The Happy Maladies play at Institute 193 on March 15.

“Combining elements of folk traditions with the spirit of chamber music and the energy of a composer’s collective, The Happy Maladies create colorful and deeply personal music from their home in Cincinnati. Their exploration of song form, harmonic play, technical agility, and nuanced improvisations make their music raw, unique, and potent. A wildly creative voice in the world of acoustic new music. 

The Happy Maladies will be performing music from their newest album of commissioned compositions, Must Love Cats.

The album contains five works by diverse American composers, all of which were written specifically for the ensemble. The new record demonstrates the band’s commitment to meaningful collaborations and visionary projects. Showcasing the group’s technical virtuosity and unique interpretive fire, Must Love Cats is a rare opportunity for listeners to experience the works of talented young composers who are pushing the limits of traditional bluegrass instrumentation. The project was funded by the group’s successful Kickstarter campaign, which also made possible the creation of an LP of original music to be released in June of this year.

Must Love Cats will be physically released in elaborate, handmade packaging by local multimedia artist Lizzy DuQuette.”