Neil Pearlman & Giovanni Kiyingi
- Celtic
- Global
A special concert bringing together two accomplished and innovative traditional musicians from different cultures in a unique duo collaboration. Ugandan folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Kiyingi joins Celtic pianist and multi-instrumentalist Neil Pearlman in a wide ranging musical evening blending new and old music from Uganda to Scotland.
A finalist on NPR’s Tiny Desk competition, Giovanni Kiyingi captivates audiences worldwide with his extraordinary skills as a multi-instrumentalist. His soulful vocals and mastery of diverse instruments such as the local Ugandan Endingidi, Akogo, Adungu, Endere, Djembe, Embuutu, Calabash, Congas, and more, sets him apart.
Neil Pearlman is a vital and distinctive voice in the world of contemporary Celtic music best known for his groundbreaking approach to the piano in Scottish music. Neil’s solo piano album Refractions features regularly on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Radio Scotland and he tours the world regularly with New England band Pine Tree Flyers and Shetland fiddler Kevin Henderson.
Giovanni and Neil met in June 2024 at a music festival in California and immediately hit it off, deciding by the end of that event to organize some concerts together and explore their musical connection. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a new collaboration come to life!
Tickets will be on sale to the public 2/27 at noon. On sale to all Passim members 2/20 at noon. On sale to All Access Passim members 2/13 at noon.
Neil Pearlman
- Celtic
- Contemporary
- Trad
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, step dancer and host of the TradCafe podcast, Neil Pearlman is a vital and distinctive voice in contemporary folk music. Described as “a tremendous pianist” on BBC Radio Scotland and “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan, Neil is best known for his groundbreaking approach to the piano in Celtic music. Motivated by a deep musical curiosity and a love of collaboration, his playing is continually evolving and spontaneous without losing its roots in the traditional piano styles of Atlantic Canada, New England and Scotland. He has appeared internationally at major festivals such as the Newport Folk Festival, Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Celtic Colours in Cape Breton and the Orkney Folk Festival and has recorded or performed with luminaries of traditional folk music including Natalie MacMaster, Darol Anger, Seamus Egan and Alasdair Fraser.
Neil’s deep love of the Gaelic music traditions has seen him welcomed into spaces that few other Americans have been. He was selected for the 2025 Shannon Residency at Beinn Mhabu in Cape Breton and has performed and guest lectured at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick, Ireland and the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, Scotland. His first solo piano album Refractions features frequently on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Radio Scotland and his 2020 release with Shetland fiddler Kevin Henderson received 5 stars from Scotland’s national newspaper The Scotsman.
In addition to touring regularly with Kevin Henderson, the Pine Tree Flyers, and as a solo pianist, Neil teaches at festivals throughout North America and Europe and has guest lectured at Berklee College of Music, Northeastern University and the aforementioned University of Limerick. He co-directs an annual St. Patrick’s Day concert with Katie McNally at Groton Hill Music Center and releases podcasts and video collaborations with musicians from around the world through his production company TradCafe.
Giovanni Kiyingi
- Folk
- Global
Giovanni Kiyingi, the talented Ugandan folk singer-songwriter and world music artist, captivates audiences worldwide with his extraordinary skills as a multi-instrumentalist. His mastery of diverse instruments such as the local Ugandan Endingidi, Akogo, Adungu, Endere, Djembe, Embuutu, Calabash, Congas, and more, sets him apart in the music industry.
Kiyingi’s mesmerizing performances and soulful vocals have earned him prestigious invitations to share the stage with renowned artists at major music festivals and cooperative events across Uganda and the globe. Notably, he has showcased his artistry alongside luminaries like Tanzania’s Alikiba at the illustrious 2016 Blankets and Wine festival, the enchanting Suzan Kerunen and Herbert Kinobe at the Pearl Rhythm Festival 2012, as well as the exceptional talents of Okello Lawrence and Joel Sebunjo at the remarkable DOADOA 2014.
Kiyingi’s presence infuses these events with a vibrant blend of cultural richness and musical brilliance, leaving audiences spellbound and yearning for more.
