This week, GMF features female composers spanning nearly 10 centuries with a concert, “Women Composers Across the Ages,” on Thursday, June 6. Artists include: Geoff Herd and Eliot Heaton (violins), Hillary Herndon (viola), Max Geissler and Hannah Collins (cello), Justin McCulloch (bass) and Esther Park (piano). Among the works featured will be those from Hildegard von Bingen, the earliest known female composer, and Fanny Mendelsohn, Felix’s little sister. Also featured will be work by Pulitzer- and Grammy-winning composer Jennifer Higdon. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts.
On Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m., the focus turns to jazz – and food—with Sounds of April and Randall: Jazz Concert at Club 86. After a successful GMF debut as part of T.S. Monk’s ensemble in 2018, April May Webb and Randall Haywood return with their own ensemble, S.O.A.R. The couple will share their unique synthesis of swing, cool, hard bop, and avant-garde jazz. S.O.A.R joins a distinguished legacy of jazz at Club 86 that includes Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. An optional pre-concert, three-course dinner is available starting at 6 p.m. for $30 (tax and gratuity included). Call Club 86 at 315-789-4955 or email events@club86events.com for dinner reservations and best view of the stage!
Saturday’s concert at the Smith Center for the Arts, “Bessie, Billie, Ella and Friends,” pays tribute to artists in the National Women’s Hall of Fame starting at 7:30 p.m. Get ready for an evening of legendary jazz. GMF favorite and Broadway star Syndee Winters will be joined by jazz singer, songwriter and actress Ann Hampton Callaway, with a guest appearance by S.O.A.R. (April May Webb and Randall Haywood). Melissa Kate will open.
Tickets for adult admission to each concert and an after-concert reception are $25 (ages 18 and under are free with purchase of adult ticket). All venues are wheelchair accessible and air conditioned.
A full schedule including concert details and locations and tickets are available online.