Gesa Power House Theatre presents jazz vocalist Kathy Kosins in concert on Sunday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.

"One of the most alluring voices in Jazz" - Chicago Tribune

ASCAP award-winning vocalist Kathy Kosins combines the rich vocal traditions of jazz and soul in a one-of-a-kind presentation of music and visual art. Performing a mix of classic and original songs, Kosins brings the audience on a tour of some of the best and most loved hallmarks of the jazz and soul genres. An avid visual artist, Kosins also paints on stage during her performances, creating unique pieces that are improvised and inspired by the music. Whether a jazz aficionado or a beginning artist, everyone will find Kathy Kosins’ unique performance delightful and inspiring.

Born during the Motown era of Detroit, she began singing and arranging background vocals in the early eighties, which led to her becoming one of the most sought after session singers. As a lead vocalist she recorded for both Carrere (Sony) and Quality Records and later toured with Was/Not Was.

In the early ’90s, Kosins, a ferocious writer and arranger, fell in love with the freedom of the jazz art form and her writing naturally evolved into a more traditional approach. Stints with the JC Heard and Nelson Riddle Orchestras followed and led to a 1996 release of “All In A Dreams Work” (SchoolKids Records), an impressive debut featuring a first rate collection of nine originals and a cover of the Miles Davis composition “Four.” Reported by over 250 Jazz stations, she reached the top 20 in the Gavin Report.

Her 2002 release of “Mood Swings” (Chiaroscuro Records) continued to bring her recognition and success at the national level. On her 2006 release of “Vintage,” (Mahogany Jazz), she rediscovered little known songbook gems which she placed alongside a few widely known, yet unexpected tunes from outside the jazz tradition, which brought her glowing reviews from journalists.

In 2012, she released “To The Ladies Of Cool”, a dedication to the West Coast Cool school of artists like June Christy, Chris Connor, Julie London, and Anita O’Day. Kathy’s arrangements of those classic pieces stay true to the tradition of lyricism and understatement, yet sound so fresh and innovative that it is sometimes hard to believe those songs have been recorded some 50 plus years ago.

“The Space Between” from 2013 found her in the studio with some of LA’s best musicians like Tamir Hendelman (piano), Robert Hurst (bass), Eric Harland (drums), and Larry Koonse on guitar on several obscure tracks that had been recorded by Shirley Horn or Nat King Cole. Her Jazz repertoire is always enhanced by her soulful vocal performance and it is no wonder, that she decided to include a Chill Mix of one of the tunes from the album (“Night Bird”).

With the working title “Uncovered Soul”, Kosins has recorded this ultra soulful set with Grammy Award-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta (Gregory Porter) and a stellar cast of musicians: Greg Moore (guitar), Mitch Foreman (piano,keys), Kevin Axt (bass), Eric Harland (drums), and Munyungo (percussion). On the album, she explores rarely heard Soul and R&B tunes by famous songwriters like Curtis Mayfield, Eugene McDaniels, or Aaron Neville and also more contemporary tune-smiths like Amos Lee. It’s a well- balanced set catering to both jazz fans and soul aficionados alike and destined to become a future classic as it creates a sultry mood and features her most intense and intimate singing yet.

A past recipient of the Michigan Council for the Arts (Jazz Composer of the Year), Kosins has received grants from Michigan’s ArtServe advocacy group. Her clinics and workshops teach performance skills alongside business strategies for the independent artist and have been a success at colleges and universities across the USA.

When not touring the USA or Europe, Kosins excels as a painter. Her abstract improvised acrylics on canvas are influenced by the cubist paintings of the ’50s. Commissioned paintings are held in private collections and Kosins continues to sell her work at both gallery shows and concert performances. Kosins will paint on stage during a portion of her Walla Walla concert.

Kosins has shared the stage and performed with numerous names in the jazz and R&B world. A few notables are: Cyrus Chestnut, Terell Stafford, Randy Brecker, Javon Jackson, Larry Goldings, James Moody, Kevin Mahogany, Bernard Purdie, Greg Hutchinson, Eric Harland, Red Holloway, Grant Green Jr., Reuben Rogers, Reuben Wilson, Aaron Goldberg, Tamir Hendelman, Jesse Davis, Eric Marienthal, Matt Wilson, Mitch Ryder, Was/Not Was and Michael Henderson.

Reserved seating tickets ($30-$25 Adults; $20 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. 

Kathy Kosins' band for this concert will include Matt Cooper (piano), Michael Simon (bass), and Steven Aslin (drums).

Gesa Power House Theatre presents Okaidja Afroso in concert on Friday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Okaidja is an Afropop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His unique artistic vision has led him to combine his native rhythms with unforeseen pairings of musical flavors. His sound is a spicy fusion of Ghanaian music with diverse cross-cultural influences. Although most of Okaidja's hypnotic arrangements are sung in his native language, the meaning shines through. His calling and life purpose is to bring us all together so that we can laugh and grieve and dance and forge forward together, in community.

Okaidja tells the stories of his people and follows their journey throughout the disparate lands where they were scattered. Okaidja brings together the deep understanding of his own musical transitions and the inspiration of Africa throughout Latin America. The music Okaidja creates is the music of the human experience. It is joyous, tragic, and uplifting. It embodies the vast perfect/imperfect human story. His soulful vocals and exultant dance movements connect with the audience in the most profound way.

