SANGJARU
Who Is Sangjaru?
Sangjaru is a Korean folk fusion trio from Seoul, formed in 2019. Their music intersects deep Korean folk traditions, pansori storytelling, sanjo improvisation, minyo song, with gypsy swing, funk, rock, and free improvisation. The result is a sound that confuses in the best way: deeply rooted, completely contemporary, and never twee.
That same year they won the Sori Frontier prize at the Jeonju International Sori Festival, the national competition designed to launch promising Korean traditional artists onto the global stage. They've since toured the UK and Europe, picking up critical acclaim and a 2019 Darkchat Best Show & Best Music Award along the way.
Sept 25 at Rainier Arts Center is their first appearance in the Pacific Northwest.
Photo: Seokhyun Jang
The trio:
Cho Sungyoon: guitar
Kwon Hyochang: janggu (hourglass drum) and kkwaenggwari (small gong)
Nam Seonghun: ajaeng (bowed zither)
PRESS
"Thunderous, sawed traditional instruments mix with spry Talking Heads-style bass-funk." : The Guardian
"Veering from K-pop into drivingly heavy rock, then Shamanistic rituals before ending up with cafe swing , all conjured from traditional Korean instruments plus bass guitar. It was truly awesome, literally topped off with enormous hats.": Bristol24/7
"Immersive, dynamic, contemplative, and utterly compelling.": Darkchat (Best Show & Best Music Award, 2019)
"Touching, astonishing and emotional." : London Korean Links
Venue & Logistics
Rainier Arts Center, Seattle
Address: 3515 S Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98118
Doors: Show start: 7:30 PM Run time: 75-90 minutes, no intermission
Capacity: Intimate venue, 225 seats, buy early
Tickets: $25.00