Moab Music Festival’s Winterlude series begins Jan. 26
Embrace the rhythm of the new year as the Moab Music Festival launches into Winterlude, a week filled with workshops, concerts, and events that bring the community together held from January 26 to February 2 this year.
For 2024, Winterlude welcomes the return of saxophonist, composer, and band leader Alison Shearer, along with her quartet, who captivated audiences and students alike during last season’s MMF Winterlude.
Alison Shearer infuses funk and soul into her compositions with her Brooklyn-based quartet, featuring Kevin Bernstein on keys, Marty Kenney on bass, and Horace Phillips on drums. Their debut album, “View From Above,” earned the distinction of a JazzTimes magazine Editor’s Pick.
“We’re just so grateful for the opportunity to come back to Moab for a second year,” Shearer said. “Winterlude for us is a perfect balance of performing, working with students and the community, and spending time as an ensemble writing new music and exploring the parks and hiking trails.”
This year, Shearer and her quartet will lead not one but two adult non-professional workshops for jazz enthusiasts, offering participants the chance to deepen their exploration.
“The improv workshop was super fun last year,” Shearer said, “and I’m glad we’re taking things a step further this time around.”
Participants will even have the option to share their talents at the Winterlude Showcase Concert at the end of the week.
Similar to last year, Shearer and her quartet will collaborate with Grand County High School jazz students through special in-school workshops, culminating in a performance at the Winterlude Showcase Concert.
Enter W4RP (formerly Warp Trio), an unconventional ensemble pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music with Josh Henderson on violin, Ju-Young Lee on cello, Mikael Darmaine on piano, and Rick Martinez on drums.
W4RP will lead an adult non-professional traditional chamber music masterclass and a workshop on film scoring, inspiring participants to create their own short scores. The week kicks off with W4RP playing “Peter and the Wolf” at a Musical Story Hour for children and families at Star Hall.
W4RP will also engage Grand County string students in in-school workshops and act as BEACON program teaching artists, guiding students in after-school workshops throughout the week. Both programs will culminate in performances as part of the grand finale at the Winterlude Showcase.
One addition to this year’s program will be short drum circles held a half-hour before each workshop. Participants will be invited to the Winterlude Showcase concert as a capstone for the week.
The annual Moab Music Festival holds its signature concerts with world-class artists every fall, but in the winter the festival is committed to fostering enriching experiences between local music students and MMF’s teaching artists.
“The Grand County community is vital to MMF’s function, and Winterlude stands as a testament to MMF’s dedication to enriching and honoring those who make it all possible,” the organization said in a statement.
See the complete listing of Winterlude public performances at moabmusicfest.org
