songSLAM 2021

Fourth Coast Ensemble and Sparks & Wiry Cries present the second annual Chicago songSlam on Sunday, April 11 at 7:00pm presented virtually, live in HD. songSlam is a unique opportunity for 10 composer/performer teams to premiere new art songs and compete for cash prizes. Each team will present a new song of 5 minutes or less for voice and piano in any language for the voting audience, who - in the poetry slam tradition - will then vote on their favorites and award $2,000 in prize money. This event will be emcee'd by Jake Heggie, composer of Moby Dick, Dead Man Walking, and over 300 art songs!

Our team consists of soprano Ashlee Hardgrave, pianist Josh Quinn, translator Ariana Strahl and myself in “Michelangelo’s Grocery List” - a heartwarming rendition of a great artist’s obsession with various kinds of Renaissance wines. Hope to see you there!

Visit Fourth Coast Ensemble for information and digital tickets!