MUSIC HALLS

New Muse is an improvising string ensemble started in 2015 performing 20th/21st century music and original works as a vehicle for social activism. As classical/European trained players who are improvisors, we are drawn to composed music that embodies expansive dialogue and self expression in addition to improvised and original works rooted in the Black music tradition of jazz, blues, collective and free improvisation. From this multicultural path, we improvise to inside form, outside/free improvisation, notated and annotated/collective improvising works. We believe improvisation to be the highest form of self expression and freedom. Gwen Laster, violin, Melanie Dyer, viola and Alex Waterman.

Miles Gilbert is a native New Yorker who studied Jazz Performance at Oberlin Conservatory, where he was mentored by the legendary Saxophonist Gary Bartz. Miles is the bassist in the Griffin Woodard Quartet and is a staple on the NY jazz scene.

When writing music I try to express from a place of sensitivity to the urgency of the many existential crises that face humanity today – global climate catastrophe, poverty, hunger, racial violence. This can be overwhelming, especially when compounded with the more mundane trials we all face every day. For me social activism, despite its daunting challenges, is fundamentally a spiritual act, which is why I called my last album “Da Fé” (of faith): faith in a better future and in our species’ capacity for positive change. But in the end I believe we need more than just music to make change – and so my music is offered in tribute to the political activists who offer me hope, and whose work I want to support however I can.

Kristin Rose Kelleher is a theatre artist, musician, traveler, and yogi. Her journey to a life in theatre began at age 4 when the kids at preschool refused to refer to her as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, which was clearly who she was (that day, at least). She inherited her dad’s love for music and her mom’s wanderlust and is beyond grateful to spend her life exploring the world while collaborating with incredible people and doing what she loves.

Sandra is a versatile, professional singer-songwriter and guitarist. She is also dedicated to serving the homeless and youth at risk. Her outreach, through love and music builds a foundation of unity and connection for the communities that she serves.