World-class Soprano, Brazilian Pianist, Jazz at Piccolo, More

There's a lot going on this week, and I will try to be coherent about it. My sick 2-year-old was up like five times last night. I'm a little tired.

Brazilian pianist Alessandra Feris (website) will perform Monday night (2/20) at Goodwin Hall at 7:30 PM (event page). That's her in the embedded video at right from her YouTube channel. I've tweeted her (@alessandraferis) about the program and will let you know if I hear back. I'm guessing some new music will be on the bill.

If I post this in time, you may be able to make it to the museum today (2/16) from 12-1 PM for a free recital by flutist Nancy Vinson and pianist Laurelie Gheesling. They will do a program of music by women composers, one of whom has an Auburn connection. Also, Laurelie will open with a solo piece, which is not something she gets to do often as AU's Coordinator of Collaborative Piano. Nancy has a beautiful tone. When I hear her with the Montgomery Symphony, she shines like a jewel and is for me one of the best things about hearing that group. Laurelie is a deeply sensitive accompanist, and I'm looking forward to her solo. I hope you can come out. Learn more about the recently fully-booked series and its musicians here.

Laurelie will be back on stage at Goodwin Hall with Dr. Julianne Baird (website). Here's a feature page about the event. Dr. Baird is a world-renowned soprano. A cursory glance at the internet about her reveals lots of recordings, a strong reputation and a beautiful voice. She'll do a lecture on Jane Austen's Music Collection at 4 PM on Monday (2/20) and a performance with Laurelie Tuesday night (2/21) at 7:30 PM. If you can make one performance this week in Auburn, I'd say this would be the one to go to.

Jazz will play at Piccolo (alert: music auto-load) tonight through Saturday (2/16, 2/17, 2/18). Shows are 8-11. I'll post more as I learn it. Thursdays are Jane Drake's with her trio, and I don't expect anything different for tonight. Piccolo is an intimate venue with good food and drinks. There's no cover or minimum if you go, but do buy something. As at any restaurant/bar venue, jazz is there as a draw. If you are a jazz fan and just want to listen, then I love you. But do try to support the venue.

UPDATE (2/17): Headlining at Piccolo Friday night (2/17) is AU jazz and saxophone instructor Mike Pendowski (AU bio). Saturday (2/18) it's saxophonist Taylor Kennedy (MySpace page) from Atlanta.

Wednesday night (2/22) there will be an AU Faculty Jazz Concert (event page). As I learn more, I'll update this post or add to another. Pendowski will be involved.

The Kronos Quartet is at Emory tomorrow (Friday, 2/17) with the Alim Qasimov Ensemble (event page). There's a couple of other non-local things in the next few days that I'd like to mention. Maybe later.