A lively lineup

I had a nice chat with the folks from Stanford Lively Arts last week, getting the scoop on their 2006-07 season. (OK, so it doesn't start until October, but I like to plan ahead.) Now there's a job: scouting out performers like a klezmer band from Buenos Aires, a German cabaret chanteuse, and a Japanese taiko ensemble. Lively Arts folks must never have a dull weekend.

Dear readers, I could have given you a sneak peek in the print Weekly. But isn't it more fun to click here and hear? Thus, some audio snippets:

Natalie MacMaster (.mp3 file, 30 sec.)
This Celtic fiddler from Cape Breton plays and step-dances at the same time. Groovy. I hear you can expect a bluegrass-pop-world music fusion when she comes to town on Oct. 20.

Klezmer En Buenos Aires (.mp3 file, 30 sec.)
Do they know from klezmer in Argentina? Musicians Cesar Lerner and Marcelo Moguilevsky certainly think so. When they come to Lively Arts on March 7, 2007, they promise to bring a melange of vibrant Eastern European music and Argentinean folk. And maybe even a little tango.

Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (.mp3 file, 30 sec.)
Let's face it: we all feel warmer about New Orleans than ever. Y'all can sample it on April 25, 2007, with help from trumpeter Mayfield wailing on the jazz, swing, blues and spirituals.

If I were to list all the other offerings at Lively Arts, I would be here all night. But here are a few other shows I just may have to catch:

Oct. 11 and Feb. 25: Conductor, radio personality, and the nicest man I've ever interviewed: Rob Kapilow returns to demystify classical music with his "What Makes It Great?" programs.

Oct. 28-29: The Diavolo Dance Company apparently does amazing things with massive wooden structures. Leaping, I hear. A lot of leaping.

Dec. 12-13: "A Chanticleer Christmas" returns for its annual show. Like singers everywhere, I can only sit with my mouth hanging open when these boys roll out the a cappella early music.

For complete info, head over to the Lively Arts site or give 'em a jingle at 650-725-ARTS.

Pictured: Natalie MacMaster. Photo by Margaret Malandruccolo.