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Concert with Rita Sloan, Piano, Martha Aarons, Flute, Lev Polyakin, Violin

Rita Sloan, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin invite you to a concert covering a broad spectrum of music featuring piano, flute and violin. The program will include works by composers of several countries and eras, and the music ranges from charming to extremely virtuosic. Join us in Oaktree, where the acoustics are perfect and the atmosphere is casual!

Rita Sloan is recognized internationally as soloist, accompanist, chamber musician, and leading teacher of piano and collaborative piano. In 1999 she was appointed a piano faculty member and director of the collaborative piano program of the University of Maryland. At the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she is also a piano faculty member, she founded and heads the collaborative artist program and was one of the recipients of Aspen’s prestigious New Horizons Fellowships. Residencies and master class presentations include London’s Royal College of Music, the Academy of Music in Vilnius (Lithuania), and the Juilliard School. Ms. Sloan regularly performs with orchestra, in recital, and in chamber music throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan. She has been a returning guest in chamber music venues such as New York’s Bargemusic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series. She was also a featured artist at the Twenty-Fifth International William Kappell Piano Competition. Ms. Sloan is one of the founding members of the Aspen Ensemble, featured on NPR’s Performance Today. Recordings include a disc with internationally renowned trumpeter, Chris Gekker.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Enjoy two concerts with Jason Vieaux, guitar:

Solo Bach Program

Jason Vieaux with Martha Aarons, flute and Lev Polaykin, violin

Jason Vieaux is “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone), and is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation”. He is one of only 6 guitarists in history to win the Grammy Award for “Best Solo Instrumental”, winning in 2015 for his album “PLAY”. Jason’s multiple appearances over the last 20 years, for San Francisco Performances, Caramoor Festival, Ravinia Festival, Round Top Festival, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, 92nd St Y, CMS Lincoln Center, Wolf Trap, etc., cemented his reputation as one of the world’s leading guitarists. Jason Vieaux has performed as soloist with over 150 orchestras, including Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, Nashville and St. Louis, working with renowned conductors such as Giancarlo Guererro, Jahja Ling, Gerard Schwarz, and David Robertson. Vieaux’s strong presence on radio and streaming services continues with his acclaimed “Bach Volume 2: Works for Violin”, which was released April 2022 to rave reviews from Gramophone and others. Vieaux recorded Pat Metheny’s “Four Paths of Light” (dedicated to Jason), for Metheny’s 2021 album “Road To The Sun” on BMG Modern. Of his Grammy-winning 2014 solo album Play, The Huffington Post declared that Play is “part of the revitalized interest in the classical guitar.” Vieaux’s regular collaborators include the Escher String Quartet, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, Bandoneonist Julien Labro, and Grammy-winners Sasha Cooke (Mezzo-soprano), Yolanda Kondonassis (harp), Zuill Bailey (cello) and Timothy McAllister (saxophone). Vieaux co-founded the guitar department at the Curtis Institute of Music in 2011 (with David Starobin), and has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music for 28 years.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Costa Rican pianist Juan Pablo Andrade enjoys a dynamic presence both on stage and in the academic realm. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Costa Rican National Prize of Music— the highest honor bestowed upon a musician by the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. He has also received top honors at international competitions like the Artlivre International Piano Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Carlos Enrique Vargas National Piano Competition in Costa Rica.  With a performance schedule that spans several continents, Andrade has played as a soloist with orchestras such as the South Bend Symphony in Indiana, the Greensboro Symphony in North Carolina, the Powder River Symphony in Wyoming, and the Bolivian National Symphony. He’s also a familiar face with the Costa Rican National Symphony. His recital tours have taken him through the Americas and Europe, with standout performances at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern, Switzerland, the World Piano Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia, and a recent solo recital tour in South America. His CD “War to Peace” with violinist Betul Soykan, has been warmly received by critics, including a notable review in Fanfare magazine.  In the academic realm, Andrade serves as a Professor of Piano at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His educational journey spans prestigious institutions, including the University of Costa Rica, Arizona State University, Indiana University-South Bend, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His commitment to music education extends beyond his university role, frequently serving as a guest faculty at international festivals and founding the La Frontera International Piano Conference in Brownsville, Texas.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years.  After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux.  Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi.  Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fourth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2024!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy.  Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope.  He is also featured in the release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Concert #1:   Great Women of the American Songbook – Swing, Jazz and Motown

Concert #2 – Great Women of The Blues – (Alberta Hunter, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone and more!)

And Outdoor Concert at Bazar del Sol

Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

Kristen Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.

Scott Sorkin is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nneenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.

Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Concert #1:   Great Women Hitmakers – Swing, Jazz, Blues & R & B

Concert #2:   Great Women Hitmakers – the 60’s and 70’s!

