Mindi Abair
September 8 at 7pm
September 8 at 9pm
“Captivating…a distinctive sound and memorable melodies. Let’s put it this way…Abair’s one Apple commercial away from superstardom.” – Jazz Times
In a career that spans seven solo albums and countless collaborations in the studio and live on stage, Mindi Abair has made her mark as one of the most recognizable saxophonists in the US. You may know her as the saxophonist on American Idol, or the only saxophonist to tour with rock legends Aerosmith since 1973. You may have seen her on stage with Bruce Springsteen for a historic night at the Beacon Theater, or tuned in as she joined Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra on the Late Show with David Letterman, or caught her appearance at The Grand Ole Opry. This powerhouse saxophonist/vocalist has made scores of friends along the way and earned the respect of top-shelf artists representing just about every genre of music.
Iris Hond
September 18 at 7pm
“Iris’s compositions stand shoulder to shoulder with the great works that inspired her while being uniquely her own, speaking directly to the musical truth in us all.” – Patrick Leonard
The world is full of many fine pianists but only a few have a truly unique story and even fewer a gift to compose. Iris Hond is a pianist who writes new original compositions, grounded with the depth of the classical tradition. In 2013 Iris sent her original music to legendary composer/producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen). Sensing a superior and special talent and the musical instrument to communicate, Leonard signed on to collaborate. Recorded in Los Angeles and the famous Wisseloord studios in The Netherlands, Iris Hond’s album ‘Dear World’ will be released in 2016.
Karla Bonoff
September 28 at 7pm
Karla Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation. That description is not hyperbole. With a career spanning four decades, Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, enduring popularity and the unwavering respect of her peers. In addition to her own recordings, Karla has seen her songs become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt. Many of Bonoff’s ballads are classics, and she has continued to tour extensively, playing sold-out shows around the world. Hearing Karla’s moving vocals on her rich, expressive songs is like standing beneath a sparkling waterfall, and experiencing them live can be transformative.
Joseph Arthur
September 23 at 7:30pm
“When I first heard Jo’s music, his lyrics jumped out at me. I love his words, love his music. It’s great to see some of his best written work assembled. His words rattle and rumble and prise open the cage.” —Peter Gabriel
For every song Joseph Arthur has released in a critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated career that has spanned nine full-length albums and 11 EPs, he’s probably kept three others in the vault for safekeeping. Indeed, Arthur has been known to start working on a new album — or two — while simultaneously trying to finish another.
Acoustic Alchemy
November 4 at 7pm
November 4 at 9pm
“killer melodies and grooves… one of contemporary jazz’s early superstar acts.” -Jazz Monthly
For three decades, Acoustic Alchemy has pushed the limits of the acoustic guitar’s potential by embracing a spectrum of musical styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz to folk to rock to world music and beyond. In the two and a half decades since their earliest recordings – despite a tragic setback in the late 1990s and the inherent challenges of the 21st century music industry – the group has assembled and sustained a vast and loyal following that stretches well beyond their U.K. origins.