Friday November 11: Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard– World Beat Jazz Open 5-10, Music from 6:30-9:30 $5 Cover While The Music Plays
Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius – composer-pianist
HEARD
New World JazzThe original repertoire of HEARD is the work of composer-arranger-pianist ELIZABETH WOODBURY KASIUS who brings a wide array of styles –jazz, classical and world music– into her captivating soundscape. Her inspirations come from her diverse experiences and interests and are often drawn from the raw and powerful sources that nature provides. Heard’s dynamic and eclectic lineup of musicians gives Elizabeth a multitude of talents and textures to compose for, and to perform with.
Elizabeth received her formal musical training at the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, where she studied ethnomusicology, piano performance and composition with Brazilian pianist Jovino Santos Neto, trombonist Julian Priester and Big Band leader/trumpet player Jim Knapp, as well as with Nigerian Juju musician IK Dairo.
In addition to teaching composition and piano privately, she has been an adjunct professor for 11 years in the Dance Department at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, where she works as a dance musician and composer-in-residence, as well as a yoga teacher. Her collaborations with dancers have also led her to work with the NYC-based Mark Morris, Jose Limon, and Doug Varone Companies, and the NYC Ballet, and with Saratoga Springs’ TangoFusion. Her work with the Capital-District based Ellen Sinopoli Modern Dance Company has led to numerous Arts-in-Education Residencies in regional elementary schools. Elizabeth has also played keyboard and percussion with the Brazilian group The Berkshire Bateria for 8 years, as well as with vocalist/songwriter Joy Adler.
Elizabeth’s music has been featured on the NPR programs “Theme & Variations”, “All Things Considered”, and “Performance Place”, and she is currently at work on her third cd. A release with writer/monologue artist David Greenberger’s Duplex Planet project is also in the works for 2009-2010.
Jonathan Greene – woodwinds
Woodwinds player Jonathan is an active freelance musician in the New York Capital Region’s jazz, world and classical scenes. He has performed with the Albany and Glens Falls Symphonies and was recently a guest performer on the recital of world-renowned chamber pianist, Andre-Michel Shub. Jonathan attended Skidmore College, where he was the recipient of the Filene Music Scholarship.
Originally from Seattle, Jon attended Garfield High where he was part of their internationally known jazz program and Big Band, whom he toured Europe and Japan with his senior year. While in Seattle, he also became an accomplished mbira player, through the vibrant world music scene happening out of University of Washington.
John Menegon – bass
John Menegon is a venerable & versatile bass player, fluid in all realms of jazz and a highly-regarded composer, arranger and band leader in his own right. He played for years with the acclaimed sax player, Dewey Redman and has toured internationally with several different groups. He also plays frequently with his wife Teri Roiger, jazz vocalist and pianist.
http://www.johnmenegon.comBrian Melick – drums/percussion
Brian Melick is a percussive treasure who is known for his
unique “hybrid” sound, built from his incredible collection of world music instruments. His sensitivity, musicality, and adaptability lend an eclecticism to Heard, and his playfulness is irresistible to watch and be a part of! He tours regularly with a diverse range of groups ranging musically from Flamenco to Celtic.
http://www.uduboy.com
“Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard have a fantastic original repertoire, a really delightful stage presence and a generosity with each other as musicians and also with the audience….What a pleasure!”–Maria Zemantauski, Flamenco Guitarist and Cultural Events Coordinator Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY
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