Live Music with NWA Jazz Society
As part of our Anniversary festivities, join us for a series of live musical performances in the Garrison Lobby, presented by the NWA Jazz Society!
Each day of the celebration will feature a unique themed performance showcasing talents from across Northwest Arkansas and beyond, from rising-star students to premier pianists from Kansas City. Set against the newly-remodeled Garrison Lobby and featuring our Van Cliburn grand piano, this is not a stop to miss during your anniversary visit.
Free, no tickets required.
Per the CDC’s updated guidelines, we are now requiring all guests ages 2 and up and staff to wear a face covering indoors and while attending outdoor programs, except while eating or drinking. Masks will be available upon entry for those who do not have one.
About the Artists
Charles Faulk is a native Arkansan. He has a Master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Arkansas. In past years, Charles has served as a theatrical pianist and music director in several venues around the Midwest. When not playing piano, Charles has worked as a stage actor and singer. Charles is currently playing with Jazz and More Orchestra of NW Arkansas.
Matt Nelson’s interest in piano began as a child after hearing the virtuosic piano stylings of the late Johnny Costa on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. He asked his parents for piano lessons at the age of five. This began a long period of creativity and musical exploration. In 2003, Nelson moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College Chicago where he studied jazz piano and arranging, developing musical skills and relationships that continue to be fruitful for Nelson’s career. Since moving to Northwest Arkansas in 2018, Matt has been more than busy, performing as an in-demand sideman with a host of groups, working as a session instrumentalist on CD projects, and leading his own ensembles at concerts, private functions, and club dates.
Asher Armstrong is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Toronto. Asher joined the Piano Faculty of the University of Arkansas where he is Assistant Professor of Piano. Armstrong can be seen frequently in Canada, the US, and Europe as a recitalist, chamber performer, and orchestra soloist
Bernice Hembree is based out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is one-half of the duo Smokey & The Mirror. Bernice has toured nationally and internationally over the past decade. She is co-creator of the Fayetteville Roots Festival and a music educator working with the I’ll Fly Away Foundation’s songwriting program for elementary students, as well as developing a music curriculum for the Fayetteville Montessori School. A triple threat, Bernice is a gifted vocalist and bassist but will be featured at Crystal Bridges performing on piano.
Christian Serrano-Torres is a cellist in the Northwest Arkansas community. He has performed in all types of venues from George’s Majestic Lounge to The Walton Arts Center and can be seen in a multitude of projects that vary in musical genre. Currently, he is working on new music material with the band Rozenbridge.
Jason Burrow is a pianist, singer, music director, and voice teacher. He is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Arkansas and has performed as a pianist and vocalist in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Radio City Music Hall singing backup for Sting on the 68th Annual Tony Awards on CBS, and the Beacon Theatre in NYC as a member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices singing with Mariah Carey in her 2014 Christmas concerts. Jason taught at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in the New Studio on Broadway before returning to Arkansas, his home state.
Paul Price on 12 and 14 string harp guitar and Kyth Trantham on acoustic upright bass are collectively known as Duologue. They perform an eclectic mix of jazz standards and instrumental versions of some of your favorite songs. Duologue provides an interesting approach to the duo jazz genre.
Eli Dranow is a young musician who loves his craft. Currently a sophomore at Haas Hall Academy, Eli has played piano for just over eight years. Over the past two years, he has been studying jazz piano against a background in classical music and has been a member of the Jazz All-Star Youth Ensemble sponsored by the NW Arkansas Jazz Society.
Claudia Burson grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her interest in music was sparked at an early age and she began playing piano at age eight. Claudia’s mastery of the piano is punctuated by her gutsy style and charisma. She is among the rare artists who have has risen above technique to deliver her music from a place deep within. Stylistically she is equally at home with jazz standards and ballads as she is with free improvisation.
Miroslava Panayotova is a Bulgarian pianist who has appeared as a recitalist and concerto soloist in the United States, Canada, Bulgaria, Russia, Slovakia, Romania, and Mexico. Recent concerto performances include appearances with the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra, and The Arizona Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Panayotova’s repertoire encompasses a variety of styles, including contemporary music and premiere performances of both solo and ensemble works. Dr. Panayotova is Instructor of Piano at the University of Arkansas.
Pianist Brant Jester is from Ozark, Missouri, and graduated from Missouri State University with his bachelor’s degree in music performance. He is a powerful keyboard virtuoso with a sound that draws from piano greats like Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck and modernists like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock.
Peter Schlamb is a pianist and vibraphonist based in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a versatile and sought-after musician who maintains a busy schedule performing locally, nationally, and internationally. Peter spent several years in New York City where he attended and graduated from New School University with a degree in jazz performance.
Matt Villinger was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. From there he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in jazz performance from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. He has worked with greats, such as Reggie Thomas, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and others. Villinger currently resides in Kansas City leading his own groups as well as playing in Electric Tinks and other sideman projects.