Okaidja was born into a family of musicians and storytellers in the village of Kokrobite on the west coast of Ghana. He began his career as a dancer with the celebrated Ghana Dance Ensemble. As he toured internationally, Okaidja expanded his artistic reach, becoming a master multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and arranger.

Reserved seating tickets ($30-$25 Adults; $20 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Event Exclusive: Actor and winemaker Kyle MacLachlan will be in the lobby before the show talking about his Pursued By Bear wines - which we will be pouring!

In their 2017-2018 finale concert, The Walla Walla Choral Society - following two sold-out shows conducted by new Artistic Director Gary Hemenway - presents a "Light, Life & Home" concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Monday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m.

This concert presents a collection of songs that are rooted in musical and lyrical motifs that speak of endearing and foundational parts of our lives. “Light, Life & Home” will feature the poignant photography of local photographer Mark Van Donge. The Choral Society will be joined by The Crimson & Black Choir from McLaughlin High School in Milton-Freewater, under the direction of Melissa Cunnington. This last performance for the season is a true celebration of the many reasons we are grateful to live in the Walla Walla Valley!

Reserved seating tickets ($17 adults; $12 youth 17 and under) are available online or by calling the Gesa Power House Theatre box office at 509-529-6500. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

The Walla Walla Choral Society, a non-profit volunteer organization, promotes and performs accessible quality choral music for the Walla Walla Valley and collaborates with other artistic groups, enriching the community’s cultural life.

The Seattle Rock Orchestra (SRO) returns to Gesa Power House Theatre with a concert titled "Beatles: Number Ones" on Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Taking inspiration from the popular Beatles compilation album “1,” SRO celebrates the band's broad swath of No. 1 hits that reigned on both the U.K. and U.S.charts, along with their charming B-Side companions (many of which are hits in their own right). Featuring the songs "Can't Buy Me Love," "Eight Days A Week," "Yesterday," Penny Lane," "Hey Jude," "Something," "Let It Be," and many more.

Seattle Rock Orchestra doesn't hide behind a rock band ... it is the rock band! SRO utilizes strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and rotating cast of exciting guest vocalists to deliver tribute shows unlike any other. Each SRO show juxtaposes a dynamic plethora of possibilities: the infectious energy of a dance party with a classy night out at the symphony; searing rock solos with intimate orchestral moments of staggering beauty; fan favorite sing-alongs with lesser known 'deep cuts,' all combining to create a fun yet profoundly moving night out that honors the featured artist's lasting legacy.

SRO was founded in 2008 by bassist and composer Scott Teske. In the years since, SRO has racked up an impressive resume that includes collaborations with the likes of Elvis Costello, Macklemore, DeVotchKa, Jeremy Enigk, Damien Jurado, D.R.A.M, Jesse Sykes, Rosie Thomas, Allen Stone, Jason Webley, Sir Mix-a-Lot, and members of Big Star, The Posies, R.E.M., Harvey Danger, The Long Winters, Vendetta Red, Nada Surf & Pearl Jam), on stages across Washington State, including Seattle's Paramount, Moore & Neptune Theatres, Sasquatch Music Festival, Summer Meltdown Festival, and Timber Outdoor Music Festival.

Reserved seating tickets ($50-$40) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Local singer, songwriter, and producer Carson Schmidt will be live in concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature performances from his recent studio albums: "Watching Heaven Burn," "Identity," "Blindside," and more.

The concert will also feature guest vocalist Riley Hardy and guest cellist Sophie Naden-Johns.

Reserved seating tickets ($15 Adults; $10 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. 

Kick off Pride Month in Walla Walla with a party at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The fun begins with the screening of the new film "Saturday Church", followed by a drag show hosted by Chardonnay and a few of her friends, and finally a dance party with music by DJ Lotek.

"Saturday Church" is a musical film written and directed by Damon Cardasis. It tells the story of 14-year-old Ulysses, who finds himself simultaneously coping with the loss of his father and adjusting to his new responsibilities as man of the house alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt. While growing into his new role, the shy and effeminate Ulysses is also dealing with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy for himself, filled with glimpses of beauty, dance and music. Ulysses’ journey takes a turn when he encounters a vibrant transgender community, who take him to “Saturday Church,’ a program for LGBTQ youth. For weeks Ulysses manages to keep his two worlds apart; appeasing his Aunt’s desire to see him involved in her Church, while spending time with his new friends, finding out who he truly is and discovering his passion for the NYC ball scene and voguing. When maintaining a double life grows more difficult, Ulysses must find the courage to reveal what he has learned about himself while his fantasies begin to merge with his reality.

"Saturday Church" received numerous awards at film festivals and was released in January. It has a runtime of about 90 minutes.

The fun continues with a 60-minute drag show hosted by Chardonnay and a few of her Walla Walla friends (Anita Mann, Toxic, Savarrah P. Glam). Chardonnay is a sassy drag queen with a big heart filled with love and laughs. She got her start here in Walla Walla in 2014 and is now the drag mother of the "Haus of Tannins." Chardonnay is a frequent performer around the Pacific Northwest and in Walla Walla.

The party continues with dancing to fun music by DJ Lotek. One low ticket price covers admission for the entire evening. All entertainment will be appropriate for ages 14 and up. The event ends at approximately 11:00 p.m.

General admission tickets ($15) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer, wine, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.