Michael Smolens – The Holiday Project Sextet

The Holiday Project Sextet is one of the few small ensembles in the country to present innovative reconstructions of Christmas Pop and Chanukah songs along with timeless Spirituals. The most daring work is a melding of Martin Luther King’s favorite spiritual “Precious Lord” with Aaron Copland’s ballet score to “Appalachian Spring”. The group is lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens and features some of the most creative touring jazz instrumentalists in the Bay Area, along with a stunning gospel vocalist. The project has been featured at the Herbst Theater, as well as numerous concert series and house concerts.