It's Official! Friends of the Gamelan and Chicago Balinese Gamelan have offcially joined forces.
On August 17, 2023, the two organizations completed the required steps to merge into one nonprofit organization. In maintaining its 40-year legacy, the merged corporation is to be called Friends of the Gamelan. For now, the ensembles will be referred to as the Javanese gamelan ensemble and the Balinese gamelan and dance ensemble.
The merge presents several opportunities. The shared marketing initiatives mean wider promotion of the ensembles' activities, and it minimizes competition and separate efforts for applying for grant awards.
Most significantly, the merge positions the two ensembles as Chicago's resource and one of the country's lead resources for the instruction and enjoyment of Indonesian performing arts and culture. This effort has reaffirmed our commitment to excellence with gamelan and dance performance and education.
Whether you've been a fan of our work for 40 years or you just became introduced to one of our ensembles this year, we thank you for being our advocate and being a "friend of the gamelan"!
Please contact us with any questions at info@chicagogamelan.org.
Mike Awe, Board President
Claire Fassnacht, Balinese gamelan and dance ensemble director
Alex Yoffe, Javanese gamelan ensemble director
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Learn more about Friends of the Gamelan here.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Arts in the Dark Parade
State Street between Lake and Van Buren Street
6-8 p.m.
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Now in its 9th year, Arts in the Dark is a magical evening parade celebrating Halloween as the “artist’s holiday” and drawing together world-renowned institutions, celebrated Chicago cultural organizations, important youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. It is a dazzling production that delights an audience of 50,000 with unique floats, spectacle puppets and creative performances – all set against the backdrop of historic State Street.
The parade is free to attend.​
Inclusion Statement
At CBG, we believe music and dance are powerful tools that bring people together and promote diversity, equity and inclusion. CBG’s board, ensemble members and volunteers are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for our community, regardless of their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, religion, socioeconomic status or cultural background.
We understand that creating a truly inclusive environment requires ongoing education and effort, and we are committed to continuously learning and improving our practices. CBG actively seeks out and welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences, and we strive to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to participate and contribute to our programming
Chicago Balinese Gamelan is partially supported by a grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, Illinois Arts Council Agency, a grant from the Robert H. and Terri L. Cohn Family Foundation, and by individual donors.
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Thank you, supporters!
