Events

Michael Hawkins is a charismatic bassist and composer currently heating up the jazz scene in the greater Richmond, VA, area with his band Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood (James “Saxsmo” Gates on alto sax, Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, and Billy Williams, Jr. on drums). The term brotherhood not only signifies the interpersonal relationships among the members of the band but also pays homage to jazz musicians from years past.

Led by baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer, Seven Pointed Star is one of the region’s hottest new jazz groups, featuring some of the most accomplished jazz women on the planet. The repertory features Pilzer’s arrangements of her own original songs and those of other band members, selections from the Great American Songbook, and jazz standards, all performed with electrifying energy, joy, and stellar musicianship.

Idol Beings is the musical partnership of vocalist Akua Allrich and bassist/producer Kris Funn. Born and raised in the DMV, the two have a philosophy about their creative process: “It is in moments of idleness that nodes of the brain that don’t usually communicate with each other spark connections. We created this project to express our art outside of our normal thought process — not for the sake of not being idle, but to become idols.”

Dan Navarro’s eclectic, 40-year career as a songwriter, artist, singer, and voice actor spans 17 acclaimed albums; thousands of concerts; films like Coco and Happy Feet; and writing songs for Pat Benatar (Grammy-nominated “We Belong”), The Bangles, and more. In early 2019, after 20+ years with Lowen & Navarro, he released his solo album Shed My Skin to rave reviews. An engaged Renaissance artist, Navarro believes that art is food, music is love, and sleep is for babies.

Hiroya Tsukamoto’s blend of masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling transcends cultural barriers. Recognized for his soulful performances that create an orchestra at his fingertips, Tsukamoto draws audiences into his world of musical exploration. This is a rare opportunity to witness a performer celebrated for his ability to take listeners on an “impressionistic journey” (Boston Herald) that will resonate long after the final note is played.

Grammy Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are master musicians whose superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, and more. Cathy & Marcy’s Old Time Coalition, featuring Rachel Eddy (fiddle) and Becky Hill (percussive dancer), has grown out of a mutual love of Appalachian music and dance. They take the passion of a late-night porch jam session and put it on stage.