Folkmoot LIVE! is proud to present the Blue Pipa Trio, “From Harlem to Shanghai and Back,” a dynamic fusion of jazz history and Chinese tradition. Led by Min Xiao-Fen, one of the world’s great pipa soloists, and joined by the powerhouse Asheville-based duo of guitarist/composer Jay Sanders and bassist Zack Page, this project takes you to the Golden Age of jazz in Shanghai during the 1930s, when Buck Clayton’s Kansas City Swing intertwined with the pioneering melodies of Li Jinhui, the father of Chinese popular music. Read more below. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7 PM, Doors at 6 PM Listen: https://youtu.be/OXZXxOGrIRM Tickets: https://givebutter.com/Ms9gms Pay What You Can: $25, $15, $5 Donations are Welcome Folkmoot Friendship Center 112 Virginia Avenue, Waynesville, NC Iron Wok Food Truck On-Site In an exploration of lost musical legends, Ms. Min weaves together the vibrant sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and her own unique compositions. Blending jazz with the rich tones of traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, ruan, and sanxian, Min creates a sound both timeless and groundbreaking. The trio’s innovative sound honors the past while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in jazz today. This debut is more than a performance—it’s a cultural odyssey, where swing, improvisation, and passion converge to captivate jazz lovers and adventurous listeners alike.
Jul 8
Gladys Knight
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts


























