Norway-based double bassist and composer John Andrew Wilhite-Hannisdal (b.1991, Richmond, Virginia) has over the past decade established himself as one of Scandinavia’s most unique voices. A student of Andre St. James during his time at Reed College, John Andrew went on to study with jazz great Reggie Workman. John Andrew now performs regularly with known figures in the experimental and improvised music scene such as Elliott Sharp, Katt Hernandez, and Tristan Honsinger. He is also active as a composer for his own groups and other ensembles. His opera Notices from the Paris Commune was premiered by The Norwegian National Opera this fall, and his sound installations made from recordings of cod fish have been shown at festivals across Europe. Highlights this spring include performances at ArtActs Festival (AU), Barents Spektakel (NO), Moers Festival (DE), and Oslo Jazz Festival (NO).

Grant Pierce is a drummer and songwriter living in Portland, Oregon. His music explores jazz, folk song, and heavier noise. He is a member of Halfbird, Not Bitter, Young Hunter, June Rose, and SPCJMRZ. Thank you!

Zen Monk

Zen Monk is the confluence of four deeply committed and expressive individuals who seek to manifest the breadth of their experience and shape of their inner vision through music. Featuring Noah Bernstein on alto sax, Brad Dutz on vibraphone, Shao Way Wu on bass, and Alan Cook on drums and percussion, Zen Monk’s repertoire is comprised of original compositions, spontaneous improvisations, and reinterpretations of classic jazz tunes. Using the immediacy, the in the moment focus that Zen embodies, and the uniquely singular artistry of the “genius of modern music” himself, Thelonious Monk, as templates, Zen Monk is a creative work in progress.