Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares Presents:Michael Musillami Trio+3

Saturday, March 5, 2022, 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm
Tickets are available online and at the door!

Michael Musillami, guitar; Joe Fonda, bass; George Schuller, drums; Jason Robinson, tenor saxophone; Caleb Curtis, alto saxophone, Thomas Heberer, trumpet. Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. Single Tickets: $15 available at www.jazzshares.org and at the door.

Born and raised in California, Michael Musillami studied with renowned guitarist Joe Diorio before moving to the east coast in the early 1980s, working primarily in organ trios led by Richard “Groove” Holmes and Bobby Buster, among others. In addition to paying his dues by sharing the stage with Junior Cook, Dewey Redman, and Curtis Fuller, Musillami became part of the circle of musicians connected to the Hillside Club in Waterbury, CT, throughout the 1980s. Over his 35-year career, Musillami has led a variety of ensembles, releasing 23 CDs and touring throughout North America, Canada and Europe. Along with his longstanding flagship trio with bassist Joe Fonda and drummer George Schuller, he has earned critical notice as the leader of groups ranging from duo to octet, featuring such prominent collaborators as Mark Feldman, Kris Davis, Drew Gress, Thomas Chapin, and Matt Wilson.

“The MM Trio has been creating music since 2002, with our first release, Beijing being released in 2003,” writes Musillami in his liner notes. “It has been, and continues to be, a wonderful journey filled with multiple tours to Canada and Europe, as well as our home in America. Life Anthem offers the trio in full bloom, fearless and on fire. The addition of Jason Robinson and Thomas Heberer punctuates our message in all CAPS!!!”

Life Anthem documents Musillami’s journey back from sudden illness followed by a months-long recovery during which this music was composed. On June 8th, 2016 Musillami woke up with what he termed as a “crashing headache.” After waiting two days with what he thought was a migraine, he found himself in a life or death situation after an ambulance ride to the ER followed by a flurry of tests which revealed not only a brain hemorrhage, but (oddly) an unrelated brain tumor.

“The music contained on this CD was written during late June, July and August of 2016 as I slowly recovered from my ordeal,” writes Musillami. “I am happy to report that I am fine and better than ever.”

“… scintillating and provocative, striking a delicate balance between thoughtful, through-composed music and intuitive, freewheeling extrapolation…while there is a definite sense of discipline inherent in each piece, there’s also a prevailing sense of unfettered risk-taking”. —Bill Milkowski.

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Exciting News for A Happening IV: Leviathan

Cloudgaze and Eggtooth Productions are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant from the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice to support our 2024 Immersive Arts Festival, “A Happening IV: Leviathan.”

This festival will transform the Shea Theater into an exploration of theme, hosting installations, music, theatrical performances, and movement pieces, featuring the collective contributions of over 30 local artists. Audiences will experience otherworldly environments and narratives inspired by folklore, fairy tales, horror motifs, American literature, and the mythos of the Old Testament, all of which delve into the central question guiding the festival: "What does it mean to encounter something greater than yourself and to be consumed by it?" Through this theme, we explore how a community reemerges and imagines itself after destruction and transformation.

With the support of the Markham-Nathan Fund, we are excited to create an event that complicates perspectives and fosters meaningful dialogue. We are grateful for this partnership and for the work of the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice.

Thanks to the Mass Cultural Council for their vital support this year.We'd also like to thank the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their support in the form of a Flexible Funding grant. We couldn't do this work without you!