Laurel Halo has had to cancel her tour dates due to illness. It's not a decision that was reached lightly, but born out of care and consideration for Laurel and you in the audience. We of course wish her a speedy recovery and honor her until we can reschedule.

Through a flurry of late night / early morning emails, texts, panicked phone calls - at one point I was talking to someone who was on an airplane over the ocean while I was speeding down a midwestern highway (the future is crazy)- to find an artist who would not just fill the slot, but fulfill the intentionality of the original programming. And could be here in 24 hours notice.

I am thrilled to announce Canadian electroacoustic composer Kara-Lis Coverdale. I witnessed her in a single night 6 years ago hold a capacity cathedral enthralled with her organ performance and then five hours later level a rock club with her playful and abstract beat oriented electronic work. Kara-lis agreed to fly in and perform for us Friday Nov 3rd at The James (7pm doors) joined by Kalia Vandever.

This is a rare one-off, and my gratitude to her is immeasurable, and given what I've heard next year is going to be huge for her, so this may be our only chance to host.

I will of course honor all refund requests, though I hope you'll be open to giving Kara-lis your ears.

Thank you for your continued trust and patronage.

Kara-Lis Coverdale

"Kara-Lis Coverdale is one of the most exciting young composers in North America." - Ben Beaumont-Thomas, The Guardian

Driven by a patient devotion to sonic afterlife, memory, and material curiosity, Kara-Lis Coverdale’s dynamic work has been met with consistent critical acclaim. It has been described as an “arresting” “masterful work” of “uncompromisingly distinct,” “indescribable beauty.” live shows can evoke the unpredictable, chaotic, eerie, dynamic, and confrontational; all for which she has earned a steady reputation as a festival favourite (The Guardian, The New York Times, RA, The Fader) as a highly dynamic and explorative artist, resistant to categorization and stasis.

Kalia Vandever

Kalia Vandever is an American trombonist and composer living in Brooklyn, NY. Her approach to the trombone is distinctive and defined by her sonorous tone and lyrical improvisational voice. She leans into the challenges of the instrument and allows patience and melody guide her process.

 In her compositional practice, Kalia draws from her love of songs and improvisation, creating a landscape of sounds that resonate in the body and hold the listener. She released her debut ensemble album, "In Bloom" in 2019 which has been described as "the rise of an exciting voice for the music" (Seton Hawkins, Hot House Jazz Magazine). Her sophomore album, Regrowth released in May, 2022 on New Amsterdam Records and "confirms her strengths as a composer and bandleader with a distinctly contemporary point of view." (Nate Chinen, WBGO Jazz) Her debut solo album,We Fell In Turn featuring her works for trombone, voice and electronics is out now on AKP Records.  

Kalia received her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at the Juilliard School in 2017.  She has toured and performed internationally with her quartet, performing at festivals such as the Winter Jazz Festival and BRIC Jazz Festival. She is also known for her work as a side-woman, performing with jazz artists including  Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Fay Victor, to name a few. She has also performed with popular artists including Harry Styles, Lizzo, Japanese Breakfast, Moses Sumney, Jennifer Hudson, and Demi Lovato. She has appeared on Saturday Night Live twice, as well as Samantha Bee's Full Frontal.