BIMA presents an evening of live virtuosic acoustic instrumental music with Wes Corbett and Simon Chrisman. This extraordinary duo brings original compositions and mind-blowing technical ability to the BIMA Auditorium for a night of unforgettable music.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Wes and Simon started down the musical road at around the same time, right here on Bainbridge Island, but only met by chance and with the accidental help of Bill Frissell and a local noodle shack. Fast friends from the start, they’ve made music together every chance they’ve had along the way, making two records with chamber grass outfit the Bee Eaters, and stealing chances to get in a tune or two when passing through each other’s city of residence while on tour with other bands. They released their first duo recording in 2018, after 16 years of playing together, and have plans for another soon. Touring together whenever they can find the time, the musical journey of these old friends continues.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Wesley Corbett has been playing the banjo since he was 16, after a split from the classical piano. He has performed with many of the most influential acoustic musicians of our time, including Sam Bush, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger, Sarah Jarosz, Sierra Hull, Bruce Molsky, Robert Earl Keen, Tony Trischka, Molly Tuttle, and Laurie Lewis (among many others), as well as touring internationally with the Indie-Popgrass band Joy Kills Sorrow. From 2011-2015 Wes was the professor of banjo at Berklee school of music in Boston MA. He now lives in Nashville, TN and plays in the Sam Bush band.

Hammer dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman brings an unusual style to an instrument that has previously been thought to have limited range and technique… his inventive virtuosic touch and sophisticated rhythmic sensibilities are redefining the instrument and earning the attention of musicians from all over the world. He tours with Kittel and Co, the Bee Eaters, and Nic Gareiss, and has performed with Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, Mike Marshall, Laurie Lewis, Seamus Egan, and Sean Watkins.