BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prior Performing Arts Center - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prior Performing Arts Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20280312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20281105T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172802 CREATED:20260730T141703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T155903Z UID:6622-1789747200-1789759800@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:The Last Pass DESCRIPTION:The Last Pass\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nTwo Showings on September 18: 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nJoin us for the staged reading premiere of The Last Pass\, Vincent Murphy’s adaptation of Gary Pomerantz’s NYT-bestselling book chronicling Celtics legend Bob Cousy’s memories of his partnership with teammate Bill Russell throughout the racial tensions of mid-century America. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n September 18\, 20264 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $35 | $50Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nBoroughs Theatre\nThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/the-last-pass/ LOCATION:Boroughs Theatre – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/the-last-pass-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260924T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172802 CREATED:20260730T141122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T212358Z UID:6655-1790278200-1790278200@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:BRKFST: STORMCLUTTER DESCRIPTION:BRKFST\n \n \n \n \n \n STORMCLUTTER\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nBRKFST fosters individuality and community through creation\, performance\, and mentorship while providing education in movement technique\, methodology\, and choreography in breaking\, hip-hop’s first dance style. \nSTORMCLUTTER is an exploration of relationships and our ongoing efforts to resolve opposing states of interpersonal tension. Misunderstanding\, compassion\, resentment\, egoism\, love\, loss\, betrayal—moving through or attempting to compartmentalize complex dynamics between family and friends and the emotional baggage we collect over time becomes an overwhelming task that piles up. While maturation requires us to accept that which we cannot change\, BRKFST members illustrate the efforts individuals may take when working to resolve the inner chaos that triggers feelings of dissociation\, paralysis\, and isolation. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n September 24\, 20267:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Artists\n BRKFST Dance Company is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that cultivates an equitable\, collaborative space for artists through breaking. BRKFST fosters individuality and community through creation\, performance\, and mentorship while providing education in movement technique\, methodology\, and choreography. Founded in 2014\, BRKFST specializes in performance art that combines breaking\, hip hop’s first dance form\, with abstraction and non-codified vernacular to create emotionally resonant and physically rigorous works. Informed by the lived experiences of working-class and BIPOC artists\, BRKFST’s compositions expand the form of breaking beyond competition and into contemporary performance spaces. \nSelected premieres & Touring history: Vancouver International Dance Festival (B.C.)\, Bates College (ME)\, John Michael Kohler Arts Center (WI)\, Walker Arts Center (MN)\, Orchestra Hall (MN)\, Civic Theater (IA)\, Belding Theater (CT)\, D2C Hip Hop Festival (Ireland) \nResidencies: Princeton University NJ\, U of Akron\, OH\, Bates College\, ME\, Dance Ireland\, Dublin and Winona State U\, St. Olaf and Carleton College in MN. \n \n \n \n \n \n Credits for STORMCLUTTER\n STORMCLUTTER is originally commissioned by The Cowles Center\, Northrop\, Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts’ Caroline Hearst Choreographer-In-Residence Program and is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation and Development Fund Project co-commissioned by John Michael Kohler Arts Center\, National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron\, Bates Dance Festival and NPN. The Creation and Development Fund is supported by The Doris Duke Foundation\, the Mellon Foundation\, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). BRKFST Dance Company is the recipient of a creative residency at The National Center for Choreography-Akron. The development of STORMCLUTTER was made possible in part by The National Center for Choreography-Akron. \nBRKFST acknowledges this activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.  URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/brkfst-stormclutter/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/brkfst-stormclutter-new-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172802 CREATED:20260730T144744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T154154Z UID:6668-1793820600-1793820600@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:Los Angeles Guitar Quartet DESCRIPTION:Los Angeles Guitar Quartet\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nThe Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) is one of the most multifaceted groups in any genre. The LAGQ is comprised of four uniquely accomplished musicians bringing a new energy to the concert stage with programs ranging from Bluegrass to Bach. Consistently playing to sold-out houses world-wide\, their inventive and critically acclaimed transcriptions of concert masterworks provide a fresh look at the music of the past\, while their interpretations of works