July 24-Aug. 2, 2026

ERDEM & FRIENDS

Immersive Soundscapes

Thurs. July 31 // 7-8pm // KANEKO

“Like a movie, but just with sound.” Turkish composer and electronic artist Erdem Helvacioglu invites audiences into an immersive world of sound. Known for transforming guitar lines and prepared piano into hypnotic rhythmic structures, Erdem will collaborate live with festival artists for a one-of-a-kind improvisational set unlike anything you’ve heard before.

–or anything you’ve seen. This unique event will take place in the Bowtruss of the iconic KANEKO, in the midst of large sculptural works from artist Bruce Beasley. In this exciting new partnership between Crossroads and KANEKO, we strive to fulfill KANEKO’s mission of exploring the creative process, and promoting freedom in creativity and imagination. It promises to be an experience to remember.

RSVP HERE!

Co-presented by:

Featuring:

Portrait of composer and sound designer Erdem Helvacıoğlu

Erdem Helvacıoğlu

Internationally recognized composer and sound artist Erdem Helvacıoğlu makes his Crossroads debut this season, bringing a rich background in electroacoustic music, film scoring, and genre-defying

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Erik Higgins holding a double bass bow in a black coat, standing against a gray background

Erik Higgins

Lincoln native and double bassist Erik Higgins is the founder and Artistic Director of the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival, where his globally inspired musical vision

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Kinan Azmeh's headshot

Kinan Azmeh

Clarinetist, composer, and improviser Kinan Azmeh—this year’s Guest Curator for the 2025 Festival—brings a genre-bending voice shaped by global collaborations and deep musical storytelling. Born

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Flutist Marie Sønderskov in soft lighting, holding her flute while gazing thoughtfully to the side

Marie Sønderskov

Flutist and composer Marie Sønderskov returns to the Crossroads Festival with her signature blend of sound exploration, extended techniques, and cross-genre collaboration. A frequent festival

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Violinist Olga Smola in a black lace dress holding a violin and bow, smiling in front of a grey background

Olga Smola

Olga Smola is a founding artist and Executive Director of the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival. A globally touring violinist and UNO professor, she blends classical,

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