Formosan Groove - Emerging Artist Mondays
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington DC 20007
Monday, November 2, 9:30PM
Formosan Groove
Formosan Groove is a contemporary fusion music project led by Washington, D.C.–based Taiwanese artist Shin-Yi Lee, also known as Rufusion. Rooted in classic Taiwanese traditional songs, the project reimagines familiar melodies through groove-driven arrangements that blend jazz harmony, global rhythms, electronic textures, and traditional Asian instruments. Growing up in Taiwan, Lee was deeply aware that Taiwanese music was often associated with nostalgia and emotional heaviness. While honoring that legacy, she sought to explore another direction — one that emphasizes rhythm, energy, and musical dialogue. The project began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Lee spent time experimenting with keyboard grooves and rhythmic reinterpretations of traditional melodies. What started as personal exploration gradually evolved into a full creative vision. Through years of collaboration and open jam sessions, Lee discovered that groove functions as a universal musical language that connects musicians and audiences across cultural boundaries. Out of respect for the cultural origins of these songs, Lee spent several years securing official rearrangement permissions from the original copyright holders. The resulting album, Formosan Groove, presents instrumental reinterpretations featuring erhu, keyboards, and rhythm-centered textures. By blending tradition with improvisation and modern soundscapes, Formosan Groove invites audiences to experience Taiwanese musical heritage in a fresh, vibrant, and globally accessible way. Formosan Groove also celebrates the connection between music and everyday life. Inspired by the beloved Taiwanese dish braised napa cabbage (Pèh-Tshài-Lóo), the project reflects how simple ingredients, slowly cooked together, can become something comforting and harmonious — much like Taiwanese melodies blending with modern textures. Many Formosan Groove concerts extend this idea beyond listening, giving audiences the opportunity to taste braised napa cabbage during the event. We also share a traditional grandmother's recipe for braised napa cabbage, inviting listeners to cook, taste, and enjoy the music and the food simultaneously.
Co-Presented with the Taiwan Academy, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively Monday thru Saturday, and 4:30 PM & 7:15 PM Sundays.
4. No Photography or Recording of any kind during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.