Jennifer Greer
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Self-taught musician and singer-songwriter Jennifer Greer performs some of her originals and opens up about her varied taste in musical styles, the pros and cons of teaching music, making her way from New York to California, and much more. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Alex Taite
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
An accomplished singer, pianist, educator, conductor, and composer, Alex Taite will share songs and stories from his multifaceted career, working in various musical genres and styles, and creating and producing his one-man show, an in-depth exploration of the Negro Spiritual. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Mary Ellen Callahan
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
California-born soprano Mary Ellen Callahan sings a collection of songs that includes her favorites, as well as a few she learned to love. She’ll talk about her international career as a recitalist and soloist, sorting the differences between performing a program curated by herself and being hired to sing pieces chosen by someone else. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Sidney Chen
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Vocalist, multi-faceted musician, and new music champion Sidney Chen shares his journey through the pandemic with his DIY hand-crank music boxes, as well as his perspective on ensemble music-making as essential practice for empathetic and compassionate living with others. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Amy Fogerson
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Vocalist and poet Amy Fogerson sings songs that represent the different hats she has worn as a singer: student, chorister, soloist, teacher, lyricist. There will be music by Alan Chapman, Reena Esmail, and Dante de Silva, as well as songs composed by 5th graders and women experiencing houselessness in Los Angeles, accompanied by pianist Paul McCurdy. She’ll share stories about making a living as a non-famous singer, her work with LA-based nonprofit organization Street Symphony, and collaborating with composers as a poet. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Teresa Tam
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Singer, teacher, and professional photographer Teresa Tam sings a varied set of songs, accompanied by Obadiah Wrynla. She'll talk about how Tango music liberates her and gets her out of her comfort zone, how life experiences can add to one's musical expressions, and how music carried her as a teenage immigrant. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Darita Seth
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Conductor, operatic tenor, and composer Darita Seth shares stories about advocating for BIPOC and other marginalized communities through choral music, singing all over the world, and weight-lifting. Accompanied by Carl Oser, followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Katy Stephan
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Pianist, vocalist, and composer Katy Stephan sings a set of her favorite songs, including some originals. She’ll share stories about being a singer who also plays piano, singing in bands and choirs, and not being limited by genres. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Tim Silva
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Choral artist, conductor, and educator Tim Silva will sing an eclectic set of songs, including a preview of originals from his upcoming EP. He’ll talk about growing up in the East Bay, teaching music around the bay, his wide array of collaborative work, and his love of plants. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Joel Chapman
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Singer-songwriter Joel Chapman plays a set of original songs. He’ll share stories about his choral background, his ever-evolving journey with YouTube, his obsession with comedy, and his album “I’m Sorry It Took So Long.” Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Nicolas Bearde
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Jazz and Blues singer Nicolas Bearde sings a set of his favorite songs and shares stories about his more than 35 year career, from leaving his Nashville home in his teens, to singing in Japan during his military service, to eventually making his home in the Bay Area.
Tiffany Austin
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Bay Area jazz vocalist Tiffany Austin, recently named one of 30 recipients of the Center for Cultural Power's Culture Bearer Award, kicks off this brand new series with a short set of songs. She’ll share some stories of her musical journey from her beginnings in the LA area, to studying law, to performing with some of the biggest names in jazz. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.