All concerts are presented free of charge – PRICELESS ENTERTAINMENT!

Schedule:

September 9 & 10 with Jazz Sextet & Piano

The Rodney Whitaker Jazz Sextet – Rodney Whitaker, bass; Rockelle Whitaker, vocalist; Jauron Perry, trumpet; Stephen Grady, Jr., saxophone, Sequoia Snyder, piano; and Sarah Whitaker, drums – play several jazz standards. alternating with Noah and Ed Mallett performing new compositions inspired by those tunes for tuba or euphonium and piano. Commissioned composers include Ricardo Lorenz, Alvin Waddles, Noah Mallett, Eileen Snyder, and Dominic Waddles.

September 16 & 17 with Horn & Piano

Horn virtuoso Corbin Wagner and pianist Patrick Johnson join Ed in a program of music written for horn, tuba, and piano, including works by Gary Kulesha, David Gillingham, Justin Raines, Catherine Likhuta, and Lon Chaffin – plus some multi-media enhancements!

September 23 & 24 with Steelpan & Guitar

World renowned steelpan (steel drum) artist Liam Teague, from Trinidad and Tobago, combines forces with guitarist extraordinaire Fareed Haque and Ed for a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime performance weekend. The trio explores music by composers ranging from J.S. Bach to Paganini to Charlie Parker. And as an added bonus, the program features guest appearances by Liam’s son Jaden on Steelpan and percussion and Fareed’s son Elihu on tuba!

September 30 & October 1 with Tuba Quartet

Following a three-year COVID-19-induced hiatus, the Tuba Bach Quartet makes a triumphant return to the festival! Euphonium artist Gail Robertson and tubists Charles Guy and Phil Sinder reunite with Ed for a low-end weekend of music!

October 7 & 8 with violin & piano

Uzbekistani violinist Alirna Korieva and pianist Noah Mallett bring a touch of elegance to the Tuba Bach Festival. Concert repertoire includes Johannes Brahms’ famous Opus 40 Trio, Paul Schoenfield’s Cafe Music, traditional Uzbek music, and the premiere of an original composition by Noah for the ensemble.

October 14 & 15 with Gospel Ensemble

The magnificent voices of Testimony Sings! – Angela Bostic, Treena James, Chandra Lewis, Lori Waddles, and Lori Wesby – along with music director Alvin Waddles, saxophonist Dominic Waddles, drummer Felecia Hill, and Ed Mallett present a glorious inspirational finale to the 2023 Tuba Bach Festival!

Fest Date: September 9 - October 15, 2023

Time: Saturdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 4:00 PM

Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church 726 Fuller Avenue Big Rapids, Michigan

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