Enjoy a taste of Bali when Tunas Mekar, under the direction of I Made Lasmawan, presents the famed Topeng Pajegan Masked Dances of Bali with very special guest Balinese dancer I Nyoman Wenten, at the intimate Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge in Denver, Colorado.

The topeng of Bali is a masked drama which dates back to the 9th century. In topeng pajegan, a display of solo dramatic virtuosity, a single dancer/actor dons a series of carved and painted wooden masks depicting contrasting characters from the distant past, and tells a story that ties the ancient world to the world of the present.

Experience…an ancient King and his trusted servant, an aging warrior whose movements have been slowed by time, and a series of comical village characters acting out a story as old as the idea of the village itself, but one that addresses those topics of greatest concern in the here and now. In the words and actions of the dancer portraying the bondresan (the 'comic villagers'), the contemporary Balinese experience the highest levels of humor, drama and cosmic power, and feel that they have had a meeting with their own past.

Also on the program are traditional instrumental and dance pieces featuring guest dancers Ni Ketut Marni and Luh Made Didik Dwi Wahyuni. This evening's performance will feature the traditional gamelan angklung instruments.

ABOUT DAZZLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGEV

Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge presents an authentic Jazz Club experience unlike anything in Colorado. Dazzle itself on the high quality of service, food, and drink while providing an intimate showcase of local, national, and international musicians. Named “One of the Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World” by Downbeat magazine and “Best Jazz Club” by Westword, Dazzle strives to be a positive and unique part of the Denver community.

This performance is the first in a series of World Music nights being presented at Dazzle. For more information, visit Dazzle's website.