By Joe Salas
Now entering its third season, Uncharted, at Greenwich House Music School, has emerged, not only as one of New York’s most exciting and unpredictable live music series, but as a sanctuary for artists and audiences alike.
Uncharted is an annual eight-week concert series featuring New York City artists premiering new projects or meeting with new collaborators for the first time on stage. Held at the Renee Weiler Concert Hall at Greenwich House Music School (46 Barrow Street), past years’ performances have ranged from collaborations between Marc Ribot and Emeline Michel, to Binky Griptite, guitarist for Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, vocalist Deva Mahal, and jazz trumpeter Steven Bernstein.
The 2017 Uncharted season promises a continuation of eclectic excellence through a broad selection of genres representing the melting pot of New York City, including: Mexican folkloric, ragtime, classical, modern and traditional jazz, ancient Moroccan devotional, and contemporary R&B sounds.
This year’s line-up features jazz virtuosos Aaron Diehl and Dan Tepfer performing a double piano set, trombonist Chris Washburne’s Rags and Roots record release celebration, Michael Mwenso and The Shakes striking out on their own with a new musical revue on the struggles of being different, and Sofia Rei’s presentation of Umbral, a new production exclusively featuring her voice, and more.
“This season is a response to the divisive nature of the recent national election and meant to counteract misogyny, xenophobia, racism, and prejudice with art that amplifies the voices of women, immigrants, minorities, and LGBTQ communities,” explains series curator Jennie Wasserman. “While booking Uncharted, I meditated on the idea of New York City as America’s sanctuary city and of Greenwich House as an artistic and cultural sanctuary within the historically diverse West Village. My goal was to create a haven where we could all put aside our separate preconceptions and embrace each other’s cultures and arts without prejudice.”
Rachel Black, Director of Greenwich House Music School, added, “Our music students, both young and old, come to practice their craft in an open, nonjudgmental environment. The Uncharted series acts as an extension of that ‘safe space’ mentality, providing established artists with room to work out raw artistry, experiment with new artistic styles, or cement new collaborations. The Greenwich Village community is one of America’s oldest and most variegated neighborhoods; we’re proud to reflect this artistic diversity and strength within Uncharted’s programming.”
Greenwich House Music School’s roots in New York City extend to the beginning of the 20th century. Originally founded in 1905, the school has provided countless New Yorkers with their first experiences as performers and creators and offers over $50,000 in arts education scholarships each year.
Performances for Uncharted take place every Thursday from March 23rd to May 11th, at 8:00 p.m. Most performances are $15 for advance tickets. Complimentary beer and wine are served prior to and during all concerts.
Tickets and a complete series line-up are available at greenwichhouse.org/uncharted.
