Let us entertain you: World music
These days, Ravi Shankar may be best known as the father of Grammy-winning singer-pianist Norah Jones. Yet for decades, Shankar has been the world's premier sitarist. Through his association with the Beatles (particularly George Harrison), Shankar introduced Western audiences to the lyrical beauty of his instrument and of Indian music. He performs with another daughter, Anoushka, who also plays sitar, Sept. 28 at Symphony Hall. 617-876-4275;www.worldmusic.org.
By fusing traditional music with such contemporary sounds as electronica, Scotland's Capercaillie has garnered a worldwide following. The group's rendition of "Coisich A Ruin," a 400-year-old traditional song, even became the first Scottish Gaelic song to chart on the UK top 40. The eight-piece band - led by founding members Karen Matheson, Donald Shaw, and Marc Duff - has continued to explore dynamic sounds to add to its layered, emotional music. The band appears Oct. 3 at the Somerville Theatre. 617-876-4275; www.worldmusic.org.
When practiced by a master, kung fu is as beautiful as it is deadly. And few are as adept at this ancient art of fighting as the legendary Shaolin warriors. For more than 1,000 years, the Shaolin Temple in China's Henan province has been the home of Chinese kung fu, and the Songshan Shaolin Martial Monks Troupe features more than 20 warriors who practice mesmerizing hand-to-hand and weapons combat. (Don't worry, no one gets hurt.) Besides, what's not to like about warriors who have influenced both Bruce Lee and Wu-Tang Clan? Check them out Nov. 8 at the Orpheum Theatre. 617-876-4275; www.worldmusic.org.
The dance/drama "Agbekor" is considered a traditional masterwork of West Africa. Dating to the 18th century, its songs, dances, and drumming explore such themes as bravery, mortality, and endurance. Even today, the Ewe-speaking people of Ghana and Togo perform the work in honor of their forebears. Kiniwe, the Tufts University African dance/drumming group, presents a full-length version of the work Nov. 19 at Jackson Dance Lab, on the Tufts campus in Medford. 617-627-4042; www.tufts.edu/as/music.
Gamelan music is native to Indonesia, particularly the islands of Java and Bali. With gongs, drums, keyed percussion instruments, strings, and vocalists, gamelan groups can create a heavenly, hypnotic sound. The Tufts Gamelan Ensemble and the Boston Village Gamelan play Javanese music Nov. 22 in Alumnae Hall, Tufts University, Medford. 617-627-4042; www.tufts.edu/as/music.
