Institute of musical Traditions

Mon 7/13 - Serenity Fisher & Michael Ronstadt w Distant Country at the SPARK at School of Musical Traditions.
7112 Willow Ave., Takoma Park, MD | 7.30pm | $25 adv / $30 door

Serenity Fisher & Michael G. Ronstadt: Fifteen years of collaboration truly creates a dynamic, moving, and expressive duet. Between both songwriters, their material is diverse and reaches far. Serenity Fisher blends playful pop-rock with a Tim Burton-esque quirkiness. A wordsmith, Serenity Fisher entices stories into becoming songs using truth-telling, highly-visual lyrics, and dreamy melodies. Fisher is a powerhouse singer whose nuanced vocals vary from bluesy belt to sultry whisper, from technical prowess to stripped down raw emotion. Her piano style is theatrical and passionate. Her music has been compared to Regina Spektor, Tori Amos and Fiona Apple. Nephew of Linda Ronstadt, cellist Michael G. Ronstadt brings a rich musical heritage and absolute knack for improvising up a storm. He holds a masters degree in cello performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music (CCM). Michael G. displays genre-blending explorations on cello and guitar in complement to thought-provoking lyrics. To say his originals are unusual is an understatement. They set the bar at Olympian heights in their depth and breadth. 

And that's not all! Distant Country (Lydia Martin and Jonah Giuliano) are opening the show!

Lydia Martin's musical style is a fusion of tradition and innovation. Her performances have earned her a unique place in the folk music community. She has won awards for her songwriting and old time banjo performances. She taught a Master Artist Folklife Apprenticeship through the Maryland State Arts Council, and has been on the teaching faculty at Common Ground on the Hill and Miles of Music. Multi-instrumentalist Jonah Giuliano has developed a singular voice on the mountain dulcimer. His drone-style playing is deeply informed by the artistry of banjo and fiddle greats. Guided by an ear for the experimental, he often explores new tunings, extended techniques, and unexpected pairings of sound worlds. Based between New York and Maryland, Jonah has taught workshops at Jalopy School of Music, Common Ground on the Hill, and School of Musical Traditions.