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January 2005
OEDIPUS
A new score for a new adaptation of the Sophocles by Ellen McLaughlin opens January 21st, 2005 Guthrie Theater Minneapolis
Find out more »February 2005
Gina Leishman Songbook vol. 2
w/ Tim Luntzel, bass, Doug Wieselman, clarinet, and special guest Jim Campilongo, guitar Barbes\ 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave), Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »March 2005
The Poetics of No Piano
duo with Greg Cohen, bass An evening of duos, both composed and improvised, inspired by some of my favourite poets & writers - Brecht, Shakespeare, Edith Sitwell and others - on anything but a piano, and with master bassist Greg Cohen. Roulette @ Location One 26 Greene St. (between Canal & Grand) reservations/tkts: 212.219.8242 www.roulette.org
Find out more »Mr. Wau-Wa plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
Times like these need songs like these, and there's no-one better to play them (see Projects page for more details). A rare re-union, so catch it while you can. Gina Leishman, vocals, accordion, pump organ; Rinde Eckert, vocals, accordion, pump organ; Doug Wieselman, reeds & guitars; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums. (Pabst's classic film of Threepenny Opera, with Lotte Lenya, will be screened at 7pm) Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »April 2005
Kamikaze Ground Crew @ Joe’s Pub
A rare gig re-uniting this "supergroup of downtown luminaries", prior to going into the recording studio... We finally found a date we can all make, hopefully... w/ Gina Leishman, co-leader, alto and baritone sax, bass clarinet, accordion, piano, vocals ; Doug Wieselman, co-leader, Eb, Bb & bass clarinets, tenor & baritone sax, guitar; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax; Steven Bernstein, trumpet & slide trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums & percussion. Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St. at…
Find out more »Glass Dreams
A rare sighting of my 3-tiered spinning glass armonica in a great location for it. I will explore the outer reaches of sonic beauty in duets and trios with some maestros of the deep end: Kenny Wollesen, percussion; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Molly Barker, visual artist and slide projection. Issue Project Room 619 East 6th Street, NYC 10009 (between Ave. B & C) www.issueprojectroom.org
Find out more »May 2005
Gina in San Francisco
Gina Leishman, vocals, baritone uke, accordion; Will Bernard, guitar; Devin Hoff, bass. A trio with two of the Bay Area's finest musicians, I'll be singing from the Leishman Songbook, plus a few old and new classics from here and there... Probably my only gig in the Bay Area this year... The Argus Lounge Mission at Valencia, Bernal Heights
Find out more »Mr. Wau-Wa plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
Sorry to say this has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. Look for the return of Mr. Wau-Wa in the fall. Bowery Poetry Club
Find out more »July 2005
Flock
July 2 - August 7 Dell'Arte Blue Lake CA workshopping a new piece with Joan Schirle and Skip Mercier. stay tuned.
Find out more »August 2005
MTO @ The Hopper House
guest vocalist with the Millenial Territory Orchestra Edward Hopper House Nyack
Find out more »September 2005
In my skin
A late summer laid-back re-entry into the city: GL, vox & baritone uke, Charlie Burnham, violin, Doug Wieselman, guitar & clarinets, Greg Cohen, bass A little bit of string heaven... Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »October 2005
GL solo
a new club in the East Village, which I have decided to do solo, something I haven't done in a while... It'll be a mix of many things, old and new: they have a good piano, I'll bring the bari uke, the accordion, the voice, should be fun. They also have good food. Mo Pitkins (upstairs) 34 Avenue A (between 2nd and 3rd) 212.777.5660 www.mopitkins.com
Find out more »In my skin, part II
GL, vox & baritone ukulele, Matt Munisteri, guitar, Charlie Burnham, violin, Todd Sickafoose bass a little more string heaven Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »Gina Leishman sings the songs of Bertolt Brecht
w/ Doug Wieselman, guitar & clarinet, and Marcus Rojas, tuba In celebration of the Brecht Forum's 30th anniversary, (and Neues Kabarett's 8th) and the opening of their new home at Westbeth, an evening of the songs of BB, in a Wau-Wa trio. Neues Kabarett, Brecht Forum 451 West Street (between Bandk & Bethune Streets) www.brechforum.org
Find out more »November 2005
Millenial Territory Orchestra
guest vocalist with MTO Singing the occasional tune of my own devising (and arranging) with one of my current favourite groups of musicians, Steven Bernstein's MTO - "The singular Bernstein leads his troops into the future while dragging the past kicking and swinging behind. " Tonic 107 Norfolk St www.tonicnyc.com
Find out more »Glass Summit
Miguel Frasconi & Gina Leishman This should be quite an evening: a first meeting of two glass players - glass in many shapes and sizes, plus the odd toy piano and other unexpected sonorities - playing both written and improvised music involving rubbing, striking, and breaking all forms of glass objects. ISSUE Project Room 400 Carroll Street (between Bond & Nevins) on the Gowanus Canal www.issueprojectroom.org
