SANGJARU
Sangjaru is a captivating Korean folk fusion band that merges the energy of traditional Korean music with the infectious rhythms of gypsy swing, funk, rock, and improvisation.
The name “Sangjaru” originates from the combination of two Korean words, “sangja” (box) and “jaru” (sack). While a box retains a fixed form, a sack adapts to its contents. Inspired by this analogy, the band aspires to infuse new creativity into the rich traditions of Korean music. Through a blend of diverse musical influences, Sangjaru creates innovative cultural expressions that are both distinctive and exhilarating that captivate and delight audiences worldwide.
In 2019, Sangjaru won the prestigious Sori Frontier competition, part of the Jeonju International Sori Festival, which aims to promote promising Korean artists to the global music scene. This recognition solidified Sangjaru’s reputation as one of Korea’s most exciting emerging bands.
Band Members: Cho Sungyoon, guitar; Kwon Hyochang, janggu (hourglass drum) and kkwaenggwari…
Venue: Asian Art Museum, West Building. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sangjaru-tickets-1977429483817?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Performances. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Yumi Kurosawa Trio
This event, originally scheduled for October 16, 2025, is rescheduled to February 5, 2026.
Enjoy the unique combination of koto, violin, and percussion with the Yumi Kurosawa Trio as we kick off the 2025–2026 Bill and Mary Meyer Concert Series!
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat in advance to pick where you sit ($6 fee per order). Join the standby line for remaining seats on the day of the concert, free of charge.
Japanese musician and composer Yumi Kurosawa performs on a modern twenty-string koto, joined by violinist Naho Parrini and percussionist Yousif Sheronick. Their program features exhilarating new compositions from Kurosawa alongside striking reinterpretations of favorites from her oeuvre, including pieces from the trio’s album Metamorphosis, highlighting the shared affinity between these seemingly disparate instruments.
About the Performers
Since winning the National Japanese Koto Competition and moving to the United States, Yumi Kurosawa has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the…
Venue: Asian Art Museum, West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: $6 per order. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yumi-kurosawa-trio-tickets-1611689118539?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: After Five. Performances. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Musicians from Marlboro II
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat in advance to pick where you sit ($6 fee per seat). Join the standby line for remaining seats on the day of the concert, free of charge.
Each summer, musicians from around the world gather in the Green Mountains of Vermont to participate in a “fundamentally natural and unique” approach to music-making: the Marlboro Music School (New York Classical Review). In our second Marlboro performance of the season, eight artists perform string quartets by Beethoven and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Tyshawn Sorey, as well as Beethoven’s vivacious Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20.
Program Sorey's Untitled (2023) , Beethoven's String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 59, No. 2 (1806) , Beethoven's Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 (1799),
Artists include violinists Claire Bourg and Stephanie Zyzak, violist Cara Pogossian, cellist Marcy Rosen, double bassist Nina Bernat, clarinetist Javier Morales-Martinez, bassoonist Natalya Rose Vrbsky, and horn player Carys Sutherland. This performance is…
Venue: Asian Art Museum, West Building. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/musicians-from-marlboro-ii-tickets-1975645418630?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: After Five. Performances. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Lunar New Year Festival
Gallop into 2026, the year of the horse, and celebrate Lunar New Year with us! This year we're hosting a festival and market pop-up at the nearby Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building (AIB). Experience cultural performances, lion dances, food, makers, and more! Plus, enjoy curator talks and tours at the museum throughout the day.
Catch family-friendly activities at the museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You must register in advance. Activities have a limited capacity, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration link coming soon.
Participating Food Vendors @ AIB AmLux Cafe , bit bakery , Bun'd Up , Chinese Street Market , Cocoi's Sweets and Pastries , Noonchi by Bun'd Up , Roll Play , Teas'n You , Toimoi Bakery , Yume Asian Fusion, Participating Makers @ AIB Chaotic Neutral x Covers (jewelry and zines) , Fawne (jewelry and charms) , Lofi Ceramics (ceramics) , Made With Love DC (wellness journals) , MinMin Handmade (jewelry) , Plants & What Knot (botanicals, kokedama, and floral art), …
Venue: Asian Art Museum, West Building. Asian Art Museum, East Building. Event Location: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building. Cost: Free. Register in advance (required). Registration link coming soon. Categories: Celebrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Performances. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.