from the contemporary and world-music realms continually break new ground. Programs including Latin\, African\, Far East\, Irish\, Folk and American Classics transport listeners around the world in a single concert experience. Their ‘Don Quixote’ collaboration with Firesign Theater veteran\, actor Philip Proctor\, continues to expand and delight audiences and the work ‘SHIKI: Seasons of Japan’ written for the LAGQ plus guitar orchestra by composer Shingo Fujii is connecting communities across the nation. \nWinner of a 2005 Grammy Award\, their “Guitar Heroes” CD released on Telarc is a brilliant follow-up to their Grammy nominated “LAGQ-Latin”. “Spin” (Telarc\, 2006) continues their explorations of jazz and contemporary music. “LAGQ: BRAZIL” (Telarc\, 2007)\, including collaborations with vocalist Luciana Souza\, was released to rave reviews\, and their newest recording of the Rodrigo “Concierto Andaluz” and Sergio Assad’s “Interchange”\, written specifically for them\, was released on Telarc in Spring 2010\, and quickly climbed to top spot on the Billboard charts.  The live DVD of “The Ingenious Gentleman: Don Quixote” was released on the Mel Bay label in spring 2012. In 2015\, the LAGQ released “New Renaissance\,” a unique blend of renaissance originals and renaissance-inspired compositions by Dusan Bogdanovic and Ian Krouse. \n“Opalescent”\, released in Spring 2022\, shows off the LAGQ’s rich palette of colors and sparkling sound. 2021 albums include the Grammy®-nominated collaboration with Conspirare\, The Singing Guitar(Delos)\, featuring Nico Muhly’s groundbreaking work “How Little You Are” and Pat Metheny’s Road to the Sun (Modern Recordings/BMG)\, named for the title track written for LAGQ\, which hit #1 on the Apple Music Classical chart. In addition to solo programs\, other touring highlights include collaborative works with choir\, guitar orchestra\, symphony orchestra and Latin Romance with vocalist and flamenco dancers; many of these works were written expressly for the LAGQ. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n November 4\, 20267:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/los-angeles-guitar-quartet/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lagq-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261113T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261113T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172802 CREATED:20260730T142852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T142853Z UID:6400-1794598200-1794598200@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:Harmony of Nations: Songs from Around the Arab World DESCRIPTION:Harmony of Nations: Songs from Around the Arab World\n \n \n \n \n \n Center for Arabic Culture‘s Jazal Choir & Music Ensemble\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLed by Arabic Studies faculty Alma Richeh\, the Jazal Choir performs classical Arabic music as well as contemporary and modern Arabic songs. \nTheir Harmony of Nations program blends Arabic and Middle Eastern musical styles with Western choral traditions of a cappella and harmony-based singing and orchestration. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n November 13\, 20267:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Center for Arabic Culture\n “Building Bridges\, Connecting Culture”  \nThe Center for Arabic Culture (CAC) is a secular and non political organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of Arabic culture and the Arab-American experience through educational and artistic programs. \nThe CAC is home to an Arabic Language and Music School for children and adults and hosts a variety of cultural events including film screenings\, book events\, human library series\, music concerts\, art workshops and annual festivals and bookfairs. \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Jazal Choir\n The Jazal Choir is the Center for Arabic Culture’s Adult Choir\, welcoming members from all backgrounds to sing in Arabic and become immersed in Arabic culture through folkloric and contemporary Arabic music. Speaking Arabic is not a requirement.  \nThe Jazal Choir’s mission includes the following goals: \n\nIntroducing the community to the Arabic and Middle Eastern music\, musicians and singers\nEducating about Arabic quarter tones\, scales and singing styles\nIntroducing Arabic and Middle Eastern music to American society at large\nEncouraging members from all backgrounds to join without the requirement of speaking Arabic\nParticipating in concerts around Massachusetts and beyond to spread the word about the rich Arabic musical heritage\nSinging in harmony and a cappella\, enriching members’ musical backgrounds and and building a stronger knowledge of the Arabic language\n\n \n \n \n \n \n About The Director\n Alma Richeh\, LL.M. Executive Director & Choir Director \nAlma was born in Damascus\, Syria and holds a law degree from Damascus University and an LL.M. master’s degree in international legal studies from the American University\, Washington College of Law in Washington D.C. \nShe worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Damascus as an advocate to determine the refugee Status. In Syria\, in 2001-2005\, Alma studied singing with and trained by the best music and singing teachers at the Syrian Higher Institute for Music. Between 2000 and 2008\, Alma was a conductor of Al Farah Choir at the Lady of Damascus Church in Damascus. She conducted the Choir’s youth division concentrating on concerts to fundraise for humanitarian causes and children’s rights.During her LL.M Studies\, she worked as a teaching assistant to Arab League Ambassador to the UN and Professor Clovis Maksoud at the American University\, Washington College of Law. \nAfter moving to Boston\, she worked