Find out more »December 2005
Mr Wau Wa
The songs of poor BB, where the 1930s meet the present: Gina Leishman, vox, accordion, pump organ; Rinde Eckert, vox, accordion, pump organ; Doug Wieselman, reeds & guitars; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums Bowery Poetry Club 308 Bowery, New York, NY 10012 212.614.0505 www.bowerypoetry.com
Find out more »January 2006
In My Skin pt.3
a little more string heaven ... GL, vox & baritone ukulele, Matt Munisteri, guitar, Charlie Burnham, violin, Greg Cohen bass further explorations of new songs for this delectable string quartet. Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »February 2006
In my skin
a triple bill w/ Clare Muldaur and One Ring Zero another chance to hear the string quartet songs, in case you couldn't make it out to Brooklyn (see Jan.29th), or just want to hear more of the amazing princes of the strings... planning to record soon... a new club in the East Village, nice room. Mo' Pitkins 34 Avenue A (between 2nd and 3rd) 212.777.5660 www.mopitkins.com
Find out more »March 2006
Kurt Weill Birthday Tribute
Curated by Anthony Coleman, this should be quite the variety of takes on the great songster, with a fabulous house band including Anthony Coleman, Doug Wieselman, Art Baron, Ted Reichman, Oren Bloedow, Roberto Rodriguez and more... Singers include Jennifer Charles, Mark Anthony Thompson, Sanda, Shelley Hirsch, yours truly and more... presented by Makor/92nd St. Y at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center 199 Chambers Street 212.220.1460 www.makor.org tribecapac.org
Find out more »April 2006
Jambalaya Chautauqua
a week's tour of 50 vaudevillians to help with the post-Katrina clean-up and free performances for the communities most affected April16-24 Bay St.Louis, New Orleans
Find out more »May 2006
Mother Courage
by Bertolt Brecht I will be in residence for 6 weeks, writing a new score for this classic anti-war play, and putting it on the company. Lisa Peterson is directing, with whom I've collaborated on numerous projects. (The production will run in La Jolla , and transfer up to Berkeley Rep in September) La Jolla Playhouse La Jolla CA www.lajollaplayhouse.com
Find out more »Mr. Wau-Wa plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
One last hurrah before I head out of town for many months, so come down and say goodbye. This is also a fitting kick-off to a summer of Brecht... times like these need songs like these... Mr. Wau-Wa is: Gina Leishman & Rinde Eckert, vocals, accordion, pump organ; Doug Wieselman, reeds & guitars; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums (reservations recommended) Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St. at Astor Place, NYC 212.254.1263 www.joespub.com
Find out more »August 2006
As You Like It
I'll be in residence for a month, making a score for As You Like It and putting it on the company - one more Shakespeare classic, one more collaboration with Jon Moscone, lots of music,this time with a heavy balkan tinge, outdoors - as I like it... Cal Shakes, Berkeley CA www.calshakes.org
Find out more »Songs for a Summer Night
I'm going to be in Berkeley from mid August to mid-September, working on As You Like It at CalShakes and Mother Courage at Berkeley Rep. Just in case I thought I might get bored, I booked a gig for one of my rare nights off - it's really an excuse to just sing a few songs and hopefully see a few friends - I'll be dipping into the Leishman, Shakespeare and Brecht Songbooks, as well as a few jazz classics,…
Find out more »September 2006
Mother Courage
by Bertolt Brecht Another chance to see and hear this amazing play, if you missed it in La Jolla, for which I wrote a new score in the spring... David Hare's translation is wicked, and it's a great company. Music's pretty good too... tuba, accordion, piano, the usual... Berkeley Repertory Theater 888.4BRTtix www.berkeleyrep.org
Find out more »October 2006
KGC @ TONIC
Back in the saddle, and gearing up for our micro-tour of the west coast. Come be the first to hear the new piece, and welcome back some old ones. Tonic 107 Norfolk St www.tonicnyc.com
Find out more »November 2006
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW @ SF Jazz Festival
Kamikaze returns to the Bay Area for the first time since 1993... Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco CA (415) 885-0750 www.musichallsf.com
Find out more »KGC @ Earshot Jazz Festival
mini Kamikaze tour, in honour of twenty years of play and to premiere Gina's commission from Chamber Music America/New Works Nectar Lounge 412 N 36th Street, Seattle (Fremont) Seattle WA 206-632-2020 www.earshotjazz.org www.nectarlounge.com
Find out more »Beth Custer Ensemble New York
Beth Custer (voice, clarinets, piano) Gina Leishman (piano, backup vocals) Adam levy (guitar) Ben Rubin (bass) Rudy Royston (drums) The Stone Avenue C/2nd Street NYC www.thestonenyc.com
Find out more »Beth Custer Ensemble New York
Zebulon 258 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn 718.218.6934 www.zebuloncafeconcert.com
Find out more »March 2007
In My Skin
