Catherine Russell & Sean Mason
MAS Presents: Catherine Russell & Sean Mason (Jazz Vocals & Piano)
All ages welcome | Early show: Doors @ 4 PM | Music @ 5 PM | Late show: Doors @ 8 PM | Music @ 9 PM
Please note: Tickets for each show must be purchased seperatly
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 & Venues and the Five Points Jazz Grant.
RIYL: Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington
Ticket Pricing
General Admission (GA): $27 ($25 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing
High Tops & Front 2 Rows: $42 ($40 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing
Five Points Residents: $15 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing Students (18+): $10 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing
Youth (Under 18): free (GA seating) At the Door: Prices increase by $2 to help us cover the cost of credit card processing fees.
*Community Impact Fee: A $2 fee on non-discounted general admission and premium tickets helps us offer reduced-price tickets to youth, students, and others in our community, fostering economically inclusive access to the joy of world-class live music.
A familiar call drifts in like a favorite melody, “come over, it’s going to be a good time”. You instinctively follow and find yourself wrapped in stories, laughter, and soul…
MAS Presents is thrilled to welcome back Grammy Award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell, joined by acclaimed pianist and composer Sean Mason.
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, MAS Presents will host two performances on October 3rd at 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
A native New Yorker born into jazz royalty — her 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.
Catherine’s powerful, joyful voice has taken her around the globe and onto over 200 recordings. Since her debut album as a leader in 2006, she has steadily garnered remarkable international acclaim, notably winning the Prix du Jazz Vocal (Vocal Album of the Year) in 2012 for Strictly Romancin’ along with a Grammy Award for her contributions to the Boardwalk Empire soundtrack. She has been nominated for three Grammy awards in the Jazz Vocal Album category, including in 2016 for Harlem On My Mind, in 2019 for Alone Together, and in 2025 for My Ideal. Her versatility and prowess have led her to perform and record with music legends including David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, and Steely Dan, with whom she currently performs.
Catherine Russell’s live performances are a celebration of timeless jazz and blues — featuring hidden gems from the 1920s to today, delivered with warmth, wit, and undeniable swing.
"A voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the Garden of Eden" — NPR
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.
Known for his work with Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, and Catherine Russell, Sean has also worked on Broadway productions including Hadestown and The Phantom of the Opera, and leads the Sean Mason Quartet, an ensemble celebrated for its dynamic performances and innovative arrangements.
Sean’s path in jazz reflects his remarkable talent and forward-thinking vision, continuously pushing boundaries through his music. His work is set to leave a lasting impact — captivating audiences and inspiring fellow musicians with his dedication to the ever-evolving spirit of jazz.
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.
Both masters of jazz, their repertoires span the vast landscape of African-American and American popular music, from the blues and R&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.
“Singing with the great pianist Sean Mason allows for the freedom to have fun and be in the moment. We understand each other.” — Catherine Russell
Catherine Russell’s 2015 Denver debut with MAS Presents
Ariel Posen
MAS Presents: Ariel Posen (Roots Rock Trio)
All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM
RIYL: Ry Cooder, Sonny Landreth, The Black Keys
Ticket Pricing
General Admission (GA): $42 ($40 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing
High Tops & Front 2 Rows: $57 ($55 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing Students (18+): $20 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing
Youth (Under 18): $10 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing At the Door: Base prices increase by $2 to help us cover the cost of credit card processing fees.
*Community Impact Fee: A $2 fee on non-discounted general admission and premium tickets helps us offer reduced-price tickets to youth, students, and others in our community, fostering economically inclusive access to the joy of world-class live music.
A new story unfolds — its voice warped, the message cryptic, until, through the haze, you catch the words: Come closer… we’re all here together now…
Ariel Posen 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&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.
“Virtuoso, genius, monster soloist – over the years these titles and more have been attached to Ariel Posen’s name, and rightly so. But while he’s grateful for the recognition, he was never about clout-chasing or being heralded as a guitarist’s guitarist. Music is much bigger than that in his world.” – Guitar World
Marisa Anderson
MAS Presents: Maris Anderson (Avant-folk Guitarist)
All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM
RIYL: Neil Young, William Tyler, John Fahey
Ticket Pricing
General Admission (GA): $42 ($40 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing
High Tops & Front 2 Rows: $57 ($55 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing Students (18+): $20 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing
Youth (Under 18): $10 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing At the Door: Base prices increase by $2 to help us cover the cost of credit card processing fees.
