Name: MAS Presents: Natalia Bernal & Jason Ennis
Start: 2026-12-03T20:00:00
End: 2026-12-03T22:00:00
Location: The Savoy Denver

MAS Presents is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed pianist, vocalist, and songwriter Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne for an intimate evening rooted in the rich traditions of boogie-woogie, blues, jazz, and soul.Born in Spokane and shaped musically by New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Wayne grew up surrounded by gospel music through his father’s church before immersing himself in jazz, rhythm &amp; blues, swing, and soul. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has become one of the great torchbearers of piano blues, a musician whose performances carry both deep historical roots and an unmistakably personal voice.Wayne’s playing is joyful, fluid, and commanding: rolling left-hand boogie patterns, sharp improvisation, soulful vocals, and the kind of effortless musical confidence that only comes from a lifetime devoted to the craft. As guitarist Duke Robillard described him, Wayne is “a monster piano player, imaginative songwriter and soulful singer who captures the essence of old school blues and boogie, while simultaneously sounding totally fresh and contemporary.”Throughout his career, Wayne has shared stages with legendary artists including Jimmy Reed, Pinetop Perkins, Johnnie Johnson, Ike Turner, Joe Louis Walker, and members of Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Doobie Brothers. His many honors include a Juno Award, multiple Maple Blues Awards, Living Blues Awards, and induction into the Boogie Woogie Piano Hall of Fame.But beyond the accolades, what makes a Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne performance special is the feeling in the room: music that swings deeply, grooves hard, and reminds listeners how alive and expansive the blues can be when placed in the hands of a true master.&nbsp;RIYL: Pinetop Perkins, Dr. John, Ray Charles, Otis Spann, Roosevelt Sykes, boogie-woogie piano traditions, classic Chicago &amp; New Orleans blues

MAS Presents: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne

MAS Presents is honored to welcome acclaimed Canarian musician Germán López, one of the foremost players of the timple, the small five-string instrument native to the Canary Islands, for a rare Denver performance.Born in Gran Canaria, López began performing publicly at a young age and has since dedicated his career to expanding the possibilities of the timple while remaining deeply connected to the musical traditions from which it emerged. His music moves fluidly between folk, jazz, Latin, and contemporary influences, creating performances that feel both rooted in place and open to the wider world.There is a warmth and immediacy to López’s playing that makes even unfamiliar musical traditions feel welcoming. Whether performing intimate solo passages or expansive ensemble works, he approaches the timple not simply as a folk instrument, but as a living and evolving voice capable of extraordinary nuance, virtuosity, and emotional depth.Over the years, López has brought his music to audiences across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, performing at venues including Lincoln Center and SFJAZZ and collaborating with internationally renowned artists such as Richard Bona, Paquito D’Rivera, Lila Downs, and Aymée Nuviola. His Grammy-nominated album Alma further expanded his global reach while remaining deeply connected to the cultural traditions of the Canary Islands.At the center of López’s work is a spirit of cultural conversation — music that honors ancestry while embracing curiosity, movement, and exchange. His performances invite listeners into a sound world that feels at once intimate, expansive, and profoundly human.&nbsp;RIYL: Paco de Lucía, Richard Bona, world folk traditions, Mediterranean acoustic music, Latin jazz, acoustic instrumental virtuosity, global roots music

MAS Presents: Germán López

Chilean-born vocalist and songwriter Natalia Bernal and guitarist Jason Ennis bring together a long-standing musical partnership rooted in jazz, Latin American traditions, and creative exploration. Bernal, originally from Iquique in northern Chile and now based in New York, draws inspiration from the music of her homeland as well as Brazilian, Argentine, Cuban, and other Latin American traditions. Her work blends original compositions with jazz standards and beloved songs from across the Americas, creating performances that are both deeply personal and globally inspired.Ennis is an acclaimed guitarist, arranger, composer, and musical director whose collaborations with Bernal span nearly twenty years. Together they have developed projects including La Voz de Tres and the recent En Diablada project, exploring the intersections of jazz, South American folk traditions, and contemporary songwriting. In the duo setting, their music becomes especially intimate, highlighting the warmth, nuance, and conversational interplay between voice and guitar while celebrating the rich musical traditions that continue to inspire their work.RIYL: Luciana Souza, Paquito D'Rivera, Eliane Elias, Brazilian music, Latin American song traditions, vocal jazz, boleros, South American folk traditions, acoustic jazz duos

MAS Presents: Natalia Bernal & Jason Ennis

Amanda Pascali Duo - Global Folk🗓️ Thursday May 7, 2026🕰️ 8:00PM (Doors open at 7:00PM) 📍 The Savoy Denver2700 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80205MAS Presents is excited to host the Colorado debut performance of an outstanding new artist based in Austin TX along with Addison Freeman.Amanda Pascali writes and sings what she calls “Immigrant American Folk”, a sound born out of the complicated, beautiful overlap of identity, place, and history. As a first-generation American born in New York City and raised in Texas, she grew up woven from stories of migration, reinvention, and survival. As she puts it, she “constantly felt ‘too foreign for here, too foreign for home, and never enough for both.’”She picked up a guitar at 12, and by her twenties began channeling that “in-between” feeling into music - translating ancient Sicilian folk songs, weaving them with folk, Americana, Balkan, Mediterranean, and Latin rhythms, and giving voice to her family’s legacy.Her brand-new album Roses and Basil (2025) is more than a record, it’s a bridge between past and present, between continents, languages, and generations. The album blends original songs and reimagined Sicilian serenatas, sung in English and Sicilian, and produced with care and creativity by Robert Ellis. On the lead single Wake Up, Baby! (E Vui Durmiti Ancora) is a modern take on one of Sicily’s earliest serenatas - Pascali flips the script: the serenade becomes a story not of male longing from a balcony, but a woman’s voice in the 21st century: “is she really sleeping, or is she just leaving him on read?”Her music carries a duality: tender and fiery, ancestral and modern, vulnerable yet boldly proud. As she says, she sings “for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in … to invite them to join me in the space that I’ve created, where everyone can be proud of who they are and where they come from.” "Pascali paints a visceral portrait of the immigrant experience; deftly cloaked in old-world style." - Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary)Amanda has been praised by NPR, the Bluegrass Situation, and numerous international outlets. She has already taken this music to stages across the world - from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to the European Union Parliament in Brussels, and was named 2021 Houston Chronicle "Musician of the Year," Now, her journey brings her to Denver for the first time.&nbsp;If you’ve ever felt between identities, between “here” and “home,” Amanda Pascali’s songs will meet you there. Her music is for those of us searching for a home in the in-between.

