The Willie August Project began as a collaboration between guitarist-composer Ben Siems and drummer Jeremy Hauer. The group is named for Siems' late grandfather, who was an avid supporter of live music before dying at a young age from a brain tumor. To round out the trio, upright bass duties are shared by some of the top bassists in Minnesota, including Jeff Brueske, Graydon Peterson, and Elizabeth Draper.
Inspired
by the small group jazz of the 1960s and 70s, especially the jazz-folk-rock fusion sounds associated with the ECM record label, The Willie August
Project builds its sound around extraordinarily cohesive ensemble playing,
with an emphasis on collective improvisation. Each member of the group
is both a fine soloist and an excellent supporting musician and listener.
As a result, this trio is able to maintain a remarkable consistency
of mood throughout each tune, with each passage flowing seamlessly into
the next.
For more information, plus
photos and soundclips, please check out our pages at the TWIN
CITIES MUSIC NETWORK and at the internationally acclaimed independent
music site, PLANET CD!
Recipient of five grants from New York City's MEET THE COMPOSER, INC., including 2004-2005 and 2005-2007 Creative Connections Awards.
RECORDINGS AND REVIEWS
The Willie August Project has released three critically acclaimed compact discs, SURRENDER TO THE WIND, DREAM TRUTHS, and TRANSPARENT SUNRISE. For sound samples, reviews, and options for purchasing the CDs, visit our pages at the TWIN
CITIES MUSIC NETWORK and at the internationally acclaimed independent
music site PLANET CD.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
NOTE: Last-minute changes in start and end times of shows are fairly common occurrences. Please call the club on the date you plan to come to a show to verify times.
THU., JUNE 5, 8 - 10 p.m. The 318 Cafe, 318 Water Street, Excelsior, MN 55331, 952-401-7902. The Willie August Project's debut at this beautiful cafe/wine bar in the picturesque town of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. A great destination on a summer evening!
***WAP in the PARKS returns!!!***
THU., JUNE 12, 7 - 8:15 p.m. MINNEHAHA FALLS PARK BANDSTAND, 4801 Minnehaha Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55417. We kick off WAP in the PARKS 2008 with a performance at historic Minnehaha Falls Park, regularly listed as one of the most scenic urban parks in the country. Nestled amidst an oak grove and just steps from the falls overlook, this bandstand is the quintessence of Minnesota summer!
FRI., JUNE 27, 7:30-10 p.m. JoJo's Rise and Wine, 12501 Nicollet Ave., Suite 100, Burnsville, MN 55337, 952-736-3001. A Ben Siems solo acoustic show -- authentic Delta blues and an eclectic mix of folk and folk-rock classics.
WED., JULY 9, 7-8:15 p.m. FATHER HENNEPIN BLUFFS PARK BANDSTAND at the STONE ARCH BRIDGE, 420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Round two of WAP in the Parks 2008 is our debut at this historic park that captures the essence of the old Minneapolis riverfront. Enjoy the beautiful hardwoods lining the river, stroll past the great shops and restaurants of Riverplace and St. Anthony Main, or take in the view of the new I-35W bridge taking shape. In addition to enjoying this great setting and our performance, please join us in paying our respect to those who lost their lives in last summer's horrible tragedy.
THU., JULY 10, 6 - 8 p.m. NICOLLET ISLAND PAVILION, 40 Power Street on historic Nicollet Island, downtown Minneapolis, MN 55401. A bonus WAP in the Parks 2008 event! We perform as part of 125 Years of Park History a silent auction/fundraise and celebration of the great Minneapolis tradition of preserving and protecting beautiful urban open spaces.
SAT., AUG. 2, 11:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB, 1010 Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis, MN 55403, 612-332-1010. The Willie August Project returns to the flagship venue for Minnesota jazz. It is always an honor to perform on the Dakota's storied stage, where jazz legends from across the decades and around the world have all come to play. Come see why the Dakota as regarded as one of America's most beautiful jazz venues!
THU., AUG. 7, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. LAKE HARRIET BANDSHELL, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 44509. What better way to wrap up WAP in the Parks 2008 than with a performance at the grandest, most historic Minneapolis outdoor venue of them all -- the spectacular Lake Harriet Bandshell. Bring a picnic (don't forget treats from the adjacent pavilion!) and enjoy this breathtaking summer setting that captures all that is great about summer in Minnesota!!
FRI. and SAT., AUG. 15-16, time TBA GUNFLINT TAVERN, 111 Wisconsin St., Grand Marais, MN, 55604, 218-387-1563. We return to the Great North Woods in the peak of the gorgeous summer season! The Gunflint Tavern is a special venue in one of the most special towns you'll find in the entire Great Lakes region. Enjoy the outstanding food, friendly, small town service, and breathtaking view of the picturesque Grand Marais Harbor! Weather permitting, shows will take place on the rooftop patio at 7 p.m.; otherwise, inside the Tavern at 9 p.m.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING THE HOME PAGE OF THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT. PLEASE VISIT OFTEN TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON OUR ACTIVITIES!!
THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT
Classic and Original
Jazz
