Ali Stambayev
Ali is a Kazakh musician who relies on traditional music as a solace and a way to stay connected with his homeland. Ali’s performances highlight the vast history and numerous styles of Kazakh livelihood, and he finds joy in sharing them with wider audiences.
Ruslan Girfanov
Ruslan Girfanov is a Tatar–Bashkir dancer and choreographer with over 30 years of experience in dance. Born in Ufa, in the Republic of Bashkortostan, he was raised within both Tatar and Bashkir cultural traditions, which continue to influence his artistic work. He creates original choreographies inspired by the vibrant spirit of Tatar folk dance, occasionally incorporating elements of Bashkir dance traditions. His performances reflect a multicultural identity through movement, color, and rhythm. In addition to folk dance, Ruslan has experience in various world dance styles, including classical ballroom, which adds depth and versatility to his performances.
Yulia Shipulina
Yulia Shipulina is a dancer from Portland, Oregon, originally from Russia. With a foundation in traditional dance training, she blends international folk dances with modern styles. She has performed at festivals in Portland and Seattle, including Sabantuy, International Kids Festiva, Newroz, Yalda Night, and various Indian and Afghan cultural events. She hopes to create an international folk dance group for children, teaching dance through culture and tradition.
Evren’s Art & Music Collective
Evren’s Art & Music Collective is an ensemble dedicated to the performance and preservation of Istanbul classical modal music and traditional arts. For this program, the ensemble will present a composition by Gazi Giray Han II, reflecting the musical exchange between Bakhchysarai, Crimea and Ottoman Istanbul in 16th century, where strong cultural and artistic connections shaped a shared stylistic tradition.
Enes Evren is a master of classical percussion (usul) and the ney (reed flute), with over two decades of training and performance under distinguished masters. He specializes in complex forms of the classical repertoire, including Mevlevi Ayin. He has performed internationally with specialized ensembles, appeared on Turkish National Television (TRT), and contributed to documentaries, albume recordings, and scholarly publications. He also served as co-art-director of the internationally recognized Konya Mystic Music Festival. He holds a Master’s degree in Art History.
Fatih Evren studied tanbur and kudum under master musicians, focusing on the performance practices of Istanbul classical modal music. He has also studied classical and folk traditions from Istanbul, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia. He has studied music history in conservatory. He has performed with international ensembles and appeared in music documentaries.
Kerem Onat
Kerem is a Seattle-based musician, cultural event organizer, and creative director of Umay’s Children. He enjoys playing the oud and piano and is dedicated to studying and preserving global ethnic music, with a particular focus on traditions from underrepresented communities. As an amateur multi-instrumentalist, he explores the unique textures of regional folk instruments, aiming to create cross-cultural musical narratives. He seeks to share lesser-known cultural traditions with audiences in the Pacific Northwest and to help foster a sense of community through the universal language of music.
Umay's Children 