*Community Impact Fee: A $2 fee on non-discounted general admission and premium tickets helps us offer reduced-price tickets to youth, students, and others in our community, fostering economically inclusive access to the joy of world-class live music.
A screen door creaks shut, folding into a symphony of the familiar and the unexpected — visiting sounds that linger like memory…
Guitarist 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.
In 2020, Marisa teamed up with drummer Jim White (Dirty Three, Xylouris White) for The Quickening, a fiery and improvised collection recorded in Mexico City that spotlighted Anderson’s raw, spontaneous energy. That collaboration was followed by Lost Futures in 2021 — a lush, pastoral duo record created with acclaimed guitarist William Tyler, praised for its emotional depth and melodic clarity.
In 2024, Marisa composed and performed the score for the feature film A Perfect Day for Caribou and appeared on records by Charlie Parr, Myriam Gendron, and BIG|BRAVE.
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.” - Pitchfork
In 2025, Marisa received the Spark Award for Oregon Artists, presented by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.
“Many of Anderson's compositions are experimental and meditative in nature, leaving space between notes for response — or for inspiration to arrive.” – NPR
Rahim AlHaj & Sourena Sefati
MAS Presents: Rahim AlHaj & Sourena Sefati (Oud & Santour)
All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM
RIYL: Ravi Shankar, Anouar Brahem, Naseer Shamma
Ticket Pricing
General Admission (GA): $42 ($40 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing
High Tops & Front 2 Rows: $57 ($55 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing Students (18+): $20 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing
Youth (Under 18): $10 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing At the Door: Base prices increase by $2 to help us cover the cost of credit card processing fees.
*Community Impact Fee: A $2 fee on non-discounted general admission and premium tickets helps us offer reduced-price tickets to youth, students, and others in our community, fostering economically inclusive access to the joy of world-class live music.
The scorching wind lashes the dunes, sending spirals dancing. In the shimmering distance, a lone traveler raises an arm —beckoning you near…
Two-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’s music has taken him to stages across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, and his collaborations span genres and cultures — including projects with guitarist Bill Frisell, R.E.M’s Peter Buck, sarod player Amjad Ali Khan, and accordionist/composer Guy Klucevsek.
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, including One Sky, Fandango at the Wall (recorded at the U.S.-Mexico border), and From Deceitful Ages, which earned him the Best Composition Award from the Iranian Music House in 2017. In 2022, he was awarded the Scott Wilkinson Composition Scholarship.
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.
Rahim AlHaj, along with Sourena Sefati and Issa Malluf, makes good on his commitment to creating music that bridges cultural and sociopolitical divides. Filled with intoxicating waves of sound and brilliant melodies, it succeeds in spreading AlHaj's message of global understanding and love.” – Shorefire Media
Mr. Sun Plays Ellington's Nutcracker
MAS Presents: Mr Sun Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker (Jazzgrass Supergroup)
All ages welcome | Doors @ 7:00 PM | Music @ 8:00 PM
RIYL: Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile, David Grisman, Punch Brothers
Ticket Pricing
General Admission (GA): $42 ($40 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing
High Tops & Front 2 Rows: $57 ($55 + $2 Community Impact Fee) + platform service and cc processing Students (18+): $20 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing
Youth (Under 18): $10 (GA seating) + platform service and cc processing At the Door: Base prices increase by $2 to help us cover the cost of credit card processing fees.
*Community Impact Fee: A $2 fee on non-discounted general admission and premium tickets helps us offer reduced-price tickets to youth, students, and others in our community, fostering economically inclusive access to the joy of world-class live music.
Where snowflakes swing and fiddles spark, Mr Sun breathes new life into a holiday classic, fusing classical roots with jazz soul and string-born joy…
If 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The four musical personalities of Mr Sun are so strong that one might imagine the group could burst at the seams if not for the palpable love and humor that emanate from every note they play together. At any moment, one might hear a tight bluegrass groove give way to a swinging jazz phrase, a chamber-style interlude, or a daring improvisation. Whether reinterpreting classic works or performing original compositions, Mr. Sun’s music is richly textured, rhythmically exciting, and always emotionally resonant.