And Sing-Along at Lounge

Pamela Rose – Vocals  
Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

John R. Burr – Pianist
John R. Burr is a musician of wide ranging and diverse style. Although firmly rooted in Blues and Jazz, he is heavily influenced by his love of vocal music ranging from the Beatles to the Great American Songbook, to Contemporary Pop Music. He is a sought-after Accompanist and Arranger on the Bay Area music scene, regularly appearing with Jackie Ryan, Kenny Washington,Tony Lindsay, Nicolas Bearde and Kitty Margolis.

Ruth Davies – Bass
Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

Daria Johnson – Drums/Vocals
Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, Scott Sorkin, Ruth Davies, & Daria Johnson

Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians’ thrills audiences of all ages. “Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

Kristen Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.

Scott Sorkin is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nnenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.

Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Concert #1:   Great Women Hitmakers – Swing, Jazz, Blues & R & B

Concert #2:   Great Women Hitmakers – the 60’s and 70’s!

And Sing-Along at Lounge

Pamela Rose – Vocals  
Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

John R. Burr – Pianist
John R. Burr is a musician of wide ranging and diverse style. Although firmly rooted in Blues and Jazz, he is heavily influenced by his love of vocal music ranging from the Beatles to the Great American Songbook, to Contemporary Pop Music. He is a sought-after Accompanist and Arranger on the Bay Area music scene, regularly appearing with Jackie Ryan, Kenny Washington,Tony Lindsay, Nicolas Bearde and Kitty Margolis.

Ruth Davies – Bass
Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

Daria Johnson – Drums/Vocals
Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Elena Durán grew up in Oakland, California and has enjoyed an international career, appearing as soloist with more than 50 orchestras all over the world, playing on a number of occasions for the Queen of England, HM King Charles as well as the President of Mexico. She has recorded a hit single with Paul McCartney and has made two albums with jazz great Stephane Grappelli. At various stages of her career, she has taught at University and Conservatory level including at Stanford University, the London College of Music, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Hartt School of Music. She has given masterclasses and courses all over the world and was the director of the Stratford International Flute Festival for twenty years and the Mexican Flute Festival at UNAM for five years in the nineties. She was named Mexico City’s Ambassador of Culture and Tourism, and with her personal outreach program FLAUTA SIN FRONTERAS, she has taken music to those who can’t attend concerts, especially those in prison and those who live along the US/Mexico Border. Elena is a passionate supporter of the Ranch’s Fundación La Puerta, bringing her programs to the local community.

Karl Anthony in Concert – Music, Color & Light
Experience a mesmerizing evening with singer/songwriter Karl Anthony in concert. As you enter, stunning laser visuals and colorful starlight will fill the room.

Karl Anthony is a word-man with hundreds of poetically and passionately inspired songs. He draws his inspiration from a career of philanthropic international touring in Asia, being on staff as a Healing Arts Artist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, and being a long-time guest musician at Rancho La Puerta for over thirty years. In addition to playing guitar, he will also perform on the hypnotic and soothing Handpan Singing Drum. This unique instrument was originally invented in Switzerland and blends rhythm and harmonics to create a universal sound sculpture that balances the heart and calms the mind.

But this evening is more than just a performance. Karl’s concert creates a vibration of community and will leave you feeling nurtured and engaged. This is a potent, heart-felt evening of music, color, and light.

Drumming with Karl Anthony
Unleash your beats and inner rhythm at Drumming with Karl Anthony! This epic class is not only a ton of fun, it’s also an awesome way to boost your creativity, focus, and overall health. You’ll experience the amazing world of drumming, where music and science combine to create something truly unique and engaging.

With drumming, you’ll get to express yourself through rhythm and sound, which can reduce stress, lift your mood, enhance cognitive function, and even boost your immune system! And don’t worry if you’ve never drummed before – no prior experience is needed. You can jump right in and soon will be in the groove.

Plus, drumming can improve your coordination, leading to better movement and balance. So, join us for a class that will have you feeling pumped and energized!

Karl Anthony is an award-winning singer/songwriter and a proud member of NOAH (National Organization of Arts in Health), dedicated to advocating for the healing power of music in healthcare. For nearly twenty years, he has served as a healing arts professional at the San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital, infusing his work and music with a message of hope for children and families.

Leading drum circles in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the hospital as a REMO Certified Health Rhythms Facilitator, Anthony promotes the scientifically researched benefits of community drumming as a tool for equalizing and building communities.

Each year, Karl and his wife Noi lead travel service trips to Thailand, where they have a home and reside part of the year. These trips support musical instruments for local schools and orphanages.

Karl has forged his own unique path in the music industry, earning multiple Gandhi/King Season for Non-Violence Peace Hero awards for his innovative art-focused wellness programs, music performances, and humanitarian efforts. Through his music, Karl Anthony opens doors to connect with people and shares his passion for the healing potential of music.

To learn more about Karl Anthony and his work, please visit his website at karlanthony.com