as a research intern at the Boston Consortium for Gender Security and Human Rights at the University of Massachusetts. Her research concentrated on the rights of women in Arab and Middle countries from legal\, historic\, cultural\, religious and humanitarian perspectives.In Boston\, Alma is the Executive Director of the Center for Arabic Culture (CAC)\, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the Arabic Culture and an Arab American experience through education and the arts. \nShe teaches Arabic culture and international law courses at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the College of the Holy Cross. \nAlma is the founder and choir director of the Children’s Choir and Jazal Choir at the Center for Arabic Culture in Boston. She is on the board of the Mansfield Local Cultural Council. URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/harmony-of-nations-songs-from-around-the-arab-world/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jazal-choir-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172802 CREATED:20260707T203016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T165350Z UID:6393-1795030200-1795030200@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:Painting Creation DESCRIPTION:Painting Creation\n \n \n \n \n \n Osvaldo Golijov\, Prior Composer-In-Residence\nAlex Sopp\, Prior Commissioned-Artist\n \n Reserve Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nJoin us for an informal exhibition of commissioned art works accompanied by a panel discussion between Prior Composer-In-Residence\, Osvaldo Golijov\, and Prior-Commissioned Artist\, Alex Sopp\, on the process and eventual marriage of a new work for chorus & orchestra premiering with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in November 2026 with art-infused projection as a way of communicating a world that inspired the inception of this new work. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Wed Nov 18\, 20267:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Free entry\, reservation required.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nBoroughs Theatre\nThe Prior Performing Arts Center URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/painting-creation/ LOCATION:Boroughs Theatre – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/osvaldo-alex-sample-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270318T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270319T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172802 CREATED:20260730T150025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T122525Z UID:6674-1805398200-1805484600@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:World Premiere: From The Ashes DESCRIPTION:From The Ashes\n \n \n \n \n \n Daniel Weidlein\, composerGwendolyn Gussman\, choreographer\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nTwo Performances: March 18 & 19 @ 7:30 p.m. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nFrom The Ashes is a suite of music for a 10-piece chamber ensemble that tells a narrative story of the life-cycle of a forest through compelling modern dance and visual projection. \nThe piece asks the following questions: what role do we as humans play in the story of a forest? Are we caretakers? Co-inhabitants? Destroyers? Forest fire has become the norm in our lives\, rather than the exception\, and we must face these questions head-on if we are to change this trajectory and protect our precious forests. \nPerformances of From The Ashes are accompanied by community engagement with local ecologists and forest-fire experts about the changing paradigm of how we approach wildland fires\, as well as the intersection of art making and ecological activism. This program was piloted during the April 2024 workshop residency of the piece through a series of hikes and talkbacks with the Sonoma Ecology Center and members of the Sonoma\, CA community who lived through the 2017 Tubbs Fire\, thanks in part to support from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n March 18 & 19\, 20277:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Composer\n \n\n\nDaniel Weidlein is a Los Angeles-based composer\, instrumentalist\, and producer whose work lives at the intersection of jazz\, chamber music\, and immersive performance art. Originally from Boulder\, Colorado\, his music weaves accessible melody and an ethos of empathy into expansive\, genre-crossing works.\n\n \nHis concert works focus on subjects that are inherently hard to talk about. Alongside From the Ashes\, his catalog includes CONE\, a multi-movement piece for jazz quartet and chamber choir exploring the generational\, inherited anxiety of being Jewish-American.\n \nIn 2018 he released Fire in the Sky\, his first collection of contemporary jazz compositions\, followed by the 2019 release of A Winter’s Lullaby. To celebrate the release of these albums\, he issued a separate vinyl edition of the three-movement piece The Red Line Suite. In 2024 he released a companion album to the film Sleepwalk called Music For Your Hi-Fi\, featuring original compositions in the style of 50s and 60s exotica and Brazilian jazz.\n \nHe composed the original score for independent films Sleepwalk (2024) and Mother (2026)\, orchestrated the Indigo Girls film musical Glitter and Doom\, and served as producer and orchestrator for The Shadow (2026) premiering at La Mirada Theatre. His production and arranging credits include the Budapest Recording Orchestra\, drag queens Peppermint\, Monét X Change\, and Sapphira Cristál\, and pop artists like Blake McGrath\, Kenton Chen\, and Lumi Jin. As a performer\, he has appeared in Whiplash\, on Glee\, and on NBC’s The Sing-Off.