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 has seized upon the inspiration of Duke Ellington’s brilliant, sly, and urbane re-interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Suite as an opportunity to salute and re-invent this wildly multi-faceted work anew, through the lens of the American String Band, a musical form which now contains many styles and is presently engaged in a marathon upheaval of innovation and expansion.” – Atwood Magazine
Kaleta & Super Yamba Band
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for an irresistible night of Afrobeat, funk, and West African rhythms with Kaleta & Super Yamba Band.
Cocktails at 7 pm, music at 8 pm
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $30 GA - standing, $40 GA - seated, $55 premium seating (high tops & front two rows).
At the Door: $35 GA - standing, $45 GA - seated, $60 premium seating
Students (over 18): receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Youth (18 and under): $20 general admission, $30 premium seating
Kaleta and Super Yamba Band are a dynamic musical group known for their electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and traditional West African rhythms.
Fronted by the charismatic Léon Ligan-Majek, better known as Kaleta, the band channels the vibrant energy of Nigerian and Beninese musical traditions. Kaleta, a singer and guitarist, from the West African country of Benin Republic, lived his adolescent life in Lagos, Nigeria where Afrobeat was born.
His guitar chops and infectious charisma earned him decades of touring and recording with King Sunny Ade, Lauryn Hill, Fela Kuti, and more. In fact, Kaleta went on to tour the world playing guitar for the King of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, in his storied band Egypt 80 through the 1980s and into the 1990s.
His time with Egypt 80 exposed him to the political and cultural significance of Afrobeat, which he absorbed and continues to incorporate into his music. Since moving to the United States Kaleta has served as a leading ambassador of African music in the diaspora.
In 2017, Kaleta joined Super Yamba Band, based in Brooklyn, NY. The band complements Kaleta's powerful vocals and guitar work with pulsating grooves, lively horns, and high-energy performances. Together, they have captivated audiences worldwide, delivering a sound that is both deeply rooted in African heritage and irresistibly modern.
The band’s debut album, Mèdaho, which was released by California indie label Ubiquity Records, draws on the group’s shared reverence for the raw, psychedelic sounds that captivated Kaleta as a music loving kid in 1970s Benin.
“Mèdaho” means "big brother", "elder", or "teacher" and is dedicated to Kaleta's late brother Ligan-Ozavino Pascal who introduced him to funk and soul music at a very early age.
The album was included on Bandcamp’s Best Albums of Summer 2019 list and two of the songs were chosen for the ABC/Hulu series High Fidelity staring Zoe Kravitz.
In 2019 Kaleta & Suber Yamba Band performed at the historic Apollo Theatre in New York as well as on Adult Swim’s Fishcenter Live show earning them widespread exposure across the US. The band’s captivating sound even prompted Action Bronson to stop his own show on VICELAND TV just so he could hear more Yamba! Said, Afropop Worldwide of Kaleta, “his James Brown grunts have got to be some of the best in the business!”
Don't miss your chance to experience the electrifying energy of Kaleta and the Super Yamba Band live in Denver — their high-energy performance will have you dancing all night long!
Jovino Santos Neto & Martin Kuuskmann
MAS Presents: Jovino Santos Neto & Martin Kuuskmann
Jayme Stone’s Folklife feat. Alexa Wildish
MAS Presents: Jayme Stone’s Folklife feat. Alexa Wildish
MAS Presents: Hanzhi Wang
Join MAS Presents for an afternoon of virtuosity and passion on the accordion at a special house concert!
Doors 4 pm, music at 5 pm
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $40 general admission, $55 premium seating (high tops & front two rows). Prices increase by $5 on February 16
At the Door: $50 general admission, $65 premium seating
Students (over 18): receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Youth (18 and under): $20 general admission, $30 premium seating
Beer, wine, and snacks provided.
Address will be provided to ticket holders.
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. 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. Get your tickets now.
Grande Orquesta Navarre with Nadya Hill
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for an otherworldly evening with Grande Orquesta Navarre and special guest Nadya Hill.
