MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Northern Nights Series at Northern Michigan University will present a performance by the Tuvan throat-singing trio, Alash. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at NMU EZ Ticket outlets or at www.nmu.edu/tickets. Prices are as follows: students/kids, $5 advance/$6 door; NMU staff/faculty/seniors 60+, $13/$15; and general public, $18 advance/$20 door.

The group is named for the Alash River, which runs through the northwestern region of Tuva, a tiny republic in the heart of Central Asia. The ancient art of throat singing developed among the nomadic herdsmen of this region. Alash remains grounded in this tradition while expanding its musical vocabulary with new ideas from the West.

Both the Alash ensemble and individual members have consistently won top honors in throat singing competitions. In addition, all members play in the Tuvan National Orchestra, which has won both first prize and grand prize in the the All-Russia National Orchestra and Ensemble Competition.

Members of Alash work across musical genres. They have collaborated with such diverse groups as the innovative jazz ensemble Sun Ra Arkestra, the bluegrass/fusion/jazz band Béla Fleck and Flecktones and the classical Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Student Producers Program.

This performance is funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. It is part of NMU's Uniting Neighbors in the Experience of Diversity (UNITED) Conference.