The Alternative Guitar Summit and New York Guitar Festival Presents: While We're Still Here: Music of Carla Bley and Joni Mitchell

Wed., May 11, 7:30pm @ Drom: 85 Avenue A, New York, NY $20/25

Feat., Nels Cline, Julian Lage, Dave Douglas, Becca Stevens, Sheryl Bailey, Steve Cardenas, Ben Monder, and more. Produced by Joel Harrison

More info here and here.

The launch of a yearly series entitled "While We're Still Here," where the AGS celebrates living composers. Each artist will play a song each by American treasures Carla Bley and Joni Mitchell.

Nels Cline and Julian Lage: Wilco sideman, electric guitar pioneer, and prodigious composer, Cline has proved himself capable of almost anything on the guitar over a 40 year career. Julian Lage will appear with Cline.

Dave Douglas w/ Camila Meza: One of the most influential composers and jazz musicians of the past 20 years, Dave released a CD of Joni Mitchell songs in 1997 entitled Moving Portraits. He will be joined by singer Heather Masse of the Wailin' Jennys, and bright, new talent Camila Meza on voice and guitar. Meza was described by the NY Times as "a multi-dimensional talent....who plays hyper-literate guitar solos while combing modern jazz with the folk music of her native Chile."

Wolfgang Muthspiel: Noted for the lyricism of his approach to jazz guitar, Vienna native Muthspiel is one of the most celebrated European improvisers. He has recorded with Ralph Towner and Brian Blade, and he began his career in Gary Burton’s band, where he replaced Pat Metheny.

Sheryl Bailey: Called a "sizzling guitar goddess" by All About Jazz, and "one of the new greats" by Downbeat, Bailey is one of the most compelling bebop players of her generation. She'll perform with bassist Harvie S.

Steve Cardenas Trio: A member of Carla Bley's band and one of the world's most esteemed jazz guitarists

Joel Harrison: The Guitar Summit founder will front a group that features drummer Allison Miller, singer Everett bradley, and bassist Jerome Harris.

Mike Baggetta: Composer/ guitarist Baggeta's playing has been called "beautifully melodic" and "mysteriously atmospheric" on cd's where he combines strong writing with powerful avant-jazz/rock proficiency. He'll play in a trio with the renegade drummer Bill Mintz and bassist Jerome Harris.

Ben Monder will be joined by vocalist Becca Stevens.