The Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet brought beautiful sounds to life at the historic Blacksmith Shop on Saturday night.

Saturday night’s performance by Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet at the Blacksmith shop in Manchester was a delight to the senses.

Featuring Dave Sharp on bass and synthesizer, Mike List on percussion, Henrik Karapetyan on violin, and Igor Houwat playing the oud (a string instrument largely known only to “the most adventurous musicians,” according to Vintage Guitar magazine), the group played well into the evening, mesmerizing the nearly-full audience with original compositions and tunes from around the world, especially the near East. The unique blend of sounds, tempos, and talents, all combined to provide a surprising and enjoyable concert.

Sharp was introduced to world music by a friend and in addition to his eponymous quartet, he also plays with several other bands in the Ann Arbor area and beyond. He is also a composer, music educator, and producer.

The popular Blacksmith series, now in its third year, is generously sponsored by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Arts Alliance. It has generated appreciative audiences monthly from September-May. From traditional strings, to folk, and last weekend’s world music, the series will feature two more concerts this spring. On April 28, the blacksmith shop will host faculty and teen talent from Manchester’s own Cultural Art Strings (CAS) program, which continues to grow and attract new young musicians. On May 26, the “Dodworth Duo” of Elizabeth Mitchell and Ted Badgerow will return to Manchester, bringing some classic American music to round out the season. Performances begin at 7:30 pm, tickets are just $15, and admission includes a sampling of foods from local eateries.

The Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization is seeking sponsorships for individual concerts in the coming year.

“We cannot continue the series with such high-caliber performers without financial commitments from the community,” says board member Aileen Rohwer. “We are very grateful for the support we have received from the AAACF, MCACA, and Arts Alliance, but local sponsorships can help us to secure additional grant money from even larger entities.”

Individuals and businesses who may be interested in sponsoring a concert for the 2018-19 season (with lineup to be announced soon!) are invited to contact info@riverfolkarts.org.

For the summer, of course, the Riverfolk organization is happy to announce that its famous Gazebo Concert series will return on Thursdays, beginning June 14 at 7 pm. The series will continue weekly during the summer, with subsequent concerts starting at 7:30 pm, and skipping the week of the Manchester Community Fair, through August 9.

Great music, brought to the community locally, needs your support! We look forward to seeing you at a concert soon.

Dave Sharp Quartet includes Sharp on bass and synthesizer, Mike List on percussion, Henrik Karapetyan on violin, and Igor Houwat playing the oud.