MAS Presents: Amanda Pascali Duo

Dom Flemons - Grammy winning songster🗓️ Thursday April 23, 2026🕰️ 8:00PM (Doors open at 7:00PM) 📍 The Savoy Denver2700 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80205Imagine a small hall, soft lights, and one man on stage with a banjo, a harmonica, a guitar — and stories carried through generations. That’s the world Dom invites you into.Grammy winner and founding member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops with Rhianon Giddens, Dom has spent decades weaving together over a century of American musical traditions — old-time folk, blues, country, and early roots — preserving stories that might otherwise be lost. As he once said, he wants to “show a variety of early American music and the ways people have adapted these old-time musical stylings into a unique form of American music.”His 2018 solo album, Black Cowboys was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album and for a Blues Music Award. In 2025, Flemons was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. His latest album on Smithsonian Folkways, Traveling Wildfire, is the most personal chapter yet. Dom explains that the album is “not only a statement of my personal travel experiences, but also a metaphor for rebirth in the wake of destruction.”The Boston Globe wrote that "most folk artists go by 'singer-songwriter' or simply 'musician.' But 'American songster' speaks to a greater truth about the work Flemons, a multi-instrumentalist, has accomplished..."In concert, songs don’t just play, they breathe. He doesn’t merely perform old tunes; he revives them with heart, adds his own stories, and folds in contemporary feeling. As he put it, “a song doesn’t really live until it’s performed in the current moment.”For an evening that feels like storytelling in your living room - this is that night. A chance to listen, reflect, and connect across time through music that’s honest, soulful, and alive. It’s about gathering as a community, leaning in close, and letting the weight of history and the promise of renewal to settle over you through voice, strings, and silence. Dom’s music feels like homecoming.We’d be honored if you joined us for this night with Dom Flemons. Come open-hearted and expect to leave feeling rooted, connected, and renewed

MAS Presents: Dom Flemons

<h2>It’s a special thing to gather like this — a house concert, among friends and fellow music lovers - to hear an artist whose voice is resonating on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. MAS Presents is honored to welcome Costa Rican-American soprano Teresa Castillo back to Denver!&nbsp;Teresa will be accompanied by pianist Mutsumi Moteki and we cannot wait to share this evening with you.</h2>🗓️ Thursday March 26, 2026🕰️ 7:30PM (Doors open at 7:00PM) 📍 House Concert near Cherry CreekAn intimate recital by Costa Rican-American Soprano Teresa Castillo, winner of two grants from The Allied Arts and graduate of Lamont School of Music at DU. She has been hailed by the San Francisco Gate as a “standout, bringing [vocal] power and florid elegance,” and praised by Opera News for her “clean, concentrated sound, and a lovely, intelligent musicianship.”Her 2025-26 season includes Amina in La Sonnambula with Teatro Nuovo; a return to The Metropolitan Opera to cover the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute and Frasquita in Carmen.&nbsp;Last season she covered Nuria in Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadama with TheMetropolitan Opera and stepped in on short notice as Maria in West Side Story with Houston Grand Opera. Opera Southwest in Albuquerque called her 24 hours before the curtain to sing La Comtesse Adèle in Le Comte Ory.

MAS Presents: Teresa Castillo

Doug MacLeod - Blues Master🗓️ Thursday March 12, 2026 🕰️ 8:00PM (Doors open at 7:00PM) 📍 The Savoy Denver2700 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80205There’s a special kind of electricity that fills the room when Doug Macleod sits down with a guitar - the kind that feels like a front-porch jam session crossed with a deep, lived-in blues revival. This will be one of those nights.With over four decades in the craft, 8 time Blues Music Award winner MacLeod brings soulful grit, wry humor, and the kind of road-worn stories you only get from a life fully lived. He cut his teeth alongside legends like George “Harmonica” Smith and Big Mama Thornton, carrying forward a tradition rooted in truth, rhythm, and humanity. Celebrated for his “guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit and unforgettable live performances,” he’s a one-man reminder of why authentic blues still hits so hard.Since 1984 he has made 29 records. On his recent award-winning Raw Blues 1, critics praised the mix of impassioned vocals and deft acoustic playing as “solo acoustic blues at its best,” capturing the intimate fire he brings to every performance. His latest 2025 album Between Somewhere and Goodbye - is an audiophile masterpiece on Reference Recordings that features 11 original songs recorded in Nashville by an allstar cast of musicians.&nbsp;“MacLeod’s playing carries the weight of a lifetime—and the fire of someone just getting started. It’s the blues of wisdom.And it’s never sounded better”— Living BluesExpect guitar wizardry, stories that stir the soul, and a musician whose honesty shines through every note. Whether you just love the blues or appreciate musical mastery, Doug MacLeod delivers the kind of experience people talk about long after the house lights go up.Come be part of a night in the presence of a music legend - where the blues come alive, the stories run deep, and the music feels like home.

MAS Presents: Doug MacLeod

Pasquale Grasso - Extraordinary Jazz Guitar🗓️ Thursday February 19, 2026🕰️ 8:00PM (Doors open at 7:00PM) 📍 The Savoy Denver2700 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80205Get ready for an evening of pure guitar magic. Pasquale Grasso brings a rare gift: the ability to make one guitar sound like an entire jazz ensemble - rich in history, alive with imagination and absolutely swinging.Raised on a farm in Ariano Irpino, Italy, Grasso first picked up the guitar at age five and was playing jazz standards with his brother by nine. Later, he studied classical guitar at the Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini in Bologna - building a foundation of precision and discipline that now underpins his fearless jazz improvisations.With records like Solo Standards, Solo Monk, Pasquale Plays Duke, and the recent Solo Be-Bop! (2025) and Fervency (2025) Pasquale showcases his mastery of solo guitar and tributes to jazz legends released on Sony Masterworks. He won a Grammy for his work on Samara Joy's 2022 album Linger Awhile as well as accompanying her on her 2021 self-titled debut record in 2021.&nbsp;In 2012 he moved to New York and immersed himself in the city’s jazz scene - absorbing bebop, swing, and the legacy of piano masters. The result? A guitar voice that recalls the spirit of piano greats like Bud Powell and Art Tatum but articulated through strings. Critics at JazzTimes described his playing as “full of … abundant imagination and prodigious execution.”On stage, Grasso doesn’t just perform, he transports. Whether racing through blistering bebop runs, conjuring lush harmonies, or weaving solo soundscapes that feel like conversations across decades of jazz history, his shows are immersive, intimate, and unforgettable.Expect a night where history meets spontaneity, where classical discipline meets jazz soul, and where one guitarist fills the room with amazement. If you love jazz — real, swinging, heartfelt jazz — you won’t want to miss Pasquale Grasso live at The Savoy.

MAS Presents: Pasquale Grasso

All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:30 PM | Music @ 8:00 PMIf you haven’t heard of the cheerfully named supergroup Mr Sun, you’ve almost certainly heard of its members — four of the most celebrated musicians on today’s American roots and acoustic music scene:<ul><li>Darol Anger, renowned fiddler, composer, and educator, is a founding member of genre-defining ensembles such as the Turtle Island Quartet, Psychograss, and Republic of Strings. A former member of the David Grisman Quintet and a professor emeritus at Berklee College of Music, Anger has long been a driving force in the evolution of contemporary string band music.</li><li>Joe K. Walsh, mandolin virtuoso and expressive vocalist, is a former member of the award-winning Gibson Brothers and currently serves as a professor in the Strings Department at Berklee.</li><li>Grant Gordy, widely respected as one of the most versatile and inventive guitarists of his generation, spent years touring with David Grisman and brings a dazzling blend of jazz, bluegrass, and swing to the ensemble.</li><li>Aidan O’Donnell, a phenomenal bassist from Scotland, is known for his work across jazz, folk, and classical traditions, and has collaborated with the likes of Maeve Gilchrist and numerous modern jazz luminaries.</li></ul>For this special performance, Mr. Sun reimagines Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s legendary jazz adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite — one of the most beloved works in Western music. Their reinterpretation pays tribute to Ellington’s sly, sophisticated vision while channeling it through the adventurous spirit of the modern string band. The result is a vibrant, genre-blurring celebration that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of acoustic music.

