ANN ARBOR, MI — Kerrytown Concert House will present 10 performances throughout March at its venue at 415 N. Fourth Ave. in Ann Arbor, according to a Feb. 11 press release.
The performances will span jazz, cabaret, world music and classical genres.
The Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association’s Ron Brooks Award Concert, March 1
The first performance of the month opens March 1 at 4 p.m. with a jazz concert honoring Detroit jazz historian Lars Bjorn at the Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association (SEMJA)’s Ron Brooks Award Concert. Bjorn has served as the association president for 12 years and co-authored “Before Motown,” described as the first major history of jazz in Detroit. The award recognizes significant contributions to the Detroit jazz community as performers and educators.
Pianist Adam Mosley, guitarist Ralph Tope, bassist Paul Keller and drummer Jesse Kramer will perform in tribute.
Cabaret artist Ari Axelrod, March 7
Cabaret artist Ari Axelrod returns to his hometown on March 7 at 7:30 p.m. with “L’chaim: To Life. To Love. To You.” He will perform with pianist Tyler Driskill.
Celtic music from Selkie with Zingerman’s Deli, March 12
A special “Melodies & Morsels: Ireland Edition” on March 12 at 7 p.m. pairs Irish food from Zingerman’s Deli with Celtic music from Selkie, a trio formed in 2019 by West Michigan musicians Jim Spalink, Michele Venegas and Cara Lieurance. Special guest Noah Jacobs will join them. Tickets must be purchased by March 9, and the tasting box will contain dairy and gluten with no accommodations available for allergens.
Singer-songwriter Jess Merritt, March 13 and 14
Singer-songwriter Jess Merritt performs “Torch Songs for Today” over two nights, March 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m., accompanied by Tim Van Riper on piano, Tommy Reifel on bass and Jonathan Brown on drums.
Jazz pianist Ellen Rowe, March 15
The third installment of Ellen Rowe’s “All About the Trio” series explores Dave Brubeck on March 15 at 2 p.m. The performance will include discussion of Brubeck’s life and musical innovations, known for pioneering unusual time signatures and contributions to cool jazz. Audience questions are welcome.
Musical genre collaboration with Erik McIntyre and Grant Flick, March 19
Erik McIntyre and Grant Flick collaborate March 19 at 7:30 p.m. for “Explorations for Violin and Guitar,” improvising on standards and material from jazz, country, blues and French musette.
Jazz pianist Lisa Sung ensemble, March 21
Korean American jazz pianist Lisa Sung presents an original song cycle inspired by Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” on March 21 at 4 p.m. The performance is in collaboration with the Nam Center for Korean Studies at the University of Michigan and includes readers Eva Rosenwald and Tae Hoon Yoo, along with special guest lecturer Dr. Youngju Ryu.
Flutist Amy Porter and pianist Christopher Harding, March 22
Flutist Amy Porter and pianist Christopher Harding perform “By Request” March 22 at 4 p.m. The repertoire was selected through over 70 online votes from students, alumni and supporters, featuring composers including Lowell Liebermann, Mel Bonis, Andre Jolivet and Karl Reinecke.
Jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor, March 27
Vocalist Olivia Van Goor makes her third appearance at the venue March 27 at 7:30 p.m., honoring jazz singer Anita O’Day with performances of songs including “Tea for Two,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Waiter, Make Mine Blues” and “Hershey Bar.” She will be joined by pianist Scott Gwinnell, bassist Reuben Stump and drummer Dave Zwolinski.
Soprano Kimwana Doner and pianist John Etsell, March 28
The month concludes March 28 at 7:30 p.m. with soprano Kimwana Doner performing “Shirley Verrett: The Voice and the Fire in the Belly,” a one-woman tribute to the opera star. Doner has performed at San Francisco Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre and Boston Lyric Opera. John Etsell accompanies on piano.
Most performances offer adult tickets from $25 to $45 and student tickets from $20 to $35, with the Ireland Edition event priced higher at $40 to $60 for adults. Tickets are available on the Kerrytown Concert House website, by phone at 734-769-2999, or at the door when available.
Generative AI was used to draft this story, based on information provided by Kerrytown Concert House. It was reviewed and edited by MLive.
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