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Michael Smolens

  • Piedmont Piano Company 1728 San Pablo Avenue Oakland, CA, 94612 (map)

LIVE at Piedmont Piano Company

Michael Smolens
The Holiday Project Sextet

The Holiday Project Sextet is one of the few small ensembles in the country to present innovative reconstructions of Christmas Pop and Chanukah songs along with timeless Spirituals. The most daring work is a melding of Martin Luther King's favorite spiritual "Precious Lord" with Aaron Copland's ballet score to "Appalachian Spring".  The group is lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens and features some of the most creative touring jazz instrumentalists in the Bay Area, along with a stunning gospel vocalist.  The project has been featured at the Herbst Theater, as well as numerous concert series and house concerts. 


$25 Advance tickets
$30 at the door

We are offering a limited number of tickets to attend these performance in person. Advance purchase is recommended. Masking is encouraged but no longer required.


"Terrific ensemble.  Congrats on your performance today."  — Cory Combs (SFMUSIC DAY Artistic Director)

"Michael’s arrangements and compositions are masterfully crafted, played by some of the most accomplished musicians in their respective fields.  These pieces take the listener on a three-dimensional musical experience that is delightfully unpredictable.  He seamlessly weaves style and meter changes, pairing improvisational with fully written sections, into a journey that incorporates influences from around the world and song forms from across the centuries." — Ellen Robinson (jazz recording artist/composer/educator/choral conductor)

"A truly inspiring ensemble . . . Your version of 'Over My Head, I Hear Music’ perfectly illustrates the meeting place of Spirituals and Jazz.”  — Rev. Carolyn Douglas  

Earlier Event: December 14
Nicolas Bearde
Later Event: January 18
Romain Collin