The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents innovative Korean fusion band GONIA Performance Group for the first OnStage Korea performance of 2025! GONIA will showcase their unique blend of Korean traditional music and jazz fusion in a free concert at Capital One Hall’s The Vault.

GONIA is a distinctive “K-jazz” fusion group combining percussion and vocals rooted in Korean traditional music with guitar and bass musicians who have extensive jazz experience. Their music, though a simple combination on paper, is surprisingly captivating in practice. The energetic interplay of bass lines over the rhythms of the traditional Korean Janggu percussion instrument, vibrant improvisations on guitar, and the expressive stage presence of the traditional vocalist has left audiences mesmerized both in Korea and internationally. GONIA has performed at prominent world music festivals including Seoul Music Week, England’s English Folk Expo, Morocco’s Visa for Music, Chile’s Fluvial Festival, and Denmark’s Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Their international tours and festival appearances have earned them critical acclaim and a growing global fan base.

A Tension is GONIA's 60-minute performance that immerses audiences in a dynamic soundscape where Korean traditional and creative music converge. This tour features four talented members: Minsung Kim (Bass), Hyunjeong Kim (Janggu), Youjung Lee (Vocal), and Hyungtaek Kim (Guitar).

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the vibrant fusion of Korean tradition and modern jazz in a captivating live performance. Join us for an unforgettable evening with GONIA to kick off the On Stage Korea 2025!

2025 OnStage Korea: GONIA Performance Group

Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 7:00pm

Venue: The Vault at Capital One Hall

7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102

RSVP UPDATE:

This event has reached full capacity and is no longer accepting additional RSVPs. We appreciate your understanding. Walk-in guests may still be admitted if space is available, but please note that admission and seating cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you at future events! 

About the Performers

GONIA (고니아) Performance Group is a unique quartet that pioneers an original genre called “K-Jazz” by blending traditional Korean rhythms with modern jazz. Through musical experimentation and cultural fusion, they showcase both artistic innovation and the depth of Korean culture.

The group creatively combines traditional Korean rhythmic patterns such as Gutgeori, Jajinmori, and Hwimori with jazz improvisation, forging a new musical language that offers fresh and captivating experiences to audiences both in Korea and internationally. At the heart of GONIA’s sound is the Janggu, a traditional Korean hourglass-shaped drum. This iconic double-sided instrument transcends percussion and serves as a vital medium to express a distinct Korean rhythmic identity within jazz.

GONIA’s dynamic bass performances, brilliant guitar improvisations, and the traditional vocalist’s expressive stage presence have impressed audiences worldwide. Their 2020 album A Tension, received widespread critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Crossover Album at the Korean Music Awards, demonstrating the group’s musical excellence and originality. The group has performed at major international music festivals such as Seoul Music Week (Korea), English Folk Expo (UK), Visa for Music (Morocco), Fluvial (Chile), and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Denmark), earning positive reviews and promoting Korean cultural music on the global stage.

Members

Hyungtaek Kim (Leader / Guitar)

Minsung Kim (Bass)

Hyunjeong Kim (Janggu)

Youjung Lee (Vocals)

Yuri Jeong (Producer)

Performance History

Seoul Music Week (Korea) — 2018, 2019

Journey to Korean Music (Korea) — 2019

Japan Tour (Japan) — 2019

Colombia & Costa Rica Tour — 2021

Hidden Kingdom World Music Festival (Bhutan) — 2021

Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Denmark) — 2022

Aarhus Jazz Festival (Denmark) — 2022

English Folk Expo (UK) — 2023

Visa for Music (Morocco) — 2023

Fluvial Festival & Chile Tour (Chile) — 2023

About the Program

GONIA’s 2020 album A Tension showcases their innovative blend of traditional Korean rhythms and modern jazz improvisation. The album highlights the dynamic interplay between the janggu drum, bass, and guitar, creating a fresh sound that bridges cultural and musical boundaries. Recognized for its originality and artistry, A Tension was nominated for Best Crossover Album at the Korean Music Awards, cementing GONIA’s reputation as pioneers of the K-Jazz genre. Run Time: 60 minutes.

A Tension, 7:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu)

Daseureum, 5:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu)

Green Bee, 4:50 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu)

Deongideok, 4:40 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu)

Goeum, 5:10 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)

Dancing the Fan Dance, 3:20 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)

Baeksong, 4:30 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu)

Penance, 5:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu)

Sirirung, 3:30 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)

Baedal Song, 4:20 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)

East Sea, 3:00 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)

Ongheya, 3:30 (Guitar, Bass, Janggu, Vocal)

About OnStage Korea

OnStage Korea presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. seeks to discover brilliant Korean and Korean-inspired artists and groups performing around the world, giving them an opportunity to showcase their creativity on stage for the American public in the Capital region. The program also fosters international cultural exchange by expanding the visibility of Korean performing arts and artists in mainstream America. Featuring a diverse range of new artists each year, OnStage Korea presents unique, exceptional performances free to the public in and around Washington, D.C.