Mr Sun Plays Ellington's Nutcracker

All ages welcome | Doors @ 5:00 PM | Music @ 5:30 PMIf you haven’t heard of the cheerfully named supergroup Mr Sun, you’ve almost certainly heard of its members — four of the most celebrated musicians on today’s American roots and acoustic music scene:<ul><li>Darol Anger, renowned fiddler, composer, and educator, is a founding member of genre-defining ensembles such as the Turtle Island Quartet, Psychograss, and Republic of Strings. A former member of the David Grisman Quintet and a professor emeritus at Berklee College of Music, Anger has long been a driving force in the evolution of contemporary string band music.</li><li>Joe K. Walsh, mandolin virtuoso and expressive vocalist, is a former member of the award-winning Gibson Brothers and currently serves as a professor in the Strings Department at Berklee.</li><li>Grant Gordy, widely respected as one of the most versatile and inventive guitarists of his generation, spent years touring with David Grisman and brings a dazzling blend of jazz, bluegrass, and swing to the ensemble.</li><li>Aidan O’Donnell, a phenomenal bassist from Scotland, is known for his work across jazz, folk, and classical traditions, and has collaborated with the likes of Maeve Gilchrist and numerous modern jazz luminaries.</li></ul>For this special performance, Mr. Sun reimagines Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s legendary jazz adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite — one of the most beloved works in Western music. Their reinterpretation pays tribute to Ellington’s sly, sophisticated vision while channeling it through the adventurous spirit of the modern string band. The result is a vibrant, genre-blurring celebration that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of acoustic music.

All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PMTwo-time Grammy-nominee and NEA National Heritage Fellow Rahim AlHaj is widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest living oud players. Born in Baghdad and trained under legendary oud master Munir Bashir, Rahim blends the ancient tradition of Iraqi maqam with bold, contemporary compositions that speak to themes of exile, hope, and human connection.Forced to flee Iraq in 1991 for his political activism, Rahim resettled in the U.S. as a refugee and has since become an internationally celebrated artist. In 2015, he received the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor in the U.S. for traditional arts.Rahim has released twelve acclaimed albums, including the Grammy-nominated albums When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq (2006) and Ancient Sounds (2009). His album, One Sky (2018) features Iranian santur master Sourena Sefati and Palestinian-American percussionist Issa Malluf, offering a powerful musical appeal for friendship and global solidarity.Sourena Sefati is an accomplished Iranian composer and santur virtuoso, celebrated for his innovative approach to traditional Persian music and his cross-cultural collaborations. He is widely regarded as part of a new generation of artists redefining the boundaries of Iranian classical music.Trained by Maestro Ardavan Kamkar, Sourena holds degrees in Iranian music, performance, and composition from leading institutions in Tehran and the University of New Mexico. As both a composer and performer, he has contributed to over sixty Iranian and international albums. Blending tradition with contemporary technique, Sourena Sefati creates music that is both deeply rooted and globally resonant. He continues to expand the reach and relevance of Persian classical music on the world stage.

MAS Presents: Rahim AlHaj & Sourena Sefati

All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PMGuitarist and composer Marisa Anderson is a singular force in contemporary instrumental music, blending American roots traditions with avant-garde textures and cinematic scope. Based in Portland, she creates deeply expressive work that channels blues, folk, gospel, country, and minimalism through her unmistakable guitar voice. Her playing is fluid, emotional, and masterful, featuring compositions and improvisations that reimagine the landscape of American music.Anderson’s critically acclaimed solo albums — including Mercury (2013), Into the Light (2016), and Still, Here (2022) — have earned her a devoted following along with widespread praise. Named by The New Yorker as “one of the most distinctive guitar players of her generation”, Marisa’s guitar skills have led to standout collaborations, elevating her to new artistic heights.A longtime social activist and former Rock Camp for Girls mentor, Marisa has taken a path shaped by activism, experimentation, and a fearless commitment to forging her own way. Whether performing solo or in collaboration, Marisa Anderson offers an unforgettable musical experience — rooted in tradition, yet always reaching forward.Classically trained, Marisa honed her skills playing in country, jazz, and circus bands. Her current work is focused on a mid-20th-century archive of recorded music from the Islamic world, Southeast Asia, and the Soviet Union.“One of the best emotional mediums in the field of solo guitar, Anderson is a master of lovely melancholy.” - PitchforkIn 2025, Marisa received the Spark Award for Oregon Artists, presented by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.

MAS Presents: Marisa Anderson

All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.arielposen.com/">Ariel Posen</a> is a beacon of musical ingenuity, pushing beyond conventional boundaries with a musical vision that defies easy categorization. At the core of his creative odyssey lies an unwavering commitment to artistic expression, weaving together a sonic tapestry that resonates with profound authenticity and emotional depth. His music is a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic exploration, seamlessly melding elements of heartland rock and roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&amp;B, and Beatles-inspired pop into a singular, captivating sound.With each soul-stirring lyric and every emotive chord progression, Ariel invites listeners on a transformative journey, transcending genres and touching the very essence of human experience. His artistic brilliance has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him standing ovations from audiences and accolades from industry luminaries.Rolling Stone dubbed him "a modern-day musical virtuoso", recognizing his exceptional skill as a guitarist and innate ability to evoke profound emotion through his artistry. MusicRadar listed him as a fan-voted top 10 rock guitarist of the year, and the Western Canadian Music Awards nominated him for Breakout Artist of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and for Rock Artist of the Year and Recording of the Year in 2022.Formerly a member of Juno Award-winning roots-rock band The Bros. Landreth, Ariel stepped into the spotlight with his debut solo album How Long (2019), followed by the atmospheric and introspective Headway. The Downtown EP (2022) showcased his evolution, drawing praise for its smooth vocals, melody‑rich songwriting, and refined production — cementing his reputation for writing songs that are as vulnerable as they are powerful.On stage, Ariel captivates audiences with soaring guitar tones, rich vocals, and a commanding presence. Whether playing solo or with his trio, his performances are deeply immersive — equal parts heart and technical brilliance. If you crave music that resonates with soul and authenticity, don’t miss Ariel Posen live — an artist whose songs are honest, moving, and unforgettable.

