Concert: River Full of Fruit, Maya Keren, Maisie Goodnight at Asian Arts Initiative – Philadelphia, PA

River Full of Fruit is a freak-folk ensemble, led by guzhengist/songwriter Salina Kuo. “Only the Earth,” RFOF’s third EP, instantly lulls listeners into a meditative state, before reflecting on depression, shame, and the effects of living with generational trauma. Self-taught on the ancient Chinese zither, Kuo recontextualizes the guzheng using nontraditional playing techniques; airy, wandering vocal melodies reminiscent of 60s western fem songwriters; textural improvisation; and an all-acoustic ensemble of musicians inspired by various world folk traditions. Through collaboration, Alyssa Almeida (cello), Sam Xiao Cody (violin), Mason McAvoy (acoustic guitar), Asia Mieleszko (accordion), and Salina Kuo breathe contemporary spirit into familiar sounds. “Only the Earth” is supported in part by the Leeway Foundation’s Art and Change grant.

Maya Keren is a songwriter, improviser, and educator based in Brooklyn. They play piano, guitar, and sing. They are interested in music as a way to access the numinous: the feeling of being close to God, tuned into the lower frequencies, following the way. Originally from Wyndmoor, PA, Maya grew up singing in choirs and playing jazz piano around Philly (notably, through Anthony Tidd’s Creative Music Program.) In college, Maya went on to study with Sumi Tonooka, Kris Davis, and Angelica Sanchez, before returning to songwriting as their primary practice. Maya has self-released two albums of songs which they recorded and produced: Blebba Grows (2023) and Slow Burn (2026), which Bill Frisell described as “music that gives me hope.” Maya also writes loops and songs for their band Careful In The Sun (with Emmanuel Michael, Anna Abondolo, and Eliza Salem,) who will release their debut LP in late 2026 with Squama Recordings.

Maisie Goodnight is a Philadelphia-based puppeteer, art teacher, and puppetry gathering organizer who works to make puppetry more connected and accessible. They have performed most recently at Nasty Brutish and Short, A Rafter of Crankies, Puppets in Portland, and Mortal Coil: Kensington Crankie Festival. Maisie seasonally teaches puppetry, parade, and toy-making in Philly with a focus on disrupting our day to day with play and self expression, and calling us in to our intersections for feeding our collective liberation.