"What's a marimba?" It's like a xylophone, but bigger and more fabulous -- just like Brian.
See what happens when a classically-trained percussionist with a secret love of musical theater --and killer taste in shoes-- puts on a show. Brian Calhoon's Marimba Cabaret brings together years of training and a lifetime of passion in an evening of theater tunes, art song, and pop covers performed on marimba, vibraphone, and voice. Joined by director and percussionist Greg Jukes, Brian will sing, play, and (at times) stand 7-feet tall. There will be drinks. There will be music. There will be heels.
The series of three cabaret performances will all take place at Club Café in Boston's historic Bay Bay (209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116). The performances on March 16, April 13, and May 4 will each feature a different guest artist and songs around the themes of love, relationships, and people getting in your head (including your friendly neighborhood psychopharmocologist).
The March 16 cabaret will focus on the theme of "love and relationships" and includes special guest and arranger Sharon Chen on marimba. The April 13 concert will be focused on "coming out and being true to yourself" with guest artist and composer Audrey Harrer on harp and voice. The May 4 concert will focus on "mental health" and features guest three vocalists: Sonja Tengblad, Sophie Michaux, and Christina English, who are known nationally as outstanding soloists and as part of the Lorelei Ensemble.
Nowhere else can you hear beloved melodies by musical theater composers, covers of rock and pop songs, and new art songs by living composers all in one evening. Truly something for everyone, Brian shares his eclectic taste and love of music ranging from Leonard Bernstein to Florence + The Machine, Jason Robert Brown to Sondheim, Paul McCartney to Outkast, Rufus Wainwright to Imogen Heap, with a little Whitney Houston mash-up for good measure.
The evenings of songs and stories feature director and percussionist Greg Jukes; marimbist Sharon Chen; harpist and vocalist Audrey Harrer; and vocalists Sonja Tengblad, Sophie Michaux, and Christina English
Brian Calhoon combines his experience as a percussionist and vocalist to perform a varied collection of music for marimba and his voice. In 2013, Brian made his stiletto debut as marimba soloist with the Boston Gay Men's Chorus during the Candelabra Cantata opposite "Liberace" (Chad Weirick) in a battle of dueling keyboards. Director Greg Jukes is a percussionist, narrator, and hybrid artist who performs internationally as one third of The Fourth Wall.
IF YOU GO:
Brian Calhoon's Marimba Cabaret
March 16, April 13, and May 4, 7:30-9pm
Club Café | 209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
$15 general seating | $20 table seating | Cash bar; Table seating comes with optional dinner service. 18+.
Watch a trailer for the show below!
Videos