Formosan Groove - Emerging Artist Mondays

Formosan Groove, a contemporary fusion project led by Washington, D.C.–based Taiwanese artist Shin-Yi Lee (also known as Rufusion), takes the stage at Blues Alley as part of the Emerging Artist Mondays series. The project reimagines classic Taiwanese traditional songs through groove-driven arrangements that blend jazz harmony, global rhythms, electronic textures, and traditional Asian instruments such as the erhu. Lee began developing the concept during the COVID-19 lockdown, experimenting with keyboard grooves and rhythmic reinterpretations, eventually securing official rearrangement permissions from the original copyright holders. The resulting album, *Formosan Groove*, presents instrumental works that celebrate Taiwanese musical heritage while making it accessible to global audiences. In a distinctive touch, many Formosan Groove concerts extend the cultural experience beyond music by offering audiences a taste of braised napa cabbage (Pèh-Tshài-Lóo), a beloved Taiwanese dish that symbolizes the slow blending of simple ingredients into something harmonious—mirroring the project’s musical approach. This event is co-presented with the Taiwan Culture Center of Great Washington D.C.

When: Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Seating is first come, first served.

Showtimes: One performance at 7:00 PM.

Tickets: $25 per person, plus $7 in fees. A $15 food and beverage minimum per person is required and is not included in the ticket price. All sales are final; no refunds or transfers.

Lineup: Formosan Groove, led by Shin-Yi Lee (keyboards, electronic textures), with additional musicians on erhu and rhythm section.

Run time: Not specified in the listing.

Ages: Not specified; likely all ages, but check with venue for any restrictions.

Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Note: No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Patrons are asked to keep conversation to a minimum. Seating is first come, first served; doors open at 6:00 PM for the 7:00 PM show. The $15 food/beverage minimum is separate from the ticket price and must be met.