Journey Through Music: Passport Series Showcases International Talent in Schenectady and Saratoga Springs

Embark on a variety of musical adventures across the globe without leaving the Capital Region

The Passport Series­–Music Haven at Proctors Collaborative transports the audiences on musical adventures to destinations like Scotland to Bosnia, Mali and Haiti, and through Louisiana and Puerto Rico. The exciting journeys take place at the GE Theatre at Proctors in Schenectady and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs—bringing the sounds of the globe to the Capital Region.

According to series curator, Mona Golub, the Passport Series is the perfect way for someone to musically experience another culture for an evening and then return to the comfort of their home.

“It’s truly traveling to different places with different experiences,” she said. “Audiences can visit six wonderful destinations and experience rich slices of other cultures without having to coordinate without all the travel!”

First, indulge in the rich Celtic sounds of Breabach Friday, Oct. 11 at the GE Theatre. A Scottish folk music band, Breabach who unites deep rooted sounds with innovative musical elements that make for an unforgettable performance.

Bringing some heat to the series’ first stop at UPH, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas spice up the beginning of winter with their southern Lafayette flair Friday, Feb. 7. The band blends traditional Creole music with jazz, blues and R&B to create his unique brand of Zydeco that will have you dancing all night.

Continuing to sizzle across the globe, the trailblazing Plena Libre takes over the GE Theatre at Proctors Thursday, Feb. 27. Plena Libre has been thrilling audiences for nearly three decades and amongst the world’s greatest purveyors of bomba. Fusing mesmerizing hand drumming, raucous horns and soaring three-part vocal harmonies, this multi-Grammy Award–nominated band always brings the heat.

“It’s definitely the kind of music you find yourself dancing to, whether in your seat or on your feet,” Golub said about both the Cha Chas and Plena Libre.

Continuing the adventure, Haitian Voodoo Priestess Moonlight Benjamin will bring garage blues rock with a punk flair. The self-acclaimed voodoo queen from Haïti will share an evening like you’ve never experienced. Her distinct groovy sound will have the rhythm moving through your body Saturday, March 29.

From far away, Damir Imamović is a luminary figure in the realm of Bosnian music, wielding expertise as a musician, singer, composer and preeminent authority on the traditional folk melodies of Bosnia. He is a world-class artist and offers a completely unique experience through his instrumentalization, delighting the ears Friday, April 11.

The last destination in Passport Series brings “The Hendrix of the Sahara” to UPH. Vieux Farka Touré, a superstar in Mali, has legendary status through his genealogy as much as his own work! The guitarist is a thrilling ending to the season Saturday, April 26.

“All of the artists bring something unique, something special to share—the essence of the place from which they come, or the original music they bring, or the stories woven into the fabric of the music that connect us to their inspiration and culture” Golub added.

You can travel the globe this year with the Passport Series Pass, getting all six shows for the price of four! Tickets are on sale now through the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., or online by visiting proctorscollaborative.org/passport-series.