April 28: Chris Grymes' Open G Series at National Sawdust - Composer/Pianist/Vocalist Nia Imani Franklin
Music by Missy Mazzoli, Tomeka Reid, and Nia Franklin herself in a program that celebrates women composers
Performances by cellist Matt Haimovitz, pianist Rieko Tsuchida, violinist Lady Jess and more
Open G Series continues on May 20 with vocal ensemble Variant 6 and sound artist/electronic composer Greg Wilder on June 11
On April 28, Chris Grymes' Open G Series at National Sawdust presents Nia Imani Franklin in a program highlighting new music by American women. Nia Imani Franklin, named Miss America in 2019, is an enormously accomplished and versatile singer, pianist and composer.
Ms. Franklin curated the program, which includes music from her debut EP, Extended, as well as works by Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery, Tomeka Reid, and Sato Matsui. In addition to Ms. Franklin, performers include cellist Matt Haimovitz, violinist Lady Jess, vocalist Jerenae Raeford, and pianist Rieko Tsuchida.
With a mastery of styles ranging from R&B to Western classical, Ms. Franklin’s soulful and eclectic music is a true joy to hear. Her gospel singing background in church contributed to her love for music at a young age, having written her first song at the age of five. Ms. Franklin has a Bachelor of Music degree in theory and composition and a Master of Music degree in composition. Her works include opera and instrumental music.
Nia Imani Franklin
Matt Haimovitz
Lady Jess
Chris Grymes’ Open G Series at National Sawdust continues in Spring 2022 with performances by vocal ensemble Variant 6 on May 20 celebrating the release of their new album New Suns, featuring works by Jeremy Gill, Gabriel Jackson, Joanne Metcalf, Benjamin C.S. Boyle, and Bruno Bettinelli. On June 11 sound artist and electronic composer Greg Wilder presents a program that highlights the state of the art Meyer Sound SpaceMap sound system with 106 speakers, which was installed at National Sawdust this year.
Tickets for Nia Imani Franklin's performance on April 28 at 7:30 pm are $20 for general admission and are available at nationalsawdust.org or (646) 779-8455. National Sawdust is located at 80 North 6th Street in Brooklyn.
CALENDAR LISTING
Chris Grymes' Open G Series at National Sawdust:
Composer/Vocalist Nia Imani Franklin
with Matt Haimovitz, Lady Jess, Mozoot, Nia Imani Franklin, Jerenae Raeford, Victor Pablo, and Rieko Tsuchida
April 28, 2022 at 7:30 pm
National Sawdust
80 North 6th St
Brooklyn, NY
Program
Nia Imani Franklin: Afro-dite
Missy Mazzoli: Beyond the Order of Things
Tomeka Reid: Volplaning
Nia Imani Franklin: like air, rising high
Nia Imani Franklin: Burgundy in Autumn
Jessie Montgomery: Strum
Nia Imani Franklin: EndSun
Nia Imani Franklin: Manhattan Shower Thoughts
Nia Imani Franklin: Runnin' Band
Nia Imani Franklin: Ample Hills
Sato Matsui: L'Oiseau Solaire
Nia Imani Franklin: Chrysalis Extended
Tickets are $20 for general admission, and are available at nationalsawdust.org or (646) 779-8455
National Sawdust's Covid protocols are at this link.
Chris Grymes' Open G Series
April 28 | Nia Imani Franklin
May 20 | Variant 6 album release party
June 11 | Sound Artist/Electronic Composer Greg Wilder
Chris Grymes founded Open G Records with a philosophy to produce music that is rooted in the classical tradition, but delivered in a way that will resonate with current and future generations of music fans. Having released a half dozen recordings, Open G has expanded to include a concert series hosted at National Sawdust in Brooklyn.
About National Sawdust
National Sawdust believes that artistic expression empowers us all to create a more joyful and just world. They curate and produce music and artistic works rooted in curiosity, experimentation, innovation, and inclusivity. They present their work by engaging communities of artists and audiences at their state-of-the-art Williamsburg home and on their digital stage.