MAS Presents: Ariel Posen

This performance is part of MAS Presents’ The Roots of Jazz series — a celebration of the rich history and lasting legacy of jazz in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, made possible with support from Denver Arts &amp; Venues and the Five Points Jazz Grant.All ages welcome | Doors @ 8 PM | Music @ 9 PMMAS Presents is thrilled to welcome back Grammy Award-winning vocalist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.catherinerussell.net/">Catherine Russell</a>, joined by acclaimed pianist and composer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.seanmasonofficial.com/">Sean Mason</a>. Catherine first performed in Denver on the MAS Presents stage in April 2015. This performance not only marks Catherine’s 10 year return to Denver but also the 10th anniversary of MAS Presents. In honor of this special occasion,Coming together to create the breathtaking, Grammy-nominated album My Ideal (2024), Catherine and Sean tell a history of jazz, with fresh and inspired homages to James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, and to the confluence of jazz and popular music with tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.The album marks a significant milestone in both artists’ careers, capturing a powerful and intimate musical dialogue that transcends their impressive individual talents. Described as a very special project by Dot Records who released the album, My Ideal is not only Catherine’s first complete set of voice-and-piano duets, but Sean is a remarkable piano prodigy whose technical skill is only rivaled by his soulfulness.&nbsp;Both masters of jazz, their repertoires span the vast landscape of African-American and American popular music, from the blues and R&amp;B to the Great American Songbook, Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley. My Ideal represents a unique convergence of experience and youthful virtuosity, offering a fresh yet timeless sound.A native New Yorker born into jazz royalty — Catherine’s father, Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s longtime musical director, and her mother, Carline Ray, was a trailblazing musician in her own right — Catherine Russell has carved out her own legacy as one of today’s most captivating interpreters of American popular song.With a sound rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, pianist and composer Sean Mason is one of the most exciting voices in jazz today. A rising star from Charlotte, North Carolina, Mason has earned acclaim for his powerful original compositions and fresh takes on classic jazz, blending deep musicality with a wide stylistic range.

MAS Presents: Catherine Russell & Sean Mason (late)

This performance is part of MAS Presents’ The Roots of Jazz series — a celebration of the rich history and lasting legacy of jazz in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, made possible with support from Denver Arts &amp; Venues and the Five Points Jazz Grant.All ages welcome | Doors @ 4 PM | Music @ 5 PMMAS Presents is thrilled to welcome back Grammy Award-winning vocalist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.catherinerussell.net/">Catherine Russell</a>, joined by acclaimed pianist and composer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.seanmasonofficial.com/">Sean Mason</a>. Catherine first performed in Denver on the MAS Presents stage in April 2015. This performance not only marks Catherine’s 10 year return to Denver but also the 10th anniversary of MAS Presents. In honor of this special occasion, Coming together to create the breathtaking, Grammy-nominated album My Ideal (2024), Catherine and Sean tell a history of jazz, with fresh and inspired homages to James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, and to the confluence of jazz and popular music with tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.The album marks a significant milestone in both artists’ careers, capturing a powerful and intimate musical dialogue that transcends their impressive individual talents. Described as a very special project by Dot Records who released the album, My Ideal is not only Catherine’s first complete set of voice-and-piano duets, but Sean is a remarkable piano prodigy whose technical skill is only rivaled by his soulfulness.&nbsp;Both masters of jazz, their repertoires span the vast landscape of African-American and American popular music, from the blues and R&amp;B to the Great American Songbook, Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley. My Ideal represents a unique convergence of experience and youthful virtuosity, offering a fresh yet timeless sound. A native New Yorker born into jazz royalty — Catherine’s father, Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s longtime musical director, and her mother, Carline Ray, was a trailblazing musician in her own right — Catherine Russell has carved out her own legacy as one of today’s most captivating interpreters of American popular song.With a sound rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, pianist and composer Sean Mason is one of the most exciting voices in jazz today. A rising star from Charlotte, North Carolina, Mason has earned acclaim for his powerful original compositions and fresh takes on classic jazz, blending deep musicality with a wide stylistic range.

MAS Presents: Catherine Russell & Sean Mason (early)

This performance is part of MAS Presents’ The Roots of Jazz series — a celebration of the rich history and lasting legacy of jazz in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, made possible with support from the Five Points Jazz Grant.All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PMWith a sound rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, pianist and composer Sean Mason is one of the most exciting voices in jazz today. A rising star from Charlotte, North Carolina, Mason has earned acclaim for his original compositions and fresh takes on classic jazz, blending deep musicality with a wide stylistic range.Sean has collaborated with Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, and Catherine Russell; contributed to Broadway productions such as Hadestown and Phantom of the Opera; and leads the Sean Mason Quartet, an ensemble praised for its dynamic energy and inventive arrangements.His path in jazz reflects a rare combination of talent and forward-thinking vision, with each release pushing boundaries and redefining expectations. Sean’s work is set to leave a lasting impact — captivating audiences and inspiring fellow musicians with his dedication to the ever-evolving spirit of jazz.Join us on October 2 for Sean Mason’s highly anticipated Denver debut.“When Sean Mason speaks about music, you can hear the notes falling into place. The cadence of his ideas unfolds with deliberate tempo, each exploring and resolving tension like an inspired chord progression.” – Rochester International Jazz Festival

MAS Presents: Sean Mason

Join MAS Presents for the Denver debut of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.camilameza.com/home">Camila Meza</a>! On the heels of her performance at Carnegie Hall, Meza will deliver an intimate concert that is sure to leave you spellbound.Equally celebrated as a vocalist, guitarist, and composer, Meza has uplifted audiences worldwide with her assured and beautiful singing, highly advanced guitar skills, and vivid, melodic songwriting that reveals complex layers with every listen.Since moving to New York in 2009, she has made a significant mark on the jazz scene, bringing a sound full of warmth and clarity. Meza has distinguished herself as a member of Ryan Keberle’s, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ryankeberle.com/catharsis/">Catharsis</a> and Fabian Almazan’s, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fabianalmazan.com/discography/?ID=709123673">Rhizome</a>, and she now leads <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEsdtJtgqrY">The Nectar Orchestra</a>, an octet collaboration with bassist and arranger <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noamwiesenberg.com/">Noam Wiesenberg</a>.Hailing from Chile and deeply influenced by jazz legends like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.georgebenson.com/">George Benson</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patmetheny.com/">Pat Metheny</a>, Camila blends her South American roots with innovative jazz sounds, creating a captivating musical experience. Camila’s acclaimed album <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/149TdVN8LYZTgFdeecThsj?si=mxYl6GwnS-O8-GUZSxA9uw">Traces</a> (2016) earned her two Independent Music Awards - Best Adult Contemporary Album and Best Latin Song for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4jZxPFYg0ekmTYVcDo45Jy?si=f24eff4ae4cb4dc0">Para Volar.</a>With an impressive vocal range and expressive guitar skills, Meza has appeared at festivals worldwide, as well as on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and WBGO’s The Checkout, garnering praise from The Village Voice, The Wall Street Journal, and many other outlets. In 2018, Pat Metheny enlisted Meza to perform and serve as musical director for his <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz">NEA Jazz Masters induction ceremony</a> at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and in 2022, Meza was named "#1 Rising Star Female Vocalist" by Downbeat Magazine.Described by The New York Times as “a bright young singer and guitarist with an ear for music of both folkloric and pop intention,” Meza captivates audiences with her unique combination of lightness and depth.Don’t miss your chance to witness this triple threat live on stage as she takes you on a joyful journey through her rich and dynamic sound."Camila Meza possesses a rare gift; she excels in all departments. Her voice is exquisite, her guitar playing first-rate, and her songwriting imaginative . . . It’s difficult to offer up a comparison to Camila Meza. She really is a songbird taking flight, perhaps in a way that Joni Mitchell once did, breaking new ground without realising it, blending a gorgeous jazz-folk sound. The beauty of it is that it all just sounds so naturally effortless . . . clearly a star in the making." - Mike Gates, UK Vibe

MAS Presents: Camila Meza

Brooklyn-based Kaleta &amp; Super Yamba Band, led by Afrobeat veteran Leon Ligan-Majek (a.k.a. Kaleta), burst onto the scene with their debut album, Mèdaho, released by Ubiquity Records. Drawing from the psychedelic sounds of 1970s Benin, the album was featured on Bandcamp’s “Best Albums of Summer 2019” and showcased songs in the ABC/Hulu series High Fidelity starring Zoe Kravitz. The band has electrified audiences at the Apollo Theatre and even prompted Action Bronson to stop his own show on VICELAND TV just so he could hear more Yamba! Their dynamic performances have impressed major festivals and included collaborations with artists like David Byrne, Rubblebucket, and Yeasayer.For more information and tickets, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="file:///C:/Users/eliza/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml">www.maspresents.org</a>.