Cocktails at 7 pm, music at 8 pm
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $40 general admission, $55 premium seating (high tops & front two rows). Prices increase by $5 on January 2nd
At the Door: $50 general admission, $65 premium seating
Students (over 18): receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Youth (18 and under): $20 general admission, $30 premium seating
Grande Orquesta Navarre (GON) 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.
“In an era when everyone has seen and heard everything, this foursome feels fresh.” - Denver Westword, Best Chamber Orchestra 2017
A Name with a Story
Formed in 2015, 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.
Grande Orquesta Navarre features:
Sara Parkinson: piano
Evan Orman: bandoneon
Susan Cahill: bass
Tom Hagerman: violin and accordion
For this special performance, GON will 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 dance 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.
Grand Orquesta Navarre, live at Baur’s 2016, feat Rainer Eudekis
Experience Grande Orquesta Navarre—a genre-defying, boundary-blurring musical journey unlike anything you’ve heard before.
Chris Thomas King
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for an extraordinary night with Grammy-winning, Louisiana bluesman, Chris Thomas King.
Evening begins at 7 pm, music at 8 pm.
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $40 general admission, $55 premium seating (high tops & front two rows). Prices increase by $5 on December 5th.
At the Door: $50 general admission, $65 premium seating
Students receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Chris Thomas King is an American blues musician, producer, composer, actor, and now author 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 O Brother, Where Art Thou? 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.
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 & Sons, and The Lumineers.
Chris’ songs such as, Hard Time Killing Floor Blues and John Law Burned Down the Liquor Sto’, have been covered by many a well known artist including blues legend, Buddy Guy.
Chris’ latest album Big Grey Sky (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 Blues Origin Institute dedicated to establishing the true history of blues music, owns his own recording studio 21st Century Blues Studio, and founded Young Blues Rebel, a publishing company to which he signs his own artists.
Arc Iris
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for a dazzling night of electro art pop.
Evening begins at 7 pm, music at 8 pm.
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $40 general admission, $55 premium seating (high tops & front 2 rows). Prices increase by $5 on October 31.
At the Door: $50 general admission, $65 premium seating
Students receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Arc Iris 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.
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.
Known for their complex arrangements, the band’s most recent project, We Found Home, 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 iTMRW, 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.
Adam Swanson feat. Wende Harston
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for a night of ragtime, boogie woogie and vintage songs.
Evening begins at 7 pm, music at 8 pm.
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $35 general admission, $50 premium seating. Prices increase by $5 on October 17.
At the Door: $45 general admission, $60 premium seating
Students receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Adam Swanson 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 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".
Tesla Quartet
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for a night of extraordinary music with this award-winning ensemble.
Evening begins at 7 pm, music at 8 pm.
All ages welcome.
Tickets
Online: $40 general admission, $55 premium seating (high tops & front 2 rows). Prices increase by $5 on September 5th.
At the Door: $50 general admission, $65 premium seating
Students receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
The Tesla Quartet, 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.
“Though free to think and act, we are held together, like the stars in the firmament, with ties inseparable. These ties cannot be seen, but we can feel them.” — Nikola Tesla
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 ImmerSphere, 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.
Curtis Stewart
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for a night of extraordinary music.
Evening begins at 7 pm, music at 8 pm.
All ages welcome.
Students receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Full bar: 21+ with valid ID.
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.
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.
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.
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 & Art and Performing Arts in New York City.
Robert Mirabal
Sip craft cocktails and join fellow music lovers for a night of extraordinary music.
Evening begins at 7 pm, music at 8 pm.
All ages welcome.
Students receive 25% discount on tickets with code MAS-Student25
Full bar: 21+ with valid ID.
Robert Mirabal is a Grammy Award-winning, Native American artist from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Among his many musical talents, Mirabal plays percussion, keys, ocarina, didgeridoo, and flute, crafting many of his own instruments which have been displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
As 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 award 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.
David Amram’s Many Worlds: Concert & Book Release
MAS Presents: David Amram’s Many Worlds
Jolie Holland
Doors @ 7:00 PM
All ages welcome.
Beer, wine & cocktails: 21+ with ID.
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, Haunted Mountain (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 Buck Meek of Big Thief 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.
