naso Archives - Mark Niemann-Ross

Music with Maddy

Here’s a rare treat. We’re playing jazz with Maddy Ross, coloratura soprano (think Queen of the Night from Magic Flute) and co-founder of Renegade Opera. Singing jazz is harder than you think. Ella Fitzgerald made it sound easy, but that’s why Ella was a genius. The rest of us have to struggle along.

Maddy makes it sound easy too, which is why this is a performance worth attending.

When: August 13th, 6 to 8 pm

Where: NASO wine bar. 1744 SE Hawthorne

Who: 
Maddy Ross (vocals)
Kathy James (keyboard)
Stu Fessant (Saxophone)
Mark Niemann-Ross (bass)

Music with Nova

I’m gearing up for our second appearance at NASO wine bar. If you missed our last show, we invited Maddy Ross to join us. “Us” as in Kathy James (Piano), Stu Fessant (sax), and myself (bass). Maddy couldn’t join us, so Nova Knutson stepped in and covered songs we all already knew. It was a leap into the jazz void, but it worked well.

We’ve always meant to feature Nova for our May performance, but with our previous “dress rehearsal” we are really excited about what we can accomplish. In preparation, I’ve done research on the suggested song list and can share some trivia you’ll find interesting.

Want to hear more?

Nova Knutson
with Kathy James, Stu Fessant, and Mark Niemann-Ross
May 21st
6-8 pm
No cover charge
NASO Wine Bar
1744 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Minors allowed

Music with Maddy

I love music. It’s a challenge. It’s a reward. I study it so I can perform it. It amuses me.

I hate music. It always wants more of me. I’ll never master it. I perform it, but it frustrates me.

The best part of music is sharing that musical conversation with musical (and non-musical) friends. That’s why you should meet Maddy Ross.

When: March 19th, 6 to 8 pm

Where: NASO wine bar. 1744 SE Hawthorne

Who: 
Maddy Ross (vocals)
Kathy James (keyboard)
Stu Fessant (Saxophone)
Mark Niemann-Ross (bass)

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