\n \nHe is also a longtime member of M•PACT\, the acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble\, and runs BioSoul Music\, a boutique recording studio in Silver Lake\, Los Angeles.\n \n \n \n \n \n About The Choreographer\n \nGwendolyn Hope Gussman is a director\, choreographer\, creative producer\, performer\, movement teacher\, and generative artist based between Denver\, Colorado (Ancestral Lands of Ute\, Cheyanne and Arapaho peoples) and New York City (Ancestral Lands of the Lenape peoples). Gussman is the Founder and Artistic Director of interdisciplinary performance company\, HOLDTIGHT (HT)\, which was established in 2016. Her work with HT illuminates the intersection of art\, environmental activism\, psyche\, and body through performance\, education\, and community events. Gussman’s work with HT has been awarded residencies and presented nationally by Denver Arts & Venues (2024)\, The Cell Theatre in NYC (2020-2022)\, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver (2024)\, Carroll Hall in NYC (2023)\, Presenting Denver (2024)\, and others. \nAs an independent choreographer\, Gussman’s work has been presented by institutions & organizations including National Sawdust (2020 NYC)\, The Gallery Players (Once the Musical\, 2023\, NYC)\, The Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (2020)\, James Madison University (2018\, VA)\, Seaside Dance Festival (2019\, FL)\, Bridge for Dance Festival (2018\, NY)\, Nimbus DanceWorks Offline Series (2018\, NJ)\, The Wadsworth Museum (2017\, CT)\, Nimbus DanceWorks Offline Series (2018\, NJ)\, YourMove Festival (2017\, NJ)\, Denver School of the Arts (2016\, CO)\, and more. In 2021\, was named a Toulmin Creator through the support of National Sawdust\, Center for Ballet and the Arts\, and The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. \nGussman holds a BFA in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. \nIn addition to her work with HOLDTIGHT\, she regularly collaborates with a myriad of multidisciplinary artists. She has worked on both live and film projects with musical artists Daniel Weidlein\, Lisel (Eliza Bagg)\, Johnny Butler\, The Warp Trio\, Jett Kwong\, Trevor New\, Hallie Spoor\, and Meredith Rose. She is currently collaborating on projects with visual/textile artist Maki Teshima\, and in addition\, recently activated the work of artist Ronny Quevedo for his exhibition\, at the line\, as part of Movements Toward Freedom at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. \nCurrently\, Gussman is choreographing From The Ashes\, a 90-min Contemporary Concert Dance meets Chamber-Jazz piece following the life-cycle of a forest fire\, conceived by composer Daniel Weidlein. This work is incredibly potent for both of them\, growing up and living in states that have been severely affected by increasing forest fires over the past 30 years. \nAs a performing artist\, Gussman has extensive experience working in concert dance\, music\, film/tv\, site-specific/installation\, and experimental theater including her work with Shen Wei Dance Arts\, Sean Curran Company\, Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance\, Vanessa Walters ‘Ripening’\, Heidi Latsky\, Control Group Productions\, Cleo Parker Robinson\, Roger C. Jeffrey\, Amy Sedaris\, Daniel Fish\, Ashley Tata\, among others. Her career has included performing at prestigious venues and festivals such as The Koch Theater at Lincoln Center\, MASS MoCa\, Stanislavsky Theater (Moscow)\, Teatro Arcimboldi (Milan)\, Shanghai Cultural Square Theater\, Teatro Comunale Modena\, American Dance Festival\, Spoleto Festival\, Theater Olympics Festival (Beijing)\, Off The Grid Festival\, and many others. \nGussman has been teaching movement since 2012. She teaches movement & writing workshops through HOLDTIGHT that have recently been presented by Denver Arts & Venues (2024 workshops at The Arts Complex in Denver)\, Rino Arts District (monthly workshops through 2024 in Denver) and St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn\, NY (2023). As an independent guest teacher\, Gussman has taught improv\, composition\, modern\, and contemporary dance workshops for a range of dance and theater students at institutions such as Yale University\, New York University\, James Madison University\, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CO)\, Denver School of the Arts\, Opening Act (NYC)\, Steps Ahead (NYC)\, BOUNCE Festival (NYC)\, MOVE! (Denver)\, and others. \nIn addition to her dance & interdisciplinary art teaching experience\, Gussman is a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor who has additional experiences studying extensively in Hanna Somatics\, Exercise Science\, Anatomy\, and Functional Fitness. She has developed and maintained a thriving Private Practice since 2015 which focuses on blending her movement knowledge and specializes in rehab-based movement for clients navigating chronic pain\, acute injury\, body-part replacements\, athletes\, and more. Her teaching philosophy is to see & work with a person holistically\, ultimately with the goal of them deepening their knowledge and understanding of their body so that they can find more awareness\, ease\, and freedom of movement. She has taught movement to the casts of renowned international shows such as The Jungle (when on tour at St. Ann’s Warehouse in NYC)\, as well as teaching at gyms and studios around NYC. Gussman is currently leading movement meets psychology workshops and retreats in collaboration with a master psychotherapist (& her mother) Virginia Poor. Throughout all of her teaching experience\, she has taught students with a range of physical ability level and ages 13-85 years old. URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/from-the-ashes/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/fta-web-edit.