Orkes Keroncong (Kroncong Troupe) Rumput from the United States gave an excellent performance on Thursday, in the monthly Keroncong Bale concert at Balai Soedjatmo, Surakarta, Central Java. Helmed by Hannah Standiford, Rumput delivered its kroncong (Indonesian folk music) tunes with a combination of crankies, a traditional American folk art that resembles Indonesia’s wayang beber (paper shadow puppets).

The performance featured a new song called “Akar” as the background music to the American classic tale, Jack and The Beanstalk crankies show. The Akar repertoire highlighted dominant violin tunes that the kroncong exuded a thick country flair. Two three-string guitars improvised among Hannah Standiford’s vocals.

Four years into her being acquainted with kroncong, Hannah delivered an impeccable kroncong singing style as she sang Gesang’s “Caping Gunggung”. The one-hour performance, which also featured renowned kroncong musician Danis Sugiyarto, covered famous kroncong songs including “Yen Ing Tawang”, “Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama” and “Keroncong Moresko”. The show ended with the song “Walang Kekek” from kroncong legend Waldjinah

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“Thank you, Solo, for being a part of our journey after Surabaya, Jakarta, Bandung and Salatiga,” Hannah said to the audience. 

Prior to its tour in Indonesia, Rumput kroncong troupe, which hails from Richmond, Virginia, has performed in various venues in the US including the Indonesian Embassy, Cornell University, Richmond University and the Smithsonian Museum. Aside from Hannah Standiford on vocals, Rumput kroncong troupe’s members include Kyle Dizier (cuk guitar), Andy McGraw (cello), John Priestley (guitar), Natalie Quick (bass) and Paul Wilson (violin). Rumput kroncong troupe will perform for two days in Surakarta at the Solo Keroncong Festival in Benteng Vastenburg starting Friday, July 20. (asw)