MAS Presents: Kaleta & Super Yamba Band

Join singer and pianist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://alexiscole.com/home">Alexis Cole</a> for an unforgettable evening of sophisticated jazz during which the chanteuse will perform selections from her 14 recordings as well as new songs with a sophisticated, urbane style and warm, resonant voice. Accompanied by Colorado’s own <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.summitrecords.com/artist/dana-landry/">Dana Landry</a> on piano and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.erikapplegate.com/">Erik Applegate</a> on bass, this performance promises to transport you to another world.Renowned for her vocal prowess, Alexis draws comparisons to jazz legends such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Vaughan">Sarah Vaughan</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_O%27Day">Anita O'Day</a>.A top contender in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jazzmobile.org/">Jazzmobile Vocal Competition</a>, award-winner in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/festival/the-stages/montreux-jazz-talent-awards/">Montreux Jazz Vocal Competition</a>, and finalist in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.njpac.org/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition/">Sarah Vaughan Competition</a>, Cole boasts over a dozen albums on labels such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://motema.com/">Motéma </a>and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chesky.com/">Chesky</a>. Her collaborations include works with celebrated artists like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fredhersch.com/">Fred Hersch</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucky_Pizzarelli">Bucky Pizzarelli</a>, and she has appeared on the famed stages of the Boston Pops and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.Throughout her career, Alexis Cole has truly embraced the world as her stage.<ul><li>From 2007 to 2009, Cole served as the resident pianist and vocalist at the prestigious <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/tableauxlounge_gd/?hl=en">Tableaux Lounge</a> in Tokyo's design district, Daikanyama. This experience not only allowed her to connect with a vibrant local audience but also deepened her appreciation for the unique fusion of jazz and Japanese influences, culminating in a rich tapestry of musical expression.</li><li>From 2009 to 2015, she served as the vocalist for the West Point Band's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jazz_Knights">Jazz Knights</a>, an experience that inspired her 2021 album, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6UP9YXatTD0HjoahPZfZWP?si=cijX5vyQSFyLgV9hF-mCtg">Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour of Duty</a>, which features arrangements crafted specifically for her by the band’s music director, Scott Arcangel.</li><li>And in 2022, Cole spent a month in Taiwan collaborating with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ijazzmusic.com/pages/taipei-jazz-orchestra">Taipei Jazz Orchestra</a>. Cole’s latest album, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/49LIcwwMtqMIU7IIHQ5TDk?si=tbCyE4bfSDi-bYhQkbqXgA">Jazz Republic: Taiwan, The United States and the Freedom of Swing</a>, features collaborations with musicians from diverse backgrounds and explores original arrangements that fuse a multitude of musical traditions.</li></ul>As an educator, Alexis led the vocal jazz program at SUNY Purchase, mentoring Grammy-winning talents like Samara Joy. Alexis founded <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Vaughan">JazzVoice.com</a>, an online platform for jazz education, and co-founded the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.vocaljazzsummit.org/">Virginia Beach Vocal Jazz Summit</a>. Her newest venture, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Vaughan">MusicAuditions.com</a>, connects musicians with job opportunities. Currently based in the West Village in NYC, music continues to take Cole around the world and back home again.

MAS Presents: Alexis Cole

Get ready for a musical journey with the electrifying international duo of award-nominated artists: Brazilian pianist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jovisan.net/">Jovino Santos Neto</a> and Estonian bassoonist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://liberalarts.du.edu/about/people/martin-kuuskmann">Martin Kuuskmann</a>! They’re set to launch their vibrant new album, Basoonova, recorded live in Tallinn in 2024 and released under David Chesky’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://theaudiophilesociety.com/">The Audiophile Society</a>.Together, Neto and Kuuskmann will showcase a captivating selection of lyrical masterpieces from Brazilian composers, delivering colorful and spirited interpretations of works by legends like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/hermetopascoal/?hl=en">Hermeto Pascoal</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.songhall.org/profile/Antonio_Carlos_Jobim">Antônio Carlos Jobim</a>, and Jovino Santos Neto himself.Celebrated as one of today's foremost Brazilian musicians, Jovino Santos Neto is a three-time Latin Grammy nominee known for his innovative compositions and engaging performances.NPR raves, "A celebration of Brazilian music that is rich, intricate, and filled with life."As a former member of the legendary Hermeto Pascoal's band, Neto’s extensive discography reflects a deep understanding of jazz, Brazilian music, and improvisation, offering audiences an engaging experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. His unique sound fuses energetic grooves, rich harmonies, telepathic improvisation, and enchanting melodies, all steeped in Brazil's vibrant musical heritage.Alongside Neto, Martin Kuuskmann brings his own exceptional talent to the mix. An accomplished performer on the bassoon and a versatile musician, Kuuskmann has collaborated with notable artists across genres, infusing his playing with a unique blend of classical techniques and modern jazz sensibilities.In 2007, Kuuskmann earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Composition for a concerto by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.davidchesky.com/">David Chesky</a>, and again in 2017 for a piece by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://theofanidismusic.com//">Theofanidis</a>.When not performing, Kuuskmann can be found teaching at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, as Associate Professor, Bassoon.Together, Neto and Kuuskmann create a remarkable synergy; their innovative approach to music not only showcases their technical prowess but also their passion for storytelling through sound—a philosophy rooted in their diverse cultural backgrounds.Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness two extraordinary artists join forces for a night of musical exploration. Get your tickets now for an immersive evening that will leave you inspired and uplifted!Downbeat Magazine hailed Kuuskmann, stating, "His performances are a breath of fresh air, characterized by an effortless command of the instrument and an engaging stage presence."