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270421T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260822T172803 CREATED:20260730T153636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T131634Z UID:6686-1808335800-1808335800@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:New West Guitars: A Celebration of the Blue Guitars Project DESCRIPTION:New West Guitars\n \n \n \n \n \n A Celebration of the Blue Guitars Project\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nNew West Guitars (NWG) have developed a widespread reputation as one of the premier jazz guitar ensembles in the world. Featuring guitarists Perry Smith (NYC)\, John Storie (LA)\, and Will Brahm (LA)\, NWG performs exciting originals\, jazz standards and popular covers. Their signature sound comes from an innovative style that highlights rhythm\, beauty and virtuosity through using classic “archtop style” jazz guitars. \nTheir new project features instruments from The Blue Guitars Foundation\, a legendary collection of vintage “archtop style” jazz guitars. NWG was chosen to represent the newly commissioned guitars through live performances and recordings. \nThe Blue Guitar Collection was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from November 11\, 1997 through October 1998. The Blue D’Aquisto Centura Deluxe was featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the museum’s “Guitar Heroes” exhibit in 2011. After founder Scott Chinery’s passing in 2000\, the guitars remained with the Chinery family until 2021\, when they were acquired by the Archtop Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to share the collection with everyone – it is too good to keep hidden! \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\, 20277:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Blue Guitars Collection\n \nThe Blue Guitar Collection was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from November 11th 1997 through October 1998. It is also worth noting that the Blue D’Aquisto Centura Deluxe\, the Benedetto La Cremona Azzurra and the Monteleone Rocket Convertible were featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the museum’s “Guitar Heroes” exhibit in 2011. After Scott Chinery’s passing in 2000\, the guitars have remained with the Chinery family and in 2021 were passed along to The Archtop Foundation. \nThe Foundation’s goal is to share the collection with everyone – it is too good to keep hidden. We look to: 1) exhibit the guitars at shows\, museums\, and schools; 2) build a virtual museum here so that you can experience the collection wherever you are\, with information on every guitar and luthier involved\, including highest quality video recordings; 3) offer access to the collection to luthiers and scientific researchers studying how to understand and improve the art of luthiery; and 4) make these available to professional musicians looking to record on–or just experience– these wonderful instruments. \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Artists\n “Beautiful acoustic rhythms\, vibrant classically infused single note lines and jazzy arpeggios cover the magnificent musical landscape these three players create.”— Metronome Magazine \n \n \nNew West Guitars have developed a widespread reputation as one of the premier jazz guitar ensembles in the world. Featuring guitarists Perry Smith (NYC) John Storie (LA) and Will Brahm (LA)\, they perform exciting originals\, jazz standards and popular covers. Their signature sound comes from an innovative style that highlights rhythm\, beauty and virtuosity through using classic “archtop style” jazz guitars. \nTheir new project features instruments from The Blue Guitars Foundation\, a legendary collection of vintage “archtop style”  jazz guitars. NWG was chosen to represent the newly commissioned guitars through live performances and recordings.  \nStarting in the Fall of 2020\, John\, Perry and Will started a podcast series called High Action. Interviewing a variety of legendary and influential guitar players\, the trio has provided a space to build community\, share experiences and learn from some of today’s leading voices on the Guitar. \n Praised as “sharp and refined” by the Seattle Times\,  the New West Guitars have released 7 full length albums since 2005. Each project features their unique style of laid-back virtuosity and finely crafted arrangements. Their latest album “Live at Mauch Chunk Opera House” was filmed and recorded near Allentown\, Pennsylvania at a legendary opera house built in the 1800s. The project features original compositions and popular covers captured in an exciting live setting for a sold out crowd.   \nIn August of 2015\, New West released a collaborative project “Send One Your Love” on Summit Records. The recording features renowned jazz vocalists: Gretchen Parlato\, Sara Gazarek\, Becca Stevens\, Tierney Sutton and Peter Eldridge. Downbeat Magazine gave this CD the prestigious Editor’s Pick in their August 2015 issue.  \nSmith and Storie founded New West at USC’s Thornton School of Music. Today they continue to tour as a trio with Brahm and special guests throughout the United States and abroad. Their music is regularly featured on NPR and jazz radio stations\, while their repertoire is performed throughout the country by college and high school guitar programs. New West Guitars versatility as players and composers have given them a reputation as pioneers in the realm of guitar ensemble. URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/new-west-guitars-a-celebration-of-the-blue-guitars-project/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Artist Residencies,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/nwg-blue-guitars-web.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR