Celebrating Mary Lou Williams An Evening of Live Performance and Film | Frank Buxton Auditorium | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

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Experience the magic of jazz with a remarkable show that pays tribute to the legendary Mary Lou Williams. Pianist and composer Ann Reynolds, along with filmmaker Kay D. Ray, have curated a captivating evening of live performance and film, aptly named "Celebrating Mary Lou Williams An Evening of Live Performance and Film." Taking place at the Frank Buxton Auditorium in Bainbridge Island, this event promises to transport you through the captivating history of jazz in the 20th century. Mary Lou Williams was a true jazz pioneer, renowned for her exceptional piano playing and compositions. As Duke Ellington aptly described, she was "perpetually contemporary." From her early days in boogie and stride piano to her innovative contributions to various jazz sub-genres, Mary Lou's music embodies the evolution of jazz itself. Through her mesmerizing compositions and masterful performances, she painted a vivid picture of the genre's rich history. This extraordinary show seamlessly weaves together live performances by esteemed Northwest musicians with archival film interview clips and rare footage of Mary Lou Williams herself. Pianist and composer Ann Reynolds, filmmaker Kay D. Ray, pianist and conductor Kent Stevenson, pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett, pianist Alex Guilbert, bassist and music impresario Terry Morgan, drummer and conductor Maria Wulf, bassist Heather Chriscaden, flutist and trombonist Freddy Fuego Gonzalez, and tenor saxophonist Jason Turner all contribute their immense talents to bring Mary Lou's compositions and favorite pieces to life. Join us on November 1, 2023, at the Frank Buxton Auditorium in Bainbridge Island for an unforgettable evening of live performance and film that celebrates the immense legacy of Mary Lou Williams. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing sounds of jazz and witness the magic of this remarkable artist. Tickets for this extraordinary event are priced at $25-$30, so don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the history of jazz through Mary Lou's timeless music.