Building Bridges: A folklorist harnesses the power of traditional arts and culture

With Jon Lohman, Director of the Center for Cultural Vibrancy and musical guests Danny Knicely, Cesar Garabini and Fernanda Bravo.

Jon Lohman is Executive Director and Founder of the Virginia-based non-profit, the Centre for Cultural Vibrancy, which has collaborated with Clifden Arts Festival for several years to bring diverse and exciting artistic partnerships to Connemara.

The Centre for Cultural Vibrancy promotes cultural exchange, empathy and understanding by working with traditional artists across communities and borders. Their mission is rooted in the belief that cultural traditions are among the best expressions of our shared humanity, and that exchanging them is a powerful form of diplomacy especially vital in a polarised world. As the current political atmosphere in the US seems to increasingly reject these principals, the work of the Center is more critical than ever.

Join Jon as he shares stories and field recordings from his years of work across the US and beyond. He will be joined by renowned multi-instrumentalist Danny Knicely, a longtime collaborator and Clifden favourite, along with Brazilian musicians César Garabini and Fernanda Bravo, for a live musical journey celebrating collaboration, tradition and connection.