Beethoven and Banjos presents Music of Madagascar
Event Description
Beethoven and Banjos is welcoming two extraordinary Malagasy musicians to the Upper Peninsula: Mikahely Razafy and David Rajaonary (Rade). Together with Laurel Premo and Evan Premo, they will create a program that brings these musical worlds together — Mikahely on valiha, guitar and voice, Rade on bass, Laurel on banjo and fiddle, and Evan on double bass. Mikahely’s music is deeply rooted in Madagascar. He sings primarily in Malagasy and plays the valiha, a traditional Malagasy instrument made from bamboo, with strings running around the outside of the cylindrical body — almost like a harp wrapped around a piece of bamboo. Its sound is shimmering and beautiful, and the rhythms in Mikahely’s music are absolutely infectious. Mikahely is a wonderful communicator about Malagasy spirituality, nature, and our relationship with the living world.
Detailed information about the musicians can be found at: https://www.northwoodsmusiccollaborative.org/beethoven-and-banjos
Things to know
DATE | Saturday, October 10, 2026
TIMES | 7:30 p.m.
SEATING BEGINS | 7 p.m.
LOCATION | McArdle Theatre
EST. RUN TIME | TBD
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($25 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)
CONTENT GUIDANCE | None
Event Sponsors
Northwoods Music Collaborative
Michigan Arts and Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts
About the Host
Northwoods Music Collaborative (NMC) is a nonprofit organization that uses music and healing arts to stimulate, inspire, and educate communities throughout the Northwoods region. Its mission focuses on presenting innovative and accessible performances, providing music education and community outreach, creating new artistic work inspired by the region, supporting artists, and collaborating with community partners.
Key Programs and Activities
• Beethoven & Banjos: NMC's signature program, blending classical, folk, and traditional music through performances, workshops, school residencies, and community engagement activities. Programs are offered on an affordable or "pay what you can" basis to maximize accessibility.
• School and Youth Education Programs: Music education initiatives that reach students across the western Upper Peninsula and other Northwoods communities through assemblies, workshops, and artist residencies.
• Community Outreach & Healing Arts: Collaborative projects that use music as a tool for connection, wellness, and creative expression, often delivered in partnership with local organizations.
• The Lullaby Project: A partnership program that helps participants create and share original lullabies, strengthening family connections and fostering personal expression through music.
• Artist Workshops & Traditional Arts Programming: Educational workshops featuring acclaimed musicians, dancers, and tradition bearers, helping preserve and celebrate regional and cultural music traditions.
• New Artistic Creation: Development and presentation of original interdisciplinary works, combining music, storytelling, film, and community engagement.
Plan your Visit
Rozsa Box Office Information(opens in a new tab)
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Date
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and connected community through experiences that bring the Keweenaw together.
Located on Michigan Technological University's campus in Houghton, Michigan, the 80,000-square-foot arts center's design is inspired by the inclined look of the local copper mine hoists and shaft houses inside and out.
Event spaces include the Rozsa Lobby, James and Margaret Black Performance Hall, Rozsa Backstage, Rozsa Art Galleries, and McArdle Theatre.
As the largest theater in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Rozsa dramatically expands the region’s access to large-scale performing arts events including Broadway tours, ballet, cirque, music, and more.