Since her debut while still a graduate student at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music, pianist Aki Takahashi has been at the center of new music performances at venues around the world. Well known for her classical musicianship, Takahashi is also lauded for her interpretations of contemporary works by composers such as John Cage, Isang Yun, and her brother Yuji Takahashi.

Her series of Erik Satie concerts in Tokyo during the 1970s triggered a Satie boom throughout Japan, and in 1980 she began a collaboration with American composer Morton Feldman that produced multiple landmark recordings. 

Brad Felt was a tuba and euphonium player, composer, educator and a mainstay on the Detroit Jazz scene in the 1980s and 1990s before his death in 2011. Saxophonist/ flutist Steve Wood has assembled a band featuring Terry Kimura on trombone, Duncan McMillan on organ and Dave Zwolinski on drums. The results are a fitting tribute and an opportunity to hear the music of a Detroit Jazz original.

In conjunction with Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971, Mr. B’s 27th Annual Piano Celebration will explore the works of composers such as Jelly Roll Morton, Meade “Lux” Lewis, Jimmy Yancey, Blind John Davis, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Errol Garner, Earl “Fatha” Hines, and many others. Featured guest pianists will include Lluis Coloma, Brendon Davis, and Elder Robert Moore.

This is an excellent opportunity to experience the original sounds and rhythms of the artists that came to define American music across the twentieth century. 

The Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and conductor Timothy Weiss celebrate the solar eclipse weekend with a performance exploring light, dark, and creativity.

This program features Canti Dell’Eclisse by Bernard Rands, Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy, and Franz Joseph Hayden’s String Quartet in B-flat, op. 76, no. 4. 
 

Schroeder Cherry's puppet play tells the historic events of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade through the lens of a child. A meticulously hand-crafted rod puppet acts as our narrator, telling of a recent discovery he made of his grandfather’s past.

With 3D puppets and wooden cut-outs, Cherry skillfully animates the struggles, courage, and determination of young protesters who participated in marches and demonstrations during the 1960s. Through this captivating and interactive storytelling medium, Cherry honors the resilience of these young activists. (45 min.)

For families with children 8 and up. Presented with live ASL interpretation.

Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen explores new sounds by applying elements of American jazz to the classical, church, and folk music of his youth. The result is an immediately identifiable Norwegian kind of jazz, a descendant of the original with new sources of inspiration that has established Gustavsen as one of Scandinavia’s leading artists.

The trio will preview selections from their soon-to-be-released tenth album which features Gustavsen (piano and electronics), Steinar Raknes (double bass and electronics), and Jarle Vespestad (drums).

“...the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz being performed in Michigan,” a style originally developed by Romani guitarist Django Reinhardt (Local Spins). Led by guitarist Andrew Brown, the project has gathered a community of musicians who channel the tenacious agility that this music demands.

Djangophonique features Tyler Rindo (clarinet), Jorian Olk-Szost (double bass), Nicholas Martin (rhythm guitar) Katie Smith (vocals) whose soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of an era.
 

Join us for an afternoon of live music in the Rivera Court with award-winning singer/songwriter/composer/educator Audra Kubat. This family-friendly musical experience will include songs from across Kubat’s expansive catalogue, plus new songs developed during the preceding songwriting workshops. Kubat will be joined by celebrated musicians Emily Rose and Ozzie Andrews. 

Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hailed as “an intrepid illuminator of the classical avant-garde” by the New York Times, Sarah Cahill has commissioned and recorded over seventy compositions for solo piano, including works by Terry Riley, Frederic Rzewski, Pauline Oliveros, Julia Wolfe, Roscoe Mitchell, and Ingram Marshall.

Cahill’s latest project is The Future is Female, a compilation of pieces by women composers from the Baroque to the present. 

Celebrate international women's month at the Detroit Institute of Arts with nathan trice / RITUALS: dance, theater & music company's Recognizing Women Project. Come experience a live transformational performance that illustrates the power, presence, and wisdom of women. Performers include Ta'Rajee Omar, Martha Bryan, Paige Bearse, Kiarra Ambrose, Halimah Consuelo, Brooklyn Purry, Lacee Chatman, Roxanne Young, Jasmine Gobourn, and Sofia Gonzalez.

Program:

• Elemental (pt. 1)
• "3"
• Acceptance
• Alchemist In the Garden
• Elemental (pt. 2)
• Their Speech Is Silver, Their Silence Is Gold

The performances will feature the music of Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Peter Gabriel, Keith Jarrett, and Arvo Part.

The Recognizing Women Project was created in 2002 as research and performance initiative to develop dance, theater, and music performances about women across cultures, generations, and geographies. Learn more about the artistic director / choreographer Nathan Trice at nathantricerituals.com