The Creative Alliance<\/a> hosts hundreds of events each year in their home next to Patterson Park. From film to music, galas to receptions, and drinks in their Marquee Lounge to artist residencies – they literally have something for everyone. I encourage you to find out more about their excellent programming, like Fishtank Ensemble and Sac Au Lait, and join them in the fun.<\/p>\n Sac Au Lait<\/a> came right out of the gate with a bright, brassy sound from Frank Donn<\/strong> (trumpet), Rich Howard<\/strong> (trombone), and John Dierker<\/strong> (clarinet). Their m\u00e9lange of Dixieland, swing, and big band styles had toes tapping right away. Although it took a few brave souls to start the trend, there were plenty of pleated chinos strutting around the dance floor by the end of their set. Donn, Howard, and Dierker played exuberantly with their fellow band mates: Frank Patinella<\/strong> (banjo), Alan Munshower<\/strong> (string bass), David Polimene<\/strong> (drums). I would have loved to hear a bit more \u201csnap\u201d in the wrist from Polimene when the brass and clarinet got hot, especially when Dierker really gets going to propel the rhythmic intensity as well as the harmonic. Overall, Sac Au Lait is a really fun band that I will definitely be seeking out at their regular gigs at Joe Squared in Station North<\/a>.<\/p>\n The headliner of the evening, Fishtank Ensemble<\/strong>, hails from Los Angeles but brings with them an international sound that extends from Serbian, Romanian, and Transylvanian gypsy melodies to Flamenco to totally unique swing styles.\u00a0 The four-piece ensemble has obvious extensive training and\/or experience in world folk music. ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.studiomathewes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/201104_SacAuLait-01-baltimore-fells-point-live-music.jpg\" "\\"Sac")
<\/a>![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.fishtankensemble.com\/photos\/fishtank-ensemble-hires2.jpg\" "\\"Fishtank")
<\/a>Ursula Knudson<\/strong>, the band\u2019s front woman, kicked off their set with an unexpected fusion of a Baroque aria with rockabilly accompaniment from Djordje Stijepovic<\/strong> (bass) and Douglas \u201cdouje\u201d Smolens<\/strong> (guitar). Stijepovic is considered the best slap bass player in the world and seeing him live leaves me no arguments otherwise. \u00a0If I thought their first piece was surprising, that was just the start of the rest of their innovative combinations and melodies. Fishtank Ensemble cycled through a wealth of tunes that got the crowd back out on the dance floor and releasing their inhibitions to the music. \u00a0Some particular favorites were \u201cPena Andaluz\u201d, \u201cOpa Opa\u201d, and their spicy version of \u201cFever\u201d featuring Knudson and Stijepovic. Fabrice Martinez<\/strong>, their French violinist who voyaged around all of Europe in a handmade mule-drawn caravan for ten years, collecting music and experiences, is a force on stage. His intense folk style and harmonic language on violin adds so many dimensions to the ensemble\u2019s mutual sound.<\/p>\n