Newpoli, a unique Italian-Mediterranean group of musicians and dancers, will perform at the Chocolate Church Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. The exciting, award-winning group melds traditional Italian folk music with Greek, Spanish, and Turkish grooves to create a contemporary sound they call “Mediterranean Pulse” or Ritmi della Terra.

Newpoli, who the magazine Songlines has called “a brilliant outfit … who grab southern Italian traditional music by the neck and recast it in a dramatic style” is fronted by singers Carmen Marsico and Angela Rossi. The two women handle not only vocal duties, but will also at any moment break into wild, frenetic dances as virtuoso Fabio Pirozzolo pounds out the heartbeat of Newpoli’s music on the tamburello. Also featured in the ensemble are talented musicians from across the world playing a variety of traditional and contemporary stringed, wind, and percussion instruments.

The group plays both traditional and original songs at high tempos that can make sitting still a real challenge. With drama and passion in every note, Newpoli is sure to delight and mesmerize audiences with their unique sound and energy. For more on Newpoli, visit www.newpolimusic.com.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $28 at the door, and can be purchased at www.chocolatechurcharts.org or by calling the Chocolate Church Arts Center box office at 207-442-8455.