and the fabulous dancing talents of Elizabeth Strong & friends.
Original music inspired by the folk traditions of eastern Europe, the middle east, American folklore, film scoring, and the far reaches of Danistan.
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June 25th Saturday 8pm
Chimera Ensemble
Chimera—a mythical beast composed of parts of different animals, often wildly imaginative or dazzling; also a trio of composers who create emotional music distilled from Western Classical, Indian, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Celtic, Jazz and more.
Chimera is a symposium of Bay Area composers who put the joy of ongoing creation at the top of their artistic to-do list. The members nurture their music with both western classical training and years of study in other musical traditions. The blending of centuries of human experience produces pieces of striking power. Chimera’s creative process is always dynamic and collaborative, including much space for the kind of self-expression that only improvisation allows. Each performance is a deep dive into the performers as both composers and people. And no performance is ever the same, much like life.
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July 30th Saturday 8pm
Melissa Cruz is a full-time professional flamenco dancer based in the San Francisco Bay Area.She has performed at Strings with many artists.
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August 19th Friday 8pm
Opener: Bad Luck Magpies/Frances8/Headliner: Westerly
BAD LUCK MAGPIES
Rebecca Roudman Mana Contractor Jason Eckl Alex Farrell
Female folk harmony group with a dose of irreverence and a whole lot of sweetness. Inspired by a mutual love of old folk, new folk, bluegrass and Celtic traditions, 3 singers have created an exciting group blending their beautiful voices and lush instrumentals.
FRANCES8
Nicole Laby: Singer-Songwriter Revi Airborne-Williams: Violin, Viola, Vocals Jason Roberts: Upright Bass Michael Tornatore: Drums Mark Fassett: Guitar
Homespun melodies fueled by evocative lyrics, wafting swells of fiddle, and a riveting rhythm section. The organic yet driving music of Frances8 appeals to a growing audience moved by intimate, honest depictions of love, loss, and everything in between. The genre-straddling acoustic/electric group is unafraid of the sparse moments that linger long enough to expose the heart and soul of the song.
WESTERLY
Sterling spence- vocals/guitar
Lou Vera Mesa – vocals/keys
Jeff Peck – bass
Mike Bond – drums
Scott Wilson – guitar
An indie-folk, rock band formed around the songs of singer/guitarist Sterling Spence. Originating in the Bay Area the 5-piece band has spread across the state. Storytellers at heart, Westerly writes about spirituality, love and the state of the world. Integrating roots influences, the band is expressively not retrospective. Their sound brings contemporary flourishes with a nod to R&B, punk and indie rock that characterizes the West Coast musical landscape of free love, passion and protest.
August 27th Saturday 8pm
Tom Rigney & John R. Burr
Stellar cajun fiddler Rigney performs with virtuoso pianist John R. Burr for an evening sure to make you dance in your seats! Heart, soul and foot stomping energy. www.rigomania.com
September 24th Saturday 8pm
Janam
Juliana Graffagna, Dan Auvil, Tom Farris, Gari Hegedus, Shira Kammen and Peter Jaques Turkish, Romani, Sephardic, American roots and original music performed by some of the Bay Area’s most innovative and accomplished musicians. www.janamband.com
We are very happy to present a Visual Concert at Strings. Live music will be played to photography projected on a large screen. This tradition was started in the 90s by John Pearson and this concert honors him.
Photographers: John Pearson, Richard Blair, Rufus Diamant, Nancy Rubin, Kathleen Goodwin, Charlie Lucke.
Musicians: Molly Axtmann (piano), Joey Lent (guitar), The Chimera Ensemble (Katie Wreede-viola, Diana Rowan-harp, Moses Sedler-cello) and Jim Passard (guitar) accompany the images.
Maurice Tani and Mike Anderson
One of the best country performing songwriters today Tani writes songs both lyrically deep and musically engaging. Joined by Mike Anderson on bass. Musicianship and cutting edge lyrics place this performer outside the mainstream. Creating a unique sound from the roots of country, blues and rock this is entertainment at its best. http://www.mauricetani.com
March 26th Saturday 8pm
Miles Graber Piano Quartet
We are thrilled to welcome back Miles Graber Chamber Music. Miles performs with the talents of Sam Weiser-violin, Alexandria Simpson-viola and Saul Richmond-Rakherd-cello.
Beautifully played classical music in our intimate setting. This performance will feature music by Molly Axtmann, Mozart and Brahms.
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April 30th Saturday 8pm
FREE PEOPLES
Tim Sawyer-vocals/guitar, Mike DiPirro-vocals/bass, Jason Thor- trombone/vocals, Sam Hamby-guitar/vocals and Dylan Garrison on drums.
We welcome back this extraordinary band. Fine harmonies, reggae edges with rock elements. All combine into a joyful sound with impeccable musicianship and excellent songs.freepeoples.com
