Global Arts Performance Initiatives

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Global Arts Performance Initiatives Programming international performing arts and genre-blurring music in partnership with cultural arts institutions and programs at U of I.

Established in 2012, Global Arts Performance Initiatives consolidates artistic director Jason Finkelman's distinct curatorial programming in partnership with cultural arts institutions and programs across the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a focus on genre-blurring music and international performing arts, established engagement programming includes Improvisers Exchange, Global Transfer, Nick Rudd Music Experience, and Sudden Sound concerts, workshops, and artist residencies. Jason’s efforts in enriching campus and community through the arts was recognized in 2019 with an Advocate ACE Award from the Champaign County Arts Council 40N|88W and as Best Promoter of the Decade by Champaign-Urbana’s online magazine Smile Politely.

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbarWho is ...
09/04/2026

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbar

Who is Ex Ibex? A Chicago-based quintet of improvising musicians including Dheeru Pennepalli on guitar and electronics.

Dheeru Pennepalli is a Chicago-based guitarist, composer, and improviser known mostly for his work with the long-running experimental ensemble a Light Sleeper. Pennepalli approaches his instrument with the aim of finding new ways to express emotion through melodic and rhythmic interplay, with an ear for unusual phrasings and non-traditional structures. He is an alum of the University of Illinois.

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbarWho is ...
09/04/2026

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbar

Who is Ex Ibex? A Chicago-based quintet of improvising musicians including Greg Diethrich on drumset and percussion.

Greg Diethrich (drums) has been a performer and music educator for over 25 years, and holds a Masters and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology. He frequently performs, records, and teaches a range of musical styles including jazz, world music, rock, funk/soul, and Americana. Greg has lived and studied music in India and the Caribbean, and performs and teaches musics of Latin America, India, West Africa, and more. He has held visiting faculty positions at several colleges and universities.

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbarWho is ...
09/03/2026

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbar

Who is Ex Ibex? A Chicago-based quintet of improvising musicians including David Keller on cello and keyboard.

David Keller functions as a cellist, composer, guitarist, bandleader, family man and teacher. Not necessarily in that order. Having performed with many groups large and small he explores multiple genres including classical, rock, jazz, experimental and improvisational music. Dave is bandleader and cellist for Origin of Animal and guitarist for the Devilish Winks. He also currently serves as a private cello, piano and guitar teacher in the Chicago area.

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbarWho is ...
09/03/2026

Ex Ibex kicks off Improvisers Exchange programming in Fall 2026, this Saturday, September 5, 3p at Gallery.artbar

Who is Ex Ibex? A Chicago-based quintet of improvising musicians including Jeff Chan on bass clarinet and tenor saxophone.

Chicago multi-instrumentalist and composer Jeff Chan works to create music expressive of the Asian American experience. He has performed across the US and in Europe. Critics have said that Chan is “… a voice to be reckoned with… (Brian Gilmore, JazzTimes)” and that his work is “music of uncommon majesty, spirituality and emotional depth (Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune).”

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Krannert Center For The Performing Arts, 500 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL
61801

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