The Rhizome Project: A Concert and Workshop with Moira Smiley and the Rhizome Quartet

Acclaimed singer, composer, and song collector Moira Smiley (VT) will present a concert of original and traditional folk music in Montague Center, MA. She will perform songs from her most recent album “The Rhizome Project”, accompanied live by the Rhizome Quartet, a string quartet of world-class, Boston-based musicians Annegret Klaua (violin), Yonah Zur (violin), Lysander Jaffe (viola), and Elizabeth Cook (cello). The historic and intimate Montague Common Hall will be the perfect venue for this special musical offering.   Moira Smiley is a Grammy-nominated singer, composer, and educator renowned for her mastery of the voice and ability to inspire singers of all levels. Moira is a celebrated educator, teaching at leading musical institutions and inspiring singers of all backgrounds. She's published over 100 choral works that are sung by millions of singers worldwide. With a deep respect for the cultural roles of singing, Moira blends teaching, composing, and performing to empower communities and celebrate the transformative power of music.   Known for her rich voice and dynamic stage presence, Moira has collaborated with some of the most celebrated names in music, including Tune-Yards, Eric Whitacre, Chris Thile, Hilary Hahn, and Morten Lauridsen. As a member of Tune-Yards, she has performed on major platforms such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the UK’s Later… with Jools Holland. Recently, she performed & recorded for Chris Thile's project 'Attention!' and Laurie Anderson's ARK.   Smiley’s new album “The Rhizome Project” has been hailed by the press as “nothing less than stunning”, “beautiful and haunting”, and “visceral, chamber folk splendor”, and has been featured on critics’ Top 10 Albums of 2024 lists.   Earlier in the afternoon, Smiley will offer a community singing workshop, “Singing the Rhizome”, incorporating warmups, musical games, and singing new and old folk songs in rich vocal harmony. The workshop is open to singers of all levels and ages. A community potluck will be held between the workshop and concert.

Admission: Suggested donation $20 concert/$30 workshop/$40 both, with nobody turned away for lack of funds. The workshop will be held 3-5pm, with community potluck from 5-6pm. Tickets and more information at www.weathervane-arts.org