As summer comes to a close, school starts back in session and my time working at the Green Music Center comes to an end, I cannot help but look forward to the time to come. Autumn will be upon us, leaves will fall, sweaters will be the go-to, and the fall series will be up and coming. So, while I will no longer be working at the Green, you best believe I will be attending some of the 24-25 season! I have seen the line up for a while now, and these are the shows you’re almost guaranteed to see me at.
Disclaimer: These shows cater to my personal interests, preferences and such, however the entirety of the 24-25 season is well rounded and fabulous. My preferences are not the same as others, so you should definitely take a peek at our 24-25 season to see anything that you think I missed!
Vanessa Sanchez La Mezcla in Ghostly Labor
One of my favorite things to watch is dance. People moving in unique ways and connecting to the music is truly beautiful and captivating. This, along with the deep cultural and historical context, makes me very excited for Vanessa Sanchez La Mezcla in Ghostly Labor. I am interested to hear the traditional music and see how they utilize dance to discuss historical events.
Adonis Rose & the NOJO7 A Crescent City Christmas
Maybe you knew before I did, but I recently learned that the ‘Crescent City’ is a term for New Orleans; it makes a lot of sense as New Orleans is a crescent shape. The program put forth by Adonis Rose & the NOJO7 is titled A Crescent City Christmas, because it will showcase holiday music done in a New Orleans style. I really enjoy traditional Christmas music; there is something very calming about the easy recognition of the melodies and the light soothing tone of many Christmas songs. That being said, after practicing and performing them in choir for many years, the last few years I am excited to hear Christmas classics done in a jazzy new way!
Sonoma Guitar Series
Keola Beamer & Jeff Peterson with Moanalani Beamer
Going alone with the themes of dance, I will be very excited to attend Keola Beamer & Jeff Peterson with Moanalani Beamer. Moanalani Beamer will dance hula alongside Keola Beamer and Jeff Peterson, who will grace the hall with their slack-key guitar and guitar. I think Hawai’i has a stunning traditional culture and I am excited to get a slice of it here in Sonoma county.
Okaidja Afroso
I truly love to travel and there are many places on my bucket list. Unfortunately, if you’ve seen the prices of international flights, you might be aware that it is a bit expensive, and as someone on a budget, all I can say is that I won’t be venturing beyond our borders anytime soon. Okaidja Afroso hails from Ghana’s west coast and will be bringing with him traditional songs and contemporary African traditional music. Ghana is on my bucket list, and I am looking forward to hearing a bit of music and culture from a place I want to visit, and experience music I am less familiar with!
Yamato Drummers of Japan
Last season the Green Music Center hosted the Yamato Drummer of Japan, and to this day, it is one of my favorite things I have seen in our hall. They bring an incredible liveliness to the stage; they are funny, clever, engaging and loud. I was very excited to see them on our roster for this season. They do not disappoint!
Nagahash
One of my favorite genres of music to listen to when I am at work is folk music; traditional folk music. The Naghash Ensemble will be Armenian folk song, new classical music and contemporary. I love the traditional aspect of it, but I am also very curious to see what contemporary elements will be woven in with some of the music. I also enjoy hearing the different variety of instruments I feel like I don’t usually get to hear.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
Indian Ink Theatre Company
When I heard about this immersive theater performance I told my family that we should go together as a family event. As two theater kids, my sister and I both love to see performances and as the parents of two theater kids, our parents love to see them as well. This performance is interactive, where everyone will be onstage experiencing a party. I have heard a lot of praise for this production I can’t wait to spend time with my family enjoying this show.
Jordi Savall with Hespèrion XXI
Music of Fire & Love
I feel like I have established myself as someone who enjoys a variety of music. I have had the opportunity to hear a lot of the classics, and I am glad to be familiar with them, but sometimes, I’m ready for something that Idon’t recognize. Jordi Savall with Hespèrion XXI is bringing forgotten musical pieces to our hall. While I probably won’t recognize these melodies, the title itself is making me excited to attend. Music of Fire & Love? Count me in.
Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band
As the season comes to an end and the Green gears up for summer, I will be glad to attend that final show of the 24-25 season. I have talked a lot of about all the things I love, but truly a big band is one of the things that takes the cake! I love the fullness of the sound, and it always makes me want to dance. This band will perform pieces from Indigenous jazz musicians and I will be glad to hear and support it. I’ll just have to reign it in and dance from my seat.
I’ve truly enjoyed my time with the Green Music Center; thank you to everyone who made my time here memorable.
I can’t wait to see these performances; what shows are you looking forward to?
Written by Liza Schoen
Liza Schoen is a 2024 graduate from Sonoma State University, with a B.A in Communications and Media studies with a minor in philosophy. She currently served as the Green Music Center Marketing Student Assistant (2024), as well as an usher (2022-2024) for Green Music Center shows and concerts.
