The first half of the second week of June offers a unique showcase for women at the forefront of RVA music and beyond.
This time, it is separate appearances from longtime Miramar collaborators Marlysse Rose Simmons and Laura Ann Singh, followed by a rare local appearance from avant-garde flautist Nicole Mitchell. The Second Mondays sessions at Artspace’s Southside gallery have become a reliable monthly opportunity to see local and visiting musicians stretch their creativity in a unique space adorned with an ever-changing backdrop of paintings and sculpture.
Despite her massive pianistic capabilities, Simmons, the “boss” of Bio Ritmo, seldom appears in anything but a group context. Singh, whose work extends from fronting big bands and small ensembles, singing the great American songbook to bossa nova, is embarking on a new project with an as-yet unnamed band.
One of the country’s top jazz flutists, Mitchell is past chairperson of the seminal Chicago-based Association for the Advancement of Creative Music, and currently teaching at University of Virginia. The black box intimacy of The Basement, one of the best places to hear music in town, is an ideal place to sample her playing and compositional chops.
Marlysse Rose Simmons and Laura Ann Singh play Artspace on Monday, June 10 at 8 p.m. Suggested donation is $15.
Nicole Mitchell, with Adam Hopkins, Noah Campbell, and Scott Clark, play The Basement on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
