The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble was planning an in-person visit to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) when the pandemic hit. Their visit is temporarily on hold, but Buskaid - A Musical Miracle: Brilliant Baroque to Cool Kwela! is a series of five on-demand concerts providing a wonderful introduction to this inspiring musical group.

Jersey Arts producer Susan Wallner talks to Marc Uys, the executive director of the PSO (and a South African native), and to Julian Grant, a composer and Princeton resident, about a transformative visit they made to the Buskaid School in South Africa in 2019. The upcoming concerts feature Buskaid-trained soloists performing classical, pop, and uniquely South African music. Beginning January 29-31, the Buskaid concerts will be released every month through May 2021.

Photos in header (clockwise from top left): Buskaid Music School 2019; Tiisetso Mashishi - Viola CREDIT Graham De Lacy; Marc Uys, Rosemary Nalden, Buskaid representative, Julian Grant; Buskaid Ensemble busk linder CREDIT Graham De Lacy; Melvyn Tan - Pianist - Buskaid Ensemble CREDIT Graham De Lacy

 

COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Anything at All" by Dave Vargo

Asbury Park hero Dave Vargo will drop his fourth album, "Ghost Towns" on March 27. The first single, "Anything at All," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 02/05/2026

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from February 3-9, 2026

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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 2/2/26