2023 Artists in Residence
Kuf and Christine
Hip Hop | Soul | New Age
Named Philadelphia Magazine Best Rapper of 2022 & 1 of 10 New Jersey artists Kuf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) have brought their unique blend of hip-hop, soul and classical traditions to various communities. Releasing their highly anticipated third album “Hypnagogia” (2023), Kuf and Christine’s music explores themes of unity and the infinite possibility of creating a better world. They fuse hip-hop poetry with bluesy beats supported by the harp. And, you can dance to it. Cultivating the juxtaposition of mindful reflection and feeling free to effortlessly move to the rhythms, their performance is an era fusing, genre bending journey intended to leave the listener feeling invigorated. The duo has opened for Wyclef Jean, Yellowman, Rising Appalachia, Slick Rick, Digable Planets and have been featured on NPR Music and WHYY.
Artist in Residence Workshop – February 27th 2023
Out of the Box: Exploring the Power of Influence & Genre Blending
During this workshop, participants will be invited to listen to a performance by Kuf Knotz (MC) & Christine Elise (Harpist) followed by a group discussion about those that have influenced creative thought and its importance in the journey of life. The workshop will conclude with an experiential on the impact of genre blending and ways it can lead to a new direction of expression.
7-9PM | 2/27 | Douglass Student Centre Lounge
Medukha / медуха
Slavic Psych Rock Band
Medukha steeps age-old village melodies in contemporary psych-rock soundscapes. Having sprouted in 2020 with a live-streamed performance for Razom for Ukraine, Medukha has gone on to play festivals, basements, and living rooms across the North East. The arrangements, originally consisting of acoustic guitar accompaniments to existing folk songs, have expanded to include synth-and-guitar-led rock instrumentation. While continuing to experiment and evolve, medukha also leads workshops in the traditions of Eastern European vocal polyphony.
“Medukha’s music resolves the following contradictions without effort: grief and playfulness, historical depth and currency, professionalism and vulnerability, bedroom lo-fi and Eastern European folk. To anyone with Eastern European heritage who is alive in today’s culturally ambiguous globalized world, this music is especially healing.”
Matt Genkin, You Want Milk
Artist in Residence Workshop – April 10th 2023
Reimagining Roots: A Workshop in Arranging Folk Music
During this workshop, participants will learn about folk music and how it is constructed. Participants will learn about the various approaches to folk music, and what those approaches reveal about themselves. This free workshop will include a performance by Medukha and a discussion focusing on the importance of tradition within the context of innovative musical evolution.
7-9pm | 4/10 | Douglass Student Centre
