Tuva is part of the Russian Federation, a high elevation steppe basin, in parts habited by snow leopards. It's North of Mongolia, very isolated. It was the subject of a book, Tuva or Bust, about the ten year quest, ultimately futile, by noted Nobel-winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman to travel there as a challenge to his high school geography teacher. Blocked by the Soviet bureaucracy, Feynman died of cancer before the visas finally issued.
Tuva is also known for its beautiful and strange throat singing. Extremely difficult to master, throat singing requires singing the fundamental note while simultaneously manipulating harmonic notes established by resonances in the lungs, throat and nasal passages. Portland musician and cultural force Enrique Ugalde, performing as Soriah, has studied throat singing in Tuva. He has recontextualized the ancient technique into contemporary performance as a soloist and generous collaborator.
He is traveling there this summer to deepen his studies. To travel to the ends of the earth requires funds, so Enrique is throwing his own "Tuva or Bust" fundraising performance. He will perform along with In Gowan Ring, Ocelli, and Jen Folker. 1936 North Alberta 8PM
