such as Sahel Sounds recording artists Mdou Moctar and Les Filles de Illighadad, along with Zedashe from the Republic of Georgia, BCUC from South Africa, and several others. He is a founding member of and played drums in: GWAR, Alter-Natives (SST Records), Bio Ritmo, and CSC Funk Band. He currently plays drums in the DC-based punk rock band, Time Is Fire. Jim is currently producing a series of releases for the acclaimed indie salsa orchestra Bio Ritmo’s 30-year anniversary, and booking the US debut tour for Sublime Frequencies’ recording artist Baba Commandant from Burkina Faso.