Come join the folks that brought you The Billy Strayhorn Project as they celebrate the life and music of this composer, pianist, arranger, and beautiful human being on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Special guests and a great time to be had.

Dudeski! Hell on Wheels! Jazz? Maybe. With Jacques Willis-keys, Michael OWcharuk-keys, and Mike Musburger-drums. Kill 'em with notes,

A ferociously powerful, psychedelic clarinet and primal scream fronted rock band – Crystal Beth* spits electric fire and cleansing water in dense currents of bethnic chants created to unblock your nervous system and drop that dopamine!

With the reflexes of a mongoose and the swagger of a leftist John Wayne, Crystal Beth* spins her own universe of exaltation, brandishing a sword of Boom Boom liberation to instigate a sweaty trance and heart-pouring ritual.

The Boom Boom Band features
Tristan Gianola (guitar)
Michael Owcharuk (keyboard)
Isaac Castillo (bass)
Adam Kozie (drums)

“….fare perhaps best described as world music from an imaginary planet — or at least one recently visited by Yoko Ono….quite compelling and magical….” (Seattle Times)

*Crystal Beth is a psychoactive stimulant that increases alertness, concentration, and energy, and in high doses, can induce euphoria, enhance self-esteem, and increase libido.

Join us in celebrating Heather Benthley's birthday with a night of newly commissioned compositions by Nathaniel Evans, Tim Carey, Ben Thomas, Michaud Savage, Michael Owcharuk, Evan Flory-Barnes, Samantha Boshnack, Jim Knapp, William Hayes, Alex Guy, Ivan Arteaga, and Jessica Lurie.

Performed by Paris Hurley-violin, Heather Bentley-viola, Beth Fleenor-clarinets, and Steve Schermer-doublebass.

Vocalist Tyrone Brown hails the music of William Thomas “Billy” Strayhorn, the composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger who is celebrated for his almost-30-year collaboration with Duke Ellington. Brown, Nate Omdal (director/bass), Michael Owcharuk (piano), and Jacques Willis (drums) play arrangements of classics like “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Chelsea Bridge,” and “Lush Life.”

This special presentation of The Billy Strayhorn Projects will be expanded to include more music and special guest soloists.

Co-presented with Seattle Art Museum and 88.5 KPLU.