Tom Teasley

Dong Xi is a musical project born out of a collaboration between world percussionist Tom Teasley and Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian. The name "Dong Xi" translates to "East West" in Chinese, symbolizing the blending of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Their work emphasizes the beauty of improvisation, seamlessly combining the delicate sounds of the Chinese dulcimer with a diverse range of percussion instruments. This fusion creates a unique and captivating musical dialogue between the two artists. The duo's music is both innovative and expressive, highlighting their cultural exchange and shared passion for music. One of their notable achievements is the release of their debut album, "Out of the Blue", in 2019. They have also had the privilege of traveling to China for a teaching residency and cultural exchange, further solidifying their commitment to bridging musical worlds. Dong Xi's performances are mesmerizing, taking place in various venues across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Michigan. Their unique sound has not gone unnoticed; in 2020, they received the WAMMIE Award for Best World Music Artist/Group, a testament to their artistic excellence and contribution to the world music scene. For more about their musical journey and upcoming performances, visit Music from Poplar Hill. You can also enjoy one of their mesmerizing performances in the video Dong Xi - "Breaking Away" on YouTube, available here.