Thanks to Islander Martin Koenig, the rich ethnic heritage of Bulgaria will be in the spotlight on Vashon and beyond in the coming weeks.

Koenig, an ethnomusicologist, recently returned from the Balkans, where he oversaw the production of “Voices and Images From Bulgaria,” a new 96-page tome that serves as a catalogue for Koenig’s photographic exhibition of the same name. He will sign copies of the book at an exhibit of the photos from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 3, at the Land Trust Building.

Koenig is also coordinating the Island appearance of Ash Ensemble, an acclaimed duo comprised of singers Eva Salina Primack and Aurelia Shrenker. 

The duo will conduct a Bulgarian and Georgian song workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Vashon Methodist Church. To register for the workshop, which costs $20, email Koenig at koehoe@centurytel.net. Limited scholarships are available.To learn more about the singers, visit www.aesings.com.

The Ash Ensemble will be joined by two other noted performers of Balkan music, Ethel Raim and Catherine Foster, on Friday, May 27, to give a concert for students at Vashon High School. The school district is offering 20 tickets, at $15 each, to the public to attend this morning show. Contact carriuejoel@msn.com or call 567-5313 to reserve a ticket or get more information.

Koenig will also exhibit his “Voices and Images from Bulgaria” at the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, from Thursday, May 26, to Monday, May 30. Folklife’s focus on Bulgaria will also include performances, panel discussions and a Koenig-curated concert extravaganza, “Women’s Voices from Bulgaria and Beyond,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29, in the Seattle Center’s Bagley Wright Theatre. To learn more, visit www.nwfolklife.org.