Flutist and composer Kelly McDermott’s BLUE: Liminal Spaces
April 8 @ 7:30 pm
Kelly McDermott’s BLUE
Liminal Spaces - Ann ARBOR DEBUT
Saturday, April 8th, 2023 at 7:30 pm
“Mystical-Neo-Classic Jam”
After two wonderful performances here with her band Nessa, Kerrytown Concert House is delighted to invite Kelly McDermott (bandleader, composer, flutist, vocalist) back to the House for her new project entitled BLUE. BLUE is a diverse and eclectic ensemble united in its mission to share original music with modern themes and a fusion of sounds bringing joy and love to the liminal spaces in ourselves and our changing world. Described as a “mystical-neo-classic jam,” this multi-media event will include all original compositions with influences of jazz, classical, meditation and pop music enfolded in spoken word and video components. This performance marks BLUE’s Ann Arbor debut and celebrates the upcoming release of the project’s first CD entitled Liminal Spaces. Joining McDermott is an incredible line-up of artists: Terry Jackson (poet), Mike Harrison (keys), Geno Parker (drums & percussion), Rob Crozier (string & electric bass), and Thor Sigurdson (cello).
Kelly McDermott holds a Bachelor of Music from Michigan State University majoring in flute performance and music therapy. In addition, she has a Masters in flute performance and a Post Masters Professional studies degree in flute performance from Temple University in Philadelphia. She has participated in festivals and master classes including the AIMS Festival in Graz Austria, Aspen festival in Colorado, Teton festival in Wyoming, Sarasota Florida Chamber festival, Wildacres Master class in North Carolina, the William Bennett flute class in England, and Suzuki flute training in Hamilton, Ontario from book 1 through book 8.
After completing her studies Ms. McDermott stayed in Philadelphia studying flute privately in New York City and working professionally as an orchestral and chamber musician. Ms. McDermott has been heard on numerous radio stations including a live interview on WNYC in New York City and “All About the Arts” on PBS in Michigan.
She returned to her native Michigan residing in Ann Arbor and continues to work as an orchestral musician and teacher. Her teaching style garnered her a teaching post for two months in 2016 at the JFK School in Berlin Germany. As an ambassador of the Suzuki method, she was invited to do workshops for faculty in Pfullingen Germany. Her musical calling has taken a turn and she is now the leader of the band NESSA. In NESSA she composes, arranges, sings, and plays piano and percussion as well as flute. Nessa has been heard and interviewed on radio and internet radio stations around the U.S.and Canada including two full interviews on NPR’s State Side. She is thrilled to present her new project – Blue – to KCH audiences.
A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Communications Major at Washtenaw Community College, Terry is a gifted athlete, mentor to youth, writer and poet. As a rapper and spoken word artist, he has experience performing live and in the recording studio. His credits include Blue Llama Jazz Club, Mayflower Music Series, and the Detroit International Jazz Festival.
Mike Harrison is passionate about music. This Detroit-based musician can be found joyously performing, recording and composing throughout Michigan. With a love of music that transcends genre, this primarily self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter is active in Detroit’s jazz, blues, soul, gospel, R&B, country, folk, pop music scenes.
Variety and excellence mark Geno Parker’s musical career. As a sideman, he has worked with legendary gospel greats Bishop Paul Morton, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Whitfield, and Esther Smith. He has also played with jazz greats Eddie Russ, Koke Machesan and others. An in-demand player on the Michigan music scene, Parker currently plays with the Jack Pine Savages, Mixed Flavors, Rob Crozier Jazz Band, and BLUE.
With a BFA in Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation in Double Bass from the University of Michigan, this active multi-instrumentalist regularly performs throughout Michigan specializing in vintage pop, Americana/folk, world music, Celtic, Cajun, and jazz. The Rob Crozier Jazz Ensemble has performed at major festivals throughout the Midwest including the Elkhart Jazz Festival (IN) and the Detroit Jazz Festival (MI).
A graduate of Julliard and one of the final students of the great Leonard Rose, Sigurdson often performs on a rare Italian cello from 1650 by Antonio Casini. A sought-after studio musician, Sigurdson’s cello solos have been featured on albums by Gloria Estefan, Extreme, Collective Soul, Zack Wilde, Placido Domingo and others.
COVID-19 Safety Policy for Indoor Concerts
- Masks are strongly encouraged and available as needed.
- Please do not attend a performance if you are feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID-19.
