Genre-crossing jazz and new music ensemble GEORGE performs music from their forthcoming album Letters to George. Composer and percussionist John Hollenbeck formed GEORGE during the COVID pandemic by bringing together three great musicians whom he had long admired: Anna Webber, a flutist, saxophonist, and composer; Aurora Nealand of the New Orleans band Royal Roses; and Chiquita Magic, a musician and music producer. Their individual sounds and group sound are firmly planted outside any categories or labels.

John Hollenbeck is renowned in both the jazz and new music worlds, having gained widespread recognition as the driving force behind the unclassifiable Claudia Quintet and the ambitious John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, groups with roots in jazz, world music, and contemporary composition. He has earned six Grammy nominations and has worked with many of the world's leading musicians in jazz including Bob Brookmeyer, Fred Hersch, and Tony Malaby. Hollenback is well known in new-music circles for his long-time collaboration with Meredith Monk.

Presented as part of I/O Fest, the Williams College Department of Music’s annual immersion in the music of today. The exploration of new sounds and adventurous music is organized by I/O New Music.

Tickets are $5 for general admission, $3 for members, and $2 for students and children 21 & under.

Image courtesy of GEORGE.