Project Proposal PAC - Adrian and Meredith
We are Adrian and Meredith, an American folk-roots duo and band, known for our dynamic blend of musical genres and high-energy performances that capture the essence of the American spirit. With our unique backgrounds in folk, old-time, swing/jazz, and punk-rock, we bring a fresh perspective to the stories of immigration, community, self-identification, heritage, perseverance, and empathy that define the American experience.
Our music is a celebration of the diverse cultural heritage that has shaped the United States. From the start of swing to the heartfelt melodies of klezmer-folk, flavored with the eclectic beats of polka and the raw energy of punk, our sound is a testament to the rich tapestry of American life. Our performances are more than just concerts; they are a journey through the music and dance traditions of our nation by two Third-Generation Americans with heritage from Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary, connecting audiences to their origins and educating them about the history of American-immigration culture.
Touring internationally since 2016, we've witnessed firsthand the power of music to build bridges across cultural divides. Our encounters with people from all walks of life, including Eastern Europe, have reinforced our belief in the importance of sharing the stories of our shared humanity. Whether performing in small towns where English is not the primary language or engaging in deep conversations after our shows, we've embraced our role as cultural ambassadors, sharing the complexities and beauty of American “melting-pot” culture with the world. Now we take those perspectives and reflection, back home to you!
Our musical configuration, featuring Adrian Krygowski on vocals and acoustic guitar, Meredith Krygowski on fiddle/violin, percussive dance and vocals, provide a central background of American Folk traditional music, while our talented ensemble, enhances the rich presentation of our musical storytelling. Together, we explore the stories of immigration, showcasing how migration patterns have contributed to the creation of uniquely American music genres such as jazz, country, all the way to punk-rock, and more.
We propose to bring our show to your Performing Art Center, offering audiences an immersive experience that celebrates the stories of what community and empathy and empathy look like in a post-social-media world looks like, where everything is available at your fingertips to an overwhelming degree already. Through our music and dance, we aim to inspire reflection on one's own perspective, heritage, and the shared experiences that unite us. Our program is designed to be both entertaining and educational, providing a platform and voice for dialogue, while keeping in mind the diverse cultures that make up our nation.
In addition to our performances, we are equipped to offer workshops in fiddle, tap dance, clogging, saxophone, songwriting, guitar, percussion, and more. In these workshops, participants will explore the entwined history of jazz music and tap dance, highlighting their origins in African American communities and their evolution from Appalachia, through the Harlem Renaissance, and beyond. We will discuss the impact of jazz on American culture and music globally, and provide practical tap dance lessons, emphasizing the rhythm and improvisation that characterize both jazz music and tap dance.
Americana Music Workshop:
Our Americana music workshop focuses on the diverse sounds that comprise from folk and country to blues and rockabilly. We will trace the roots of Americana to the various cultural influences that have shaped it, including immigrant and indigenous contributions from Africa, Ireland, and more. This workshop offers participants the chance to learn about the songwriting styles, and thematic elements that define Americana and American-Country music. We can also provide an opportunity for participants to engage in songwriting and performance exercises.
Appalachian Music and Dance Workshop:
Appalachian music and dance are central, and sometimes forgotten, to American folk traditions, embodying the history and spirit of the Appalachian region. This workshop will cover the history of Appalachian music, including its Scotch-Irish origins and the development of unique styles such as old-time, bluegrass, and mountain music. We will introduce participants to traditional instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and dulcimer, and teach the basics of flatfooting and clogging, dances that are integral to Appalachian music culture. Participants will gain hands-on experience with these instruments and dance styles, learning about the importance of storytelling and community in Appalachian music.
Cross-Genre Collaboration and Improvisation Workshop:
Recognizing the interconnected-ness of these American musical traditions, we offer a custom and special workshop focused on cross-genre collaboration and improvisation. This session encourages participants to blend elements from jazz, Americana, and Appalachian music, fostering creativity and innovation. Through guided improvisation exercises, participants will learn how these genres can influence each other, leading to new sounds and expressions. This workshop underscores the importance of musical diversity and the creative potential of cross-cultural exchange.
Each workshop is designed to be accessible to participants of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced musicians and dancers. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where everyone can explore the richness of American traditional music and dance, understand its historical context, and appreciate its ongoing influence on music around the world. We believe these workshops will offer your audience a unique and enriching experience, deepening their appreciation for American cultural heritage and inspiring them to explore their own creative potential.
We believe that our program aligns with the mission of your center to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. We would be honored to collaborate with you in bringing this unique and enriching experience to your audience.
Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to the opportunity to share the stories of America through our music and dance, and to inspire empathy and understanding in communities across the nation.