No matter what you call it

Is there a form of just American music? “Not really,” says Keith Bohm, co-director of Sacramento State’s Festival of New American Music, or FeNAM. The 10-day festival doesn’t follow a specific form, either; there are lectures and performances and classes. FeNAM is dedicated to composer Arthur Jarvinen, who died October 2, and was supposed to be the keynote speaker and a featured performer with his band, TempWerks. Instead, guest composer Rand Steiger will give the festival-opening keynote November 4, at noon, on Jarvinen’s life.

One of the highlights of FeNAM 2010 is the Ahn Trio. The sisters—Angella Ahn (violin), Lucia (piano) and Maria (cello)—have been praised as much for their innovative music as their cutting-edge sense of fashion. The Julliard-trained Korean-American sisters will play Monday, November 8, at 8 p.m.

Another unique performer is Zoe Keating. The classically trained cellist took years to develop her style by using foot pedals to control layers of sound through a laptop. Keating will perform Saturday, November 8, at 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

The following week will feature some older music. Saturday, November 13, will see two harpsichord recitals on the same day: one by Faythe Vollrath, the other by Jory Vinikour, who is known as one of the best modern harpsichordists.

In this festival—whether it’s rock, classical or jazz—genres seem to lose meaning. Blended together, it’s a celebration of all American music, no matter what you call it.

Sacramento State’s Festival of New American Music takes place from November 4 to November 14, in various locations. Admission is free for all events. (916) 278-5155, www.csus.edu/music/fenam.