Formosan Groove - Emerging Artist Mondays
Formosan Groove is a contemporary fusion project led by Washington, D.C.–based Taiwanese artist Shin-Yi Lee, also known as Rufusion. The music reworks traditional Taiwanese songs through jazz harmony, global rhythms, electronic textures, groove-focused arrangements, and traditional Asian instruments, including erhu and keyboards.
Lee began developing the project during the COVID-19 lockdown, experimenting with rhythmic reinterpretations of traditional melodies. The project grew through collaborations and open jam sessions into an exploration of groove as a universal language connecting musicians and audiences across cultures. After obtaining rearrangement permissions from the original copyright holders, Lee created instrumental versions that honor Taiwanese musical heritage while presenting it through improvisation and contemporary soundscapes.
The event also draws inspiration from the Taiwanese dish braised napa cabbage, or Pèh-Tshài-Lóo, reflecting the way simple ingredients can combine into something comforting and harmonious. Some Formosan Groove performances include the opportunity to taste the dish and receive a traditional grandmother’s recipe to try at home.
When: November 2
Showtimes: The event listing specifies a 7:00 PM performance. The venue’s Monday-through-Saturday schedule notes doors opening at 6:00 PM for the first show and 8:45 PM for the second.
Tickets: $25, plus a $7 fee
Additional Cost: A $15 food-and-beverage minimum per person applies and is not included in the ticket price.
Lineup: Formosan Groove, led by Shin-Yi Lee, also known as Rufusion. The project features erhu, keyboards, rhythm-centered arrangements, electronic textures, and global musical influences.
Presented By: Blues Alley, in co-presentation with the Taiwan Academy and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Food and Music: Depending on the performance arrangements, guests may have the opportunity to taste braised napa cabbage and learn about the traditional recipe that inspired the project.
Ticket Policy: Sales are final; tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Seating: Seating is first come, first served at the door.
Photography and Recording: Photography and recording are not permitted during the performance.
Audience Etiquette: Guests are asked to keep conversation to a minimum while the music is being performed.