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:
Aisslinn Nosky
Aisslinn Nosky returns to Nebraska Crossroads in 2026 as a featured soloist in the award-winning La Folia Global Project
Emmanuel Hovhannisyan
World renowned Duduk virtuoso Emmanuel Hovhannisyan returns to the Crossroads Music Festival for his third appearance.
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
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
Gabe Shuford
Harpsichordist Gabe Shuford joins the La Folia Global Project in his Crossroads Debut during the 2026 Festival.
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
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
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,
Sandeep Das
Sandeep Das returns for his third Crossroads appearance with his virtuosic and multi-faceted music-making.
Valeri Tolstov
Valeri Tolstov returns as a guest composer to for the 2026 Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival with works featured in multiple festival performances.