Joel Harrison's In a Silent Way project with Paul Hanson, Michael Manring, Scott Amendola

The band consists of old allies, some of the Bay Area's finest and most creative musicians—Paul Hanson, Michael Manring, and Scott Amendola, who will also perform some of Harrison's original music. Harrison recently released a live record from the Big Ears Festival of this music. The band's approach will be to "make it new." Guitarist, composer, arranger, lyricist, writer, educator, and vocalist Joel Harrison has “created a new blueprint for jazz” (New Orleans Times-Picayune). He has released 27 records, a body of work that connects multiple American traditions. While rooted in jazz, his music moves fluidly through classical, rock, country, and American roots music. The New York Times has described his work as “protean… brilliant.” Harrison is the founder and director of the Alternative Guitar Summit, an annual festival devoted to innovative and unconventional guitar music. The Summit has featured artists such as Fred Frith, Nels Cline, Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, Michael Gregory Jackson, Mary Halvorson, and Pat Metheny, who has called it “one of the most interesting and distinguished forums for guitar on the planet.” Harrison is the author of Guitar Talk: Conversations with Visionary Players, Pity the Genius, and Modern Jazz Standards for Guitar. Tickets are $25 general admission, and $20 for students. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door. The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997. To join our mailing list, please click here. Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash. Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space. Thank you for your support!