Groove& opened the night, presenting their “new dimension Gugak sounds.” Their performance was a vibrant fusion of traditional Korean music and dance, brought to life through an array of Korean percussion instruments and occasional vocals. The trio’s synergy was remarkable; their intricate and intense compositions flowed seamlessly, as if played by a single entity. From start to finish, the audience was completely engrossed, aided by the trio’s insightful explanations of the music’s origins and the instruments’ cultural significance.

Following Groove& was the equally impressive yonglee & The Doltang. This quintet’s work draws inspiration from the complexities and pressures of modern life, translated into a dynamic and versatile set. Their compositions spanned a broad spectrum of musical influences, at times abstract, at times melodic, and frequently challenging in their complexity.