Featuring:
Ben Kohn – piano
Claire Arenius – drums
Michael Dunning – upright bass
Michael’s trio will play a mixture of jazz standards and original compositions.
2 sets with a short break
7pm - 9pm
Doors: 6:30pm
Cost $25
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About the Performers:
Michael Dunning
After completing his studies at the Edinburgh College of Art, Michael embraced the upright bass and quickly established himself as a strong presence on the Scottish jazz scene. In 2000, Michael was awarded a travel bursary to study briefly in NY state with the legendary jazz bassist, Gary Peacock. As a jazz musician, Michael has worked with dance companies, visual artists, opera singers, contemporary classical musicians/composers and in musical theatre. Michael has performed throughout UK as well as in Japan, Germany, Switzerland and the USA.
As a sideman, Michael has appeared on several jazz albums, most notably with the Chick Lyall Quartet featuring the Swedish tenor player and ECM star, Joakim Milder.
Currently, Michael lives in rural Western MA where he is more widely known as a biodynamic craniosacral therapist/ educator and for his work with the Yew Mysteries.
Benny Kohn
Benny Kohn is a Berkshire based pianist, collaborating with a broad range of artists including, Wanda Houston (Jazz/Soul/R&B singer), Gina Coleman (Blues singer), Samirah Evans (New Orleans Jazz SInger), The O-Tones (Jazz/R&B dance band based in the Pioneer Valley) and Hot Sauce (Funk/Groove band).
Benny is also a fixture in the Western Mass Jazz scene collaborating with many Jazz artists as well as performing Solo and leading Duo, Trios, Quartets all over the greater Berkshire region and beyond.
Claire Arenius
Claire Arenius has been actively performing in jazz for over 40 years. Her formative years were spent studying music at the University of Massachusetts. She relocated to N.Y. after receiving a National Endowment Grant to study with master drummer Charli Persip which led to her joining Melba Liston’s group and to performances at Carnegie Hall, Seaport, Blues Alley, The Bottom Line, Jazzmobile, and other major jazz venues.
Claire has performed/recorded internationally with many well-known jazz artists, including Archie Shepp, Marion Brown, Charles Neville, Tal Farlow, Barney Kessel, Ray Copeland, Slide Hampton, Karrin Allyson, Bobby Bradford, Lew Soloff, Mose Allison and Sheila Jordan.
In addition to performing & composing, Claire also serves on the adjunct faculty of music at Amherst College and at Smith College, as a regular faculty member for the Vermont Jazz Center Summer Workshops, and as adjudicator/clinician at the Holyoke Community College Jazz Festivals.
Claire’s debut CD as a leader, “When Worlds Touch You,” features her original compositions.
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Accessibility: The Hidden Temple is located on the 3rd floor of the Brushworks Arts & Industry Building. There is an elevator on opposite side of building for those who cannot take the stairs. However there is a short but steep staircase on the third floor between elevator and studio. Therefore, the space is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
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