Iva Bittova - From the East to the West

I am very excited to tell you about a hidden gem, an artist that is not so well known in this part of the world, yet who is one of the strongest musicians I know of in the world!

But first, I don't know if many of you know this but I was born in the Czech Republic... those are my roots! When I crossed over to the age of being creatively aware, it did not take long to discover Iva Bittova. The poet, historian, musician, actress has significance both as an artist passing on the folk songs for Moravia and Czech, but also a great creative force: she combines modern classical elements with the skill of a master improviser all under the umbrella of a East-European folk historian.

The true innovators are artists who combine different elements of styles and influences and make something new, clear and coherent at the end of it. With a driven, active sense of creativity, her family background giving her access and perhaps a desire to explore the music of Hungary, Roma as well as Moravia and the rest of Czech, and classical and theater training what we have is something powerful and unique. She has worked with artists such as Fred Frith, Bobby McFerrin and George Mraz and this is a true hidden gem of the festival this summer.

Iva Bittova will be performing a solo set
June 23rd at 5pm at
NAC's Fourth Stage
Buy Tickets at $25 for the single show