MAS Presents: Jovino Santos Neto & Martin Kuuskmann

<h1>Jayme Stone’s Folklife feat. Alexa Wildish</h1><h2>A Rare Colorado Performance</h2>Reimagined folk tunes, indie-pop originals, hypnotic trance music from Timbuktu, and more. Don’t miss Jayme Stone’s Folklife in a rare Colorado appearance, featuring Jayme Stone and his all-star band:<ul><li>Jayme Stone: voice, banjo, guitar</li><li>Alexa Wildish: voice</li><li>Emmanuel Alexander: bass, guitar</li><li>Greg Harris: synth, vibes, percussion</li><li>Tobias Bank: drums</li></ul>About Folklife Folklife is Jayme Stone’s groundbreaking project that transforms old field recordings into living, breathing works of art. Rather than treating these recordings as mere time capsules, Stone approaches them as heirloom seeds passed down from a bygone generation. Planted in modern soil, these seeds bloom into vibrant reinterpretations of Sea Island spirituals, Creole calypsos, and stomp-down Appalachian dance tunes, bringing timeless traditions to contemporary audiences.Jayme Stone: Musical Explorer Extraordinaire Jayme Stone is more than a musician—he’s an instigator, a searchlight, a sonic adventurer. With 7 albums and over 500 songs to his name, he brings a kaleidoscope of global sounds to life. From Gullah spirituals to indie-pop anthems, Trinidadian calypsos to Indian rāgas, Stone thrives on uncovering the world’s hidden musical treasures.His work tells rich stories of the people and places behind the melodies — whether it’s a 13th-century Bambara queen, the rugged roads of eastern Kentucky, or the shimmering Sea Island coastline. Each piece situates music within its cultural, spiritual, and ecological contexts, offering audiences more than just sound — it’s a journey.A Master Producer and Collaborator As a producer, Stone’s boundless curiosity and sharp aesthetic sense have fueled his award-winning career. His Africa to Appalachia album, a Juno-winning masterpiece created with Mansa Sissoko, connects two continents through vibrant, polyrhythmic storytelling. To bring it to life, Stone spent three transformative months in Mali, studying with master musicians, making field recordings, and tracing the African roots of the banjo. From jam sessions under baobab trees to all-night ceremonies in Dogon sandstone cliffs, his deep-dive approach creates music that resonates far beyond the notes.Acclaimed and Celebrated With two Juno Awards, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, and features on NPR, BBC, and CBC, Stone’s artistry has captivated audiences worldwide. He’s performed thousands of concerts at iconic venues like the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Library of Congress, alongside festivals like RockyGrass and Montréal Jazz. Stone has also produced 400 songs for the Facebook Sound Collection, solidifying his status as a creative force in global music.About Alexa Wildish<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.alexawildish.com/">Alexa Wildish</a> is a storyteller with a voice that resonates deep in the bones. Based in Lyons, Colorado, she weaves together the rich traditions of Americana and folk with a rare honesty that captivates and moves. From her breakout moment on The Voice (2023) to the soul-stirring performances that have earned her a reputation as one of the genre’s most compelling new voices, Wildish transforms every song into an intimate and cathartic experience.Don’t miss this unforgettable performance—Jayme Stone’s Folklife feat. Alexa Wildish will leave you inspired, enriched, and ready to explore the world through sound.Cocktails @ 7:00 pm, music begins @ 8:00 pm

MAS Presents: Jayme Stone's Folklife feat. Alexa Wildish

<h2>Join MAS Presents for an afternoon of virtuosity and passion on the accordion at a special house concert!</h2>Described as a groundbreaking artist, Hanzhi Wang redefines the possibilities of the accordion. With staggering virtuosity and a magnetic stage presence, Hanzhi is not just an extraordinary musician — she’s a passionate ambassador for her instrument, bringing its rich and nuanced sound to the forefront of classical music. This intimate house concert, hosted at the home of MAS Presents’ founder, offers a rare opportunity to experience her artistry up close, accompanied by wine, beer, light snacks, and the camaraderie of fellow music lovers.Hanzhi Wang’s accolades speak for themselves. She holds the distinction of being the first accordionist ever to join the prestigious roster of Young Concert Artists in its 63-year history. Her landmark achievements include making her Carnegie Hall debut, opening the Young Concert Artists Series at The Kennedy Center, and earning Musical America’s coveted “New Artist of the Month” title. Hanzhi’s pioneering solo album, On the Path to H.C. Andersen, marked the Naxos label’s first-ever accordion recording and was nominated for the Danish Radio P2 Prize in 2019. Her unparalleled artistry has also earned her top prizes at notable international competitions, including the Premio Internazionale Fisarmonica Castelfidardo in Italy.As both a soloist and chamber musician, Hanzhi captivates audiences worldwide. She has appeared on stage at UC Santa Barbara, Stanford Live, Bravo! Vail, and Tanglewood, and has collaborated with luminaries like mandolinist Avi Avital and saxophonist Steven Banks. With a repertoire that spans classical masterworks to contemporary compositions — many written and dedicated specifically to her — Hanzhi brings her instrument to life in ways that are both thrilling and deeply moving. Upcoming highlights include performances with the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and at London’s Wigmore Hall, showcasing her dedication to expanding the boundaries of her craft.Don’t miss this rare chance to experience Hanzhi Wang’s breathtaking talent in an intimate setting. &nbsp;Only 40 tickets will be available. Whether you’re a seasoned music enthusiast or simply looking for an afternoon of inspired entertainment, Hanzhi’s performance promises to be a celebration of artistry, passion, and the boundless possibilities of music.

MAS Presents: Hanzhi Wang

<h1>Grande Orquesta Navarre</h1><h2>A Musical Supergroup with a Twist</h2>Grande Orquesta Navarre is a powerhouse ensemble of Colorado musicians, blending tango, classical, and original compositions into a sound that’s both delightfully nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Their eclectic programs span the evocative tangos of Astor Piazzolla and the timeless works of Tchaikovsky, while shining a spotlight on the imaginative compositions of Tom Hagerman, a member of the acclaimed rock band DeVotchKa.A Name with a Story Formed in 2016, the group’s name draws inspiration from the whimsical, imagined sounds of Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel, the Orquesta Típica (a traditional tango band), and Denver’s historic Navarre building, once a Victorian-era brothel turned local landmark.Meet the Musicians Grande Orquesta Navarre features:<ul><li>Sara Parkinson: piano</li><li>Evan Orman: bandoneon</li><li>Susan Cahill: bass</li><li>Tom Hagerman: violin and accordion</li></ul>For this special performance, they’ll be joined by Nadya Hill on violin and voice.About Tom Hagerman Hagerman is celebrated for co-writing many of DeVotchKa’s beloved songs and composing scores for Denver’s Wonderbound ballet company. His works include 7 Deadly Sins, Idle Creatures, Reckoning at Red Herring Tavern, and Awakening Beauty (an adaptation of Tchaikovsky), which premiered in 2024 and featured Grande Orquesta Navarre alongside Nadya Hill and Shane Endsley.Critical Acclaim “In an era when everyone has seen and heard everything, this foursome feels fresh.” — Denver Westword, Best Chamber Orchestra 2017Experience Grande Orquesta Navarre—a genre-defying, boundary-blurring musical journey unlike anything you’ve heard before.The Savoy Denver2700 Arapahoe Street, Denver, COCocktails @ 7:00 pm, music @ 8:00 pm

MAS Presents: Grande Orquesta Navarre w. Nadya Hill

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.christhomasking.com/">Chris Thomas King</a> is an American blues musician, producer, composer, actor, and now author&nbsp;based in New Orleans, Louisiana.Son of renowned blues master, Rockin' ‘Tabby’ Thomas, Chris is a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist who has sold more than 10 million records. Chris took home Grammys for Album of the Year in 2002 for the soundtrack to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7gzX88qS3Vx2r87g5pbdfJ?si=t2ix-91jQcm6xrDAEPItxQ">O Brother, Where Art Thou?</a> and for Best Historical Album in 2003. He also boasts 5 additional Grammy nominations between 2006 and 2013 as well as winning the Country Music Award for Album of the Year in 2001.&nbsp;Initially known for his audacious fusion of blues and hip-hop, Chris has come to inspire a new generation of musicians through his folk blues sound, such as Hozier, Mumford &amp; Sons, and The Lumineers. Chris’ songs such as, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3rlPaBlRjyNKHzJsvKV6dP?si=1aca067b670b4e4d">Hard Time Killing Floor Blues</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1D3GU5vSHWsPX8Ira5gMMt?si=0fde3179b7d0426b">John Law Burned Down the Liquor Sto’</a>, have been covered by many a well known artist including blues legend, Buddy Guy.&nbsp;Chris’ latest album <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/19Unzw1ncj6JqxPGPBkXbP?si=yuCXSLKFQqCxRChfClR93g">Big Grey Sky</a> (2023) is an introspective and evocative journey through his own heart and soul. The album showcases Chris’ exceptional talent as a guitarist, songwriter, and storyteller and was moreover produced, performed, mixed, and mastered by Chris himself.Outside of his musical artistry, Chris is a seasoned entrepreneur. He founded the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Blues-Origin-Institute-100095247765564/">Blues Origin Institute</a> dedicated to establishing the true history of blues music, owns his own recording studio 21st Century Blues Studio, and founded&nbsp;Young Blues Rebel, a publishing company to which he signs his own artists.&nbsp;

