The Ixtlan Artists Group is an eclectic ensemble of traditional and more contemporary artists from Europe and the Americas. The Celtic traditions of the British Isles are nowhere better represented than by Boys of the Lough, and the lesser known Celtic music of Northern Spain can be experienced through Llan de Cubel. Harmonia gives us the European traditions of Gypsy music and music of the Balkans, and Brave Old World gives us programs of Jewish culture and history. Through his songs, Tommy Sands tells us of the struggles and joys of his native Northern Ireland, and the American folk tradition is shared with us by Sally Rogers.

Particularly exciting are the music and dance ensembles of the first peoples of the Americas. As both solo flutist and Hoop Dancer, and as part of The Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble, Kevin Locke tells us the stories of life of the Plains Indians, how their art was reflected in their everyday rituals and the connection they felt to the land and their brother animals.

A more contemporary interpretation of the traditional arts is offered through the artistry of Peter Ostroushko. Peter is the rare combination of composer and revered multi-instrumentalist (mandolin and violin). His compositions speak to the American landscape at the Heart of the Heartland, while his performances range musically from Ireland to Brazil to Americana to his own Ukrainian heritage.

We are delighted to expand our efforts to help Presenters 'bring your audience the world' with newly added artist Babatunde Lea. Babatunde Lea’s jazz percussion conjures up the ancient spiritual traditions rooted in the depths of Africa and spread out across the African Diaspora of the modern age.

Please enjoy browsing our web site, where we are sure you will find artists capable of dazzling your audiences with critically-acclaimed performance skills, as well as artists who have the ability to make your audiences think new thoughts through the experience of cultural diversity that is that is entertaining, educational and meaningful.

IXTLAN – Most people stumble at first on the pronunciation of the name. There are probably several accurate ways, so we've simplified it, made it pretty easy. Although the "t" is pronounced, it goes by as fast as the fingers on Peter Ostroushko's violin, so you might just as well consider it silent. It's just IX. And the "a" in LAN is pronounced like the "a" in the word wand, as in magic wand. We like to think there's a little magic in all of our artists' performances and educational programs. Ixtlan.

IXTLAN – Like performers Inca Son and The Kevin Locke Trio, Ixtlan comes from the Americas. It's an ancient Toltec word. There are in fact three real cities in Mexico that bear the name: Ixtlan del Rio, Ixtlan de Juarez, and Ixtlan de los Hervores. But we prefer to think of Ixtlan as a mythical city that each of us journeys to in many ways, including the arts, especially through music and dance. It's a place of longing that can only be approached by traveling beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of our lives, to the higher responsibilities we understand by participating in the artist's world. Ixtlan.