UNC Asheville's Concerts on the Quad Series Continues with Moscow Nights June 13; Russian Folksinger Jamuna to Open

A Russian musical odyssey awaits concert-goers at the second installment of UNC Asheville’s 23rd annual Concerts on the Quad summer music series Monday, June 13. Russian folk singer Jamuna will perform as the opening act from 7-7:30 p.m. Headliners Moscow Nights will take center stage from 7:30-9 p.m. The concerts, which are free and open to the public, will be held on UNC Asheville’s Quad.

Jamuna was born in Moscow and attended Moscow's Classical School of Music but put her classical education on hold, preferring to play a variety of traditional Russian folk, Gypsy, Ukrainian and Soviet-era songs on the city streets and subways. From there, her musical career flourished and she toured and performed around Russia and Europe, appearing in top theaters and on national television. Jamuna came to the United States in 1998, and has performed at venues throughout the Southeast, including the Lake Eden Arts Festival.

The classically trained Russian trio Moscow Nights is being heralded as one of the fastest rising folk groups in the United States. The trio’s repertoire presents an authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture. Concerts feature traditional instruments such as Balalaikas and Baynan accordion, as well as dance and humor. Critics have praised the group’s live performances and the Cleveland Plain Dealer said, "In a word, fantastic!"

Concerts on the Quad is fun for the entire family. The public is invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. Sorry, no pets allowed. With nearly 3,000 people attending each concert, lawn-chair seating will be separate from blanket seating in order to preserve sight lines; please look for signage when arriving on the Quad. Café a la Quad will sell sandwiches, wraps, fruit, snacks, beverages, desserts and ice cream from 6-8 p.m.

In case of rain, the concerts will be held in Lipinsky Auditorium. No food will be served at the rain location. Location decisions will be made at 5 p.m. the day of the show. Patrons may call
828/232-5000 after 5:15 p.m. to hear a recorded announcement about the location of that evening’s performance.

For more information about the series, call UNC Asheville’s Special Events Box Office at 828/232-5000 or visit the Concerts on the Quad Web site at www.unca.edu/summerquad/.

Media Contacts:

• Barbara Halton-Subkis, UNC Asheville Office of Cultural and Special Events
  Director, 828/251-6674
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526