MAS Presents: Chris Thomas King

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.arcirismusic.com/">Arc Iris</a> is a wildly adventurous, genre-blurring trio from Rhode Island founded by frontwoman, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jocie Adams, formerly of the Low Anthem. The band also includes pianist and multi-instrumentalist Zachary Tenorio-Miller who has collaborated with the likes of Kimbra, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and AC Newman (New Pornographers), and drummer Raymond Belli who also tours as the drummer for Willow Smith.&nbsp;Jocie, a trained classical composer (and former NASA technician!), formed Arc Iris as a deliberately adventurous ensemble that pulls inspiration from an incredible diversity of genres including sophisticated '70s pop, folk, country, cabaret, jazz, and more, not to mention Jocie’s time sharing the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, and Anais Mitchell.recent project, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://arciris.bandcamp.com/album/we-found-home">We Found Home</a>, their 5th full-length album, is a stunning, bold, and innovative creation; a raging river of brilliance and imagination.Also in the band’s repertoire is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.arcirismusic.com/itmrw">iTMRW</a>, a 90-minute multimedia science fiction production that combines the music of Arc Iris’ upcoming futuristic concept album with videography and the contemporary dance theater of HDC Dance Ensemble. iTMRW is a story of love, hope, and the perseverance of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of a world where advanced technology is both a source of and a “cure” for human alienation, cities float on islands of trash, female forms are purchased and discarded at will, and aristocrats live in a state of debauchery and despair.&nbsp;

MAS Presents: Arc Iris

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.adamgswanson.com/">Adam Swanson</a> is one of the world’s foremost pianists and historians of vintage American popular music, including ragtime, early jazz, the Great American Songbook, and more.Adam has been a featured performer and lecturer at ragtime and jazz festivals across the US&nbsp; and abroad and is the only four-time winner of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest. Adam made his New York debut in Carnegie Hall at the age of 19, was the only protégé of famed pianist Johnny Maddox, and at 21 years old performed a solo concert at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in Washington, D.C.“I can think of no better reason for doing what I do. Making people happy.” - Adam Swanson (Canvas Rebel)Wende Harston, vocalist for the Denver-based Queen City Jazz Band (QCJB), is the complete entertainer. Not only has she lent her powerful voice to QCJB since the early 90’s but she is also a songwriter, dancer, and actress. Known for her repertoire across Early Jazz, Ragtime, Swing, Old Style Blues, and Spirituals, Wende has appeared on stages at Jazz festivals across the country and at local mainstays. When not performing, Wende can be found authoring a mystery novel or spending time with her beloved parrot.In 2018 Wende was recognized by the Five-Points Jazz Festival for having made significant and lasting contributions to jazz and culture in the Five Points neighborhood and beyond. Says Wende of her music, “the good Lord willing and the crick don't rise, I'll be able to keep it up till it's time to leave this world".

MAS Presents: Adam Swanson feat. Wende Harston

The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.teslaquartet.com/about">Tesla Quartet</a>, known for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style, or technical demand” (The International Review of Music), is comprised of Ross Snyder (violin), Michelle Lie (violin), Edwin Kaplan (viola), and Austin Fisher (cello).From cutting edge contemporary works to established masterpieces, the Tesla Quartet’s emotive and thoughtful interpretations reveal the ensemble’s deep commitment to the craft and to their ever expanding repertoire. Not only is each member a phenomenal musician, but together the quartet leverages its powerful platform to promote social justice, amplify underrepresented voices, and champion equality and a sustainable future.Now in its 16th season, the quartet performs regularly across North America and Europe. Performance highlights include their debut at New York’s Lincoln Center, a return to London’s Wigmore Hall, and performances at Stanford University’s Bing Concert Hall as winners of the prestigious John Lad Prize honoring exceptional emerging chamber ensembles.Beyond the stage and in the wake of the global pandemic, the Tesla Quartet helped to pioneer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://immersphere.io/">ImmerSphere</a>, an immersive, augmented reality, virtual concert experience that brings familiar community stages directly into the homes of audiences. With hope for a brighter future, the quartet premiered Jeff Nytch’s multidisciplinary work decrying deforestation, For the Trees, in 2022 and has more recently undertaken several commissioned works that speak to our climate crisis and recovery with the hope of inspiring climate action.

MAS Presents: Tesla Quartet

Praised for “combining omnivory and brilliance” (The New York Times), four-time Grammy Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart translates stories of self determination to the concert stage.Tearing down the facade of “classical violinist,” Stewart is in constant pursuit of his musical authenticity, treating art as a battery for realizing citizenship. As a solo violinist, composer, Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, professor at The Juilliard School, and member of award-winning ensembles PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail, Stewart realizes a vision to find personal and powerful connections between styles, cultures and musics.As a soloist, Curtis Stewart has been presented by Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Cal Performances, Washington Performing Arts, Virginia Arts Festival, The Juilliard School, and the 2022 GRAMMY Awards, among many others. He has made special appearances with Los Angeles Opera and singer-songwriter Tamar Kali; as curator and guest soloist with Anthony Roth Costanzo and the New York Philharmonic “Bandwagon,” touring performance installations from NYC’s Whitney Museum, Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of Modern Art; to MTV specials with Wyclef Jean; and sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden with Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Seal. Stewart’s 2021 album of quarantined song cycles and art videos, Of Power (Bright Shiny Things), was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo.In 2022, Stewart was named Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, a national organization dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by diverse and innovative American composers.An avid teacher, Curtis Stewart teaches Chamber Music, Improvised Chamber Music, and “Cultural Equity and Performance Practice” at The Juilliard School; directs the Contemporary Chamber Music program at the Perlman Music Program; served on the board of Concert Artist Guild; conducted several orchestras and opera pit orchestras; and for 10 years led all levels of music theory and string orchestra at the Laguardia High School for Music &amp; Art and Performing Arts in New York City.&nbsp;

MAS Presents: Curtis Stewart

Robert Mirabal is a Pueblo musician and multitalented instrumentalist from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Among his many musical talents, Mirabal plays percussion, keys, ocarina, didgeridoo, and flute, and even crafts some of his own instruments. Robert’s flutes have been on auction around the world and have been displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of the American Indian.An award-winning musician and leading proponent of world music, Mirabal performs worldwide, sharing flute songs, tribal rock, dance, and storytelling. Mirabal was twice named the Native American Music Awards' Artist of the Year, and received the Songwriter of the Year award three times. In 2006 he was featured on the Grammy Award-winning album, Sacred Ground: A Tribute to Mother Earth and in 2008 he took home the Grammy for Best Native American Music Album.Of his music, Mirabal says, “I offer my work as a healing for the human spirit and a remembrance of why we are all here together”.In addition to the music and instruments he creates, Mirabal is also a celebrated painter, poet and playwright. He is the author of A Skeleton of a Bridge, a book of poetry prose and short stories. He has lent his words and insights to several educational and documentary films, including two narrated by Robert Redford, Silent Witness and Sacred Sites. And, he is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts award and the New York Dance and Performer’s “Bessie” Award for composition.

