Small Island Big Song Sends A Message Of Unity And Urgency To Scottsdale Concerning Climate Change

Small Island Big Song will unify Indigenous musicians from across the Pacific Oceans and Indian Oceans February 18 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Eight musicians from different parts will perform together. They will be supported by projected video taken over three years and across 16 countries. Small Island Big Song wants you to know that songs have the power to share cultural knowledge.

Small Island Big Song has toured in 15 countries on four continents. It is a common feature of their concerts that encores spontaneously erupt into a shared celebration with instruments, voices and dancing bodies rising from seats.

“This event is more that an incredible celebration island music for world musicians,” said Abbey Messmer (programming director at Scottsdale Center of the Performing Arts). “The show features a beautiful mix from New Zealand to Australia, Madagascar, Solomon Islands to Marshall Islands to Papa New Guinea. However, the project also highlights the work of scientists, oceanographers and poets who are making a difference in climate change. It’s important that we as an institution uplift Indigenous voices. With this project, we learn more about the environmental issues that Pacific and Indian Ocean islanders face and hopefully are inspired to live more sustainably.

Small Island Big Song uses a variety platforms to communicate their message, including an album and documentary that won awards, a live concert and an outreach program.

Small Island Big Song will host an open panel discussion on Feb. 17, the day prior to the main performance. It will discuss how artists can address climate change. Scottsdale Arts senior programming coordinator Diandra Adamczyk notes that this production will show how activism and art can intersect as the discussion about climate change is urgent.

The panel discussion will feature three members of Small Island Big Song: Emlyn, a multi-instrumentalist and singer from Mauritius; Putad, an Amis multi-instrumentalist and singer from Taiwan; and Selina Leem, a spoken-word artist from the Marshall Islands. They will be joined by Napoleon Marrietta, a Gila River Indian Community-based activist, and a local moderator.

Another option for engagement is an interactive Memory Lounge performance facilitated by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, where musicians from Small Island Big Song will introduce participants to unusual instruments, teach about the music and culture of Pacific Islanders and perform. Memory Lounge is an art program that engages and energizes people with mild to moderate memories loss and their caregivers through high-quality experiences.

“We are delighted about this offering, featuring Small Island Big Song, as participants will meet the musicians in an intimate, relaxed setting and become part of the music through singing and exploring instruments from different cultures,” said Laura Hales, curator of learning and innovation for Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation. “It’s a rare treat and will help create wonderful new memories.

All three events will be held in Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts at 7380 E. 2nd St. Scottsdale, Arizona. Friday, February 18 at 8 p.m. The concert will begin. Tickets starting at $24 or pay as much as you can. The Climate Crisis: Our Response As Artists panel discussion begins at 7 pm on Thursday, February 17. The Memory Lounge event will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 18.

For more information about the main performance and the panel discussions, visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/eventsCall 480-499TKTS (8587) for more information. Visit memorylounge.com for more information. ScottsdaleArtsLearning.org/events.

All guests 12 years and older must submit a negative COVID-19PCR test within 72 hours of the performance date. Guests may also provide proof of vaccination. Masks are strongly encouraged to protect patrons, staff, and artists. For safety and health information, please visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/covid-19-response.