What do you get when you cross a quartet of traditional Chinese plucked instruments with a bluegrass band?

On Friday May 2, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. the Asian fiery foursome Red Chamber, led by zheng master Mei Han, challenges powerhouse pickers from the west the Jaybirds, led by mandolin guru John Reischman, in China Red Meets Bluegrass.

This unlikely meeting of musical minds brings together the high-powered bluegrass melodies and melancholy folk tunes of the Jaybirds with the furiously virtuosic style and gorgeous Chinese melodies of Red Chamber. This musical duel will begin with both ensembles performing separately, and culminate in an unforgettable set of works for all eight musicians, including new compositions by mandolin player John Reichmen and unique arrangements of traditional melodies for this non-traditional ensemble.

Highlights of their solo sets will include Red Chamber performing contemporary and traditional Chinese works, and the Jaybirds performing selections from their newest album Stellar Jays, recently nominated for a Juno award for best Roots and Traditional album of the year.

Comprised entirely of traditional plucked Chinese instruments, Red Chamber is an impassioned ensemble that spends as much time reflecting on the ancient sounds of the Imperial Court as they do exploring the realms of bluegrass, jazz, and new music.

Red Chamber is made up of four of the hottest instrumentalists in Vancouver’s eclectic and culturally diverse music scene: Mei Han (zheng and liu qin), Guiliana Liu (pipa), Zhimin Yu (da ruan and zhong ruan) and Geling Jiang (san xian and zhong ruan).

Fashioning a stylish and elegant take on bluegrass, the Jaybirds are led by acclaimed musician John Reischman who has been described by Unlimited magazine as "one of the world’s undisputed masters" of the mandolin. They have released four critically acclaimed albums to date, and have received a Juno nomination and two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations. The Jaybirds are: John Reischman (mandolin), Nick Hornbuckle (banjo), Jim Nunally (guitar), and Trisha Gagnon (bass).

China Red meets Bluegrass: Red Chamber vs the Jaybirds are performing this Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. at Vancouver Community College, Auditorium (1155 East Broadway St., Vancouver).

Tickets are $15 Adults, $12 Students and Seniors and are available at the door, or by calling 778.998.5375