MAD Dance is Kitty Clark and Ray C. Shaw, based in Maryland’s Washington and Frederick Counties. Drawing on improvisational and somatic practices, the duo manifests deeply intimate work. Whether dancing on the stage, in parks, in parking lots, or in art galleries, they consider dance from the perspective of being experienced,older, and authentic movers. Their work is subtle, intimate, and sensitive, and solidified by undeniable chemistry. Kitty and Ray create immersive environments in which non-linear communication thrives.
Born on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the High & Wides draw from their members' extensive backgrounds in bluegrass and take the music to a place all their own, recalling an era when old-time, rockabilly, and early rock'n'roll coexisted in a murky soup of hillbilly string band music.
Multifaceted guitarist Meng Su is captivating audiences around the world with her stunning virtuosity and refined artistry. A soloist, also an avid chamber musician, Su tours regularly with orchestras and with her partner Yameng Wang as the Beijing Guitar Duo. This past season, Su performed with China Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mulhouse Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Symphony in addition to more than 40 recitals in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Su has released four recordings to critical acclaims.
Annalisa Dias is a Goan-American citizen artist, community organizer, and award-winning theatre maker working at the intersection of racial justice and care for the earth. She is Director of Artistic Partnerships & Innovation at Baltimore Center Stage. Annalisa is also a Co-Founder of Groundwater Arts. Prior to joining BCS, Annalisa was a Producing Playwright and Acting Creative Producer with The Welders, a DC playwright's collective; and a Co-Founder of the DC Coalition for Theatre & Social Justice.
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Russell Kirk is a native of Baltimore. Russell studied at Towson University and The Peabody Conservatory. While earning his master’s degree at New York University, Russell was an adjunct faculty member at The Steinhardt School of Culture, headed a music outreach program in Harlem, and interned at Saturday Night Live.
Alex and Olmsted (Alex Vernon and Sarah Olmsted Thomas) is an internationally acclaimed puppet theater and filmmaking company based in Maryland. They have toured at festivals in Denmark, South Korea, and Canada, and have performed at numerous venues within the United States.
Saxophonist, Tae Ho Hwang is dedicated to diversifying classical music by sharing eclectic programs to a wide range of audiences. He is praised for his interpretation that has a delicate sensitivity yet a solid power underneath.