Welcome to the
Rebecca J. Graves Center for the Performing Arts

May 4, 2024 – 7:30pm

Experience the magical music of Scotland and Ireland with the Seán Heely Celtic Band. Featuring U.S National Scottish Fiddle champion and Gaelic singer Seán Heely, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and All-Ireland singing champion Kevin Elam, bouzouki and acclaimed percussionist Lucas Ashby, and percussive dancer Agi Kovacs. The Seán Heely Celtic Band presents a groove and drive that gives audiences of all ages the irresistible urge to move! Performing ancient, soaring melodies from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, while original compositions and modern tunes are fused in seamlessly. Powerful vocal harmonies exist in their ever-growing song repertoire that features Scots Gaelic (Gàidhlig) songs, ballads, sea shanties, pub songs and more from the rich Celtic folk tradition.

Currently based in Washington DC, Seán performs locally and abroad with the Seán Heely Celtic Band, The Glencoe Lads and Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra. He is a musical ambassador for Scottish music and culture, especially the Gàidhlig language. He also frequently travels abroad as a solo artist, has been a speaker at events such as the Scottish North American Leadership Conference, and maintains a private teaching studio in Falls Church, VA.

May 11, 2024 7:30pm

Lew Tabackin, a distinguished flutist and tenor saxophonist, is a frequent performer at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Monterey and Newport Jazz festivals. Renowned for his astonishing vision, Tabackin’s flute playing is electrifying, displaying virtuosity, cross-cultural influences, and passionate expression. His distinctive tenor sax style features wide intervals, abrupt mood and tempo changes, and purposeful fervor, showcasing the full range of his instrument melodically, rhythmically, and dynamically.

In 1968, Tabackin crossed paths with Toshiko Akiyoshi, and their collaboration led to marriage. They relocated to Los Angeles, forming the award-winning Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. While in LA, Tabackin played with Shelley Manne and led various trios with Billy Higgins, John Heard, and Charlie Haden. Regular tours in Japan with Akiyoshi’s orchestra and his own trio solidified his international presence.

In the 1980s, Tabackin gained overdue recognition as a flutist, winning DownBeat critic’s and reader’s polls. Moving to New York in 1982, he reentered the Manhattan jazz scene, establishing himself as a major tenor saxophone and flute artist in concerts and recordings. His Concord debut, “Desert Lady” (1990), featured esteemed musicians like Hank Jones and Dave Holland, followed by acclaimed albums like “I’ll Be Seeing You” (1990) and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” (1994).

Tabackin’s association with all-star bands, including George Wein’s Newport All-Star Band and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, further highlighted his musical prowess. Concord released “Tenority” in 1996, marking Tabackin’s focus on tenor sax. Subsequent albums like “Tanuki’s Night Out,” “Live In Paris,” and “Quartet” showcase his continued artistic evolution.