Free First Fridays: Jazz Fusion

Experience the vibrant, cross-cultural sound of composer, saxophonist, and singer Stephanie Chou, in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Along with her quintet, Chou will perform two sets, at 5:15 and 6:45pm, and a demonstration and discussion of the erhu, a Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument, during intermission. In addition, get creative in a bilingual sketching workshop with Carolina Amarillo in the galleries and enjoy our current exhibitions. Cash bar available.

Blending influences from her Chinese heritage with Western jazz and pop, Chou creates music that fosters immediate global connections. Hailed by New York Music Daily as “one of New York’s most socially relevant and ambitious jazz talents,” Chou reinterprets traditional Asian melodies through a jazz lens. A native of Irvington, NY, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and festivals across North America and Asia.

BroadwayWorld recently spoke with Chou about her upcoming shows and the recording process for her new album. Writer Rebecca Kaplan describes Chou’s style and what audiences can expect during her performances: “Chou blends influences from her Chinese heritage with Western jazz and pop to create a bracingly original sound. The show will celebrate the release of her newest recording ‘Dragon,’ a composition for erhu and string trio commissioned and performed by the NYC-based multicultural chamber ensemble INTERWOVEN.” Read the full interview here.

Performers:
Stephanie Chou – voice, alto saxophone, compositions, arrangements
Andy Lin – erhu, viola, violin
Jason Yeager – keyboard
Ike Sturm – bass
Ronen Itzik – drums

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.