MAS Presents: Robert Mirabal

Featuring:<ul><li>David Amram, classical composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, jazz and folk musician</li><li>Hugh Ragin, band leader and jazz trumpet</li><li>Yumi Hwang Williams, Colorado Symphony Concertmaster, violin</li><li>Kolio Plachkov, Colorado Symphony Associate Principle Horn, French horn</li></ul>David Amram, now 93 years old, boasts a remarkable eight-decade career in music. In his early years, Amram made his mark as jazz French horn player, sharing the stage with legendary artists such as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. He later left an indelible legacy in classical music, marked by collaborations with the likes of Leonard Bernstein. Amram’s impressive classical repertoire encompasses over 100 orchestral and chamber music compositions, in addition to numerous scores for theater and film. A selection of his notable film credits include 'The Manchurian Candidate' (1962), 'Splendor in the Grass' (1961), Arthur Miller's 'After The Fall,' and the iconic Beat Generation film featuring and written by Jack Kerouac 'Pull My Daisy' (1959).With a discography that spans over 20 records, recipient of over 8 honorary doctorates, and numerous other recognitions, Amram's contributions to the world of music are profound. In 1966, he made history as the first Composer-In-Residence for the New York Philharmonic, solidifying his status as one of the most influential, not to mention most performed, composers of our era.In addition to his impressive music career, Amram has authored 5 books and recently released an anthology of essays, “The Many Worlds Of David Amram” which includes articles by local musicians Barry Ollman, Laura Schulkind and Hugh Ragin. Dean Birkencamp, editor of and contributor to the anthology, will have copies of the book available for sale at the show.

MAS Presents: The Many Worlds of David Amram 

Drawing from his roots in the church choir, Indiana-born Quinn DeVeaux is the originator of blue beat soul, a rapturous blend of early blues, old-school country, and soul.&nbsp;DeVeaux’s songwriting is uplifting and healing with a focus on modern storytelling. Channeling artists such as Sam Cooke, Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and Leon Bridges, Quinn weaves a rich tapestry of sound that evokes and pays homage to his forebears all while keeping his finger on the contemporary pulse.&nbsp; “Every so often something comes across my desk that not only causes me to pick my jaw off the floor, but reminds why I began this effort. [Quinn] is one of those rare artists that reminds us that the essence of human soul is alive and well and living, in its most visceral form, in new independent music” - Music Zeitgeist.Joining Quinn for his first performance in Denver for in 5-years are Denver musicians Mark Anderson on drums, Dave Guy on bass, and Paul Dehaven on guitar.

MAS Presents: Quinn DeVeaux

Performing in Denver for the first time is Brooklyn-based, Oklahoma-born, singer, songwriter, pianist, and cellist, Gabriel Royal.&nbsp;One of the few musicians combining cello and voice, Royal, down to his last dollar, began his career playing in the New York subway. Influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Burt Bacharach, Royal weaves sonic tales through a unique blend of jazz, classical, pop, and neo-soul. To every performance Gabriel brings infectious energy, humor, and vulnerability, allowing him to engage audiences in a way that only one who nurtures genuine connection with commuters can.Royal’s 2016, self-titled debut earned him rave reviews for his soaring vocals, hum-along melodies, and lush arrangements. His sophomore release, Miss Once In A Blue Moon (2018), contemplating love and loss, triumph and failure, and the ups and downs of relationships, launched tours for him in Europe and the US. Since then, Royal has been featured on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://livesessions.npr.org/videos/gabriel-royal-remember-us-mountain-stage">NPR Live Sessions</a> from the Mountain Stage in West Virginia, performed at Monterey and Newport Jazz Festivals, and taken the stage at top New York venues including (Le) Poisson Rouge and The Blue Note Jazz Club.Royal’s newest composition, Dust to Dirge is an original score created to accompany multi-media artwork, Earth Elegy by Ashanti Chaplin. Earth Elegy is an installation that was made in collaboration with Oklahoma community members and civic leaders as is comprised of video, aural, sculptural, and material impressions of the 13 historic Black towns in Oklahoma. “It’s a lyric-less song, like a Gregorian chant, meant to make you think and feel longing,” says Royal of his new music.

MAS Presents: Gabriel Royal

For the first time since 2014, Jolie Holland – singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and producer – returns to Denver.The enigmatic artist, with eight studio albums to her name, embodies a style best described as a fusion of American roots, rock, and experimental. Formerly a member of the well-known Canadian folk-group the Be Good Tanyas, Holland has been on the road since the early 2000s, more recently sharing the stage with names such as Big Thief, St. Vincent, Elbow, and Mavis Staples.Said Lou Reed once to Holland, “I could have listened to you all night”.Holland’s latest album, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/haunted-mountain-mw0004057347">Haunted Mountain</a> (2023), was received with great acclaim reasserting “her stature as one of the most electrifying performers on the contemporary scene” (Vinyl District). For this album, the songstress teamed up with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/buck-meek-mn0003518712">Buck Meek</a> of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/big-thief-mn0003449693">Big Thief</a> to create an “otherworldly” and “intimate” (NPR) masterpiece with lyrics rooted in discord and provocation.Holland’s debut solo album, Catalpa (2003) along with her sophomore release, Escondida (2004), established Holland as one of the nation's most important young songwriters. Her follow-up albums Springtime Can Kill You (2006), The Living and the Dead (2008), and Pint Of Blood (2011) are hailed as “transmissions from dustier times” with Holland’s voice “cutting through the din” (NPR). Wildflower Blues, her seventh studio album, is a captivating collaboration with former Be Good Tanyas bandmate, Samantha Parton, released in 2017.Holland’s authentically raw and emotive voice, as well as her ability to embody the weird and the wonderful (Wine Dark Sea (2014)), have earned her space in the studio with Booker T, Lucinda Williams, and TV On The Radio, collaborations with Hal Willner, Kronos Quartet, and Boots Riley, and Tom Waits as a fan.Grab a ticket, come early, stay late, and simmer in the haunting sounds of Jolie Holland.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://joliehollandmusic.com/">Website</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/joliehollandmusic/?hl=en">Instagram</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC569fPRhpkzYHvRek6XiSyA">YouTube</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://patreon.com/jolieholland?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&amp;utm_content=join_link&amp;utm_medium=clipboard_copy&amp;utm_source=copyLink">Patreon</a><iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fGckxdZWKms?si=m3xsj0qvFxDAn6kN" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed><iframe-embed src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/2CVC0KMuJ73P8AMLToOkuQ?utm_source=generator" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" height="352" width="100%" style="border-radius:12px" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Music Appreciation Society

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