Biribá Union features Grammy-winning Mike Block (cello, vocals), Grammy-nominated Christylez Bacon (beatbox, guitar, rhymes), and Patricia Ligia (electric bass, pandeiro, vocals) from Montevideo, Uruguay. Together they form a dynamic trio that blends original music with global influences, creating a fresh and accessible sound. Each member draws from their diverse backgrounds, including Brazilian, bluegrass, jazz, classical, hip-hop, folk, funk, and pop styles, synthesizing them through original compositions and songs that highlight their improvisational spontaneity and high energy stage presentation. On Saturday, Nov. 11, this internationally recognized trio arrives in Boothbay Harbor to perform at the historic Opera House.

Band leader Mike Block is a pioneering cello player, singer, composer, and educator, passionate about cross-cultural collaboration through music, and committed to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. Acclaimed by the New York Times for his "vital rich-hued solo playing,” and as “a true artist... a sight to behold” by the Salt Lake City Desert News. He’s been called “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene” by Gramophone.

Since 2005, Block has been a member of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble and has been featured as a cello and vocal soloist. Emerging as Yo-Yo Ma’s “go-to” arranger, Mr. Ma has performed and/or recorded dozens of Block’s arrangements on five continents. Mr. Ma’s 2021 album, “Notes for the Future,” features cello parts Block composed on four out of nine tracks. Block has been invited to perform as a concerto soloist with the Illinois Symphony, The Knights, China National Philharmonic (Beijing) - among others; and has collaborated in performances an recordings with Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, Bon Iver, The New York Philharmonic, Bobby McFerrin, Allison Krauss, Rhiannon Giddens, Mark O'Connor, Edgar Meyer, Julian Lage, and many others. For more information, visit www.biribaunion.com.

As an innovator, he was among the first wave of cellists to adopt a strap to stand and move while performing. Using his patented design, the Block Strap, and he was the first standing cellist to perform at Carnegie Hall, which The New York Times characterized as "breathless ... half dance, half dare."

Tickets are $20 in advance from the box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor or by calling 207-633-5159. Regular tickets are $25 and available online at boothbayoperahouse.com and at the door. Doors for seating open at 7 p.m., Biriba Union goes on stage at 7:30.