Concert: River Full of Fruit
River Full of Fruit celebrates the release of “Only the Earth,” the ensemble’s third EP, with opening performances by Maya Keren and Maisie Goodnight. Led by guzheng player and songwriter Salina Kuo, River Full of Fruit blends freak-folk songwriting, experimental textures, improvisation, and traditions from around the world in an all-acoustic setting.
The new EP moves from a meditative atmosphere into reflections on depression, shame, and the effects of generational trauma. Kuo, who taught herself the Chinese guzheng, uses unconventional techniques alongside airy vocal lines and a band featuring cello, violin, acoustic guitar, accordion, and guzheng. The recording received support from the Leeway Foundation’s Art and Change grant.
When: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Showtimes: 8–9:30 PM
Venue: Black Box Theater, Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 on the day of the show
Run time: 90 minutes
Headliner: River Full of Fruit, a freak-folk ensemble led by guzhengist and songwriter Salina Kuo
Lineup: Salina Kuo on guzheng and vocals, Alyssa Almeida on cello, Sam Xiao Cody on violin, Mason McAvoy on acoustic guitar, and Asia Mieleszko on accordion
Opening acts: Maya Keren and Maisie Goodnight
Maya Keren: A Brooklyn-based songwriter, improviser, and educator who plays piano, guitar, and sings. Originally from Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, Keren grew up performing in choirs and studying jazz piano in the Philadelphia area, including through Anthony Tidd’s Creative Music Program. Keren later studied with Sumi Tonooka, Kris Davis, and Angelica Sanchez, and has released the albums “Blebba Grows” (2023) and “Slow Burn” (2026). Keren also writes music for the band Careful In The Sun, whose debut album is scheduled for late 2026.
Maisie Goodnight: A Philadelphia-based puppeteer, art teacher, and organizer of puppetry gatherings. Their work focuses on making puppetry more connected and accessible, using play and self-expression to explore collective liberation and people’s intersections. Goodnight has recently performed at Nasty Brutish and Short, A Rafter of Crankies, Puppets in Portland, and Mortal Coil: Kensington Crankie Festival, and teaches puppetry, parade, and toy-making seasonally in Philadelphia.
Note: No age restriction or event-specific accessibility information is provided.