In my skin Songs vol. 2 a gentle return to the art of song with a baritone uke. with GL on vox and bari uke, the amazing Matt Munisteri on guitar, and the welcome return of Todd Sickafoose on bass Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »April 2007
Gina @ Barbes
In case you missed the march gig, more of the same - I love this trio! with GL on vox, baritone uke and piano, Matt Munisteri guitar and Todd Sickafoose bass. I may throw in some Shakespeare & Brecht for good measure... Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »R.I.P. Tonic
R.I.P. Tonic, clubhouse of choice, which closes its doors April 13th, drowned by the wave of condo culture that has overtaken the Lower East Side. There will be an open house concert from 11a.m. til whenever we are thrown out, as a call to action... TONIC 107 Norfolk St. LES www.takeittothebridge.com
Find out more »Benefit concert
Another benefit for the beleaguered downtown musical community - there does seem to be a cultural crisis afoot here. I will play a solo set 10-11pm, other great music before and after. Tribal Soundz 340 East 6th St., NYC www.tribalsoundz.com
Find out more »Euripides’ ORESTES
Monday April 30th, 8pm Euripides' ORESTES a staged reading directed by David Esbjornson. I will be playing glass and percussion for this staged reading of Anne Carson's new translation of the Euripedes classic. Kaufmann Concert Hall @ 92nd St. Y Lexington Avenue @ 92nd St. www.92y.org
Find out more »May 2007
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW – CD release
Celebrating the upcomng release of their new double-CD, ""Postcards from the Highwire". GL, alto & bari sax, piano, accordion, vox; Doug Wieselman, clarinets, saxes, guitar; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax; Steven Bernstein, trumpet & slide trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums @ The Cutting Room 19 West 24th Street (b'twn Broadway & 6th Ave) (212) 691-1900 www.thecuttingroomnyc.com
Find out more »IN MY SKIN CD release
a rare convening of the original "string quartet", to celebrate the release of vol 2 of the Leishman Songbook - hopefully hot off the press. Come get your signed copies before they hit the stores. GL vox, baritone ukulele, piano Charlie Burnham violin Matt Muniseri guitar Greg Cohen bass Barbes 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »New York Hieroglyphics
I'm thrilled to be playing with these guys, a Special Edition of the NY Hieroglyphics as they continue to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Peter Apfelbaum (tenor sax/piano/percussion) Peck Allmond (trumpet/reeds) Art Baron (trombone/flutes) Yosvany Terry (alto & tenor sax) Tony Jones (tenor sax) Gina Leishman (baritone sax/accordion) Charlie Burnham (violin) David Phelps (guitar) Viva De Concini (guitar/percussion) Marcus Rojas (tuba) Justin Brown (drums) Daniel Moreno (percussion) Bowery Poetry Club 308 Bowery (between Houston & Bleecker) 212.614.0505 www.bowerypoetry.com
Find out more »August 2007
Weimar New York
What better to do in the dog days of August in New York than come downtown and hang out in the Spiegeltent. Weimar New York is a louche cabaret revue dreamed up by Earl Dax, and the the venue itself is worth the price of admission (if I only knew what that was...) I'll be singing. Other performers include Justin Bond, Nellie McKay, Taylor Mac, Sanda Weigel and Penny Arcade Speigeltent Fulton Fish Market Pier 17, South Street Seaport, Manhattan…
Find out more »September 2007
In My Skin Quartet
Sliding back into town, a reunion of my favourite quartet. I'll sing songs from the latest CD, In My Skin, as well as others old and new. GL vox, baritone ukulele, piano Charlie Burnham violin Matt Muniseri guitar Greg Cohen bass Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »Weimar NY
An encore preformance from the wild and wooly world of Earl Dax, after the three sold-out summer shows. I'll be singing. Spiegeltent behind the Fulton Fish Market Pier 17 South Street Seaport http://www.weimarnewyork.com www.ticketcentral.com
Find out more »October 2007
GL @ The Stone
with Charlie Burnham, violin, and Marika Hughes, cello. A venue dedicated to the experimental and avant-garde, with a good piano. Marcus Rojas, tuba maestro, plays at 8. The Stone corner of Avenue C and 2nd Street, Manhattan www.thestonenyc.com/
Find out more »Dark Dining to Raise the Dead
A different way to spend Halloween - a blind-fold gourmet meal with performances including the glass tiers. CAMAJE Bistro 85 MacDougal St. (Bleecker and Houston), NYC 212-673-8184 www.darkdiningprojects.com
Find out more »December 2007
UNCIVIL WARS: Collaborating with Brecht & Eisler
A Pick-Up Performance Co.(S) Production of Brecht & Eisler's The Roundheads & The Pointheads edited directed and choreographed by David Gordon Deccember 13-15, 19-22 The Kitchen 512 West 19th Street New York NY 10011 212.255.5793 www.thekitchen.org from the pressblurb: "David Gordon's Uncivil Wars is a new dance-theater work considering the complex divisions along racial, religious, linguistic, and geographical lines engendered by war. Developed from material borrowed from Bertolt Brecht's treatises on playwriting and from his play The Roundheads and The…
Find out more »January 2008
Singing In The New Year
Thursday January 17th, 2008, 8pm A variation on the In My Skin quartet, with cello instead of bass. I plan to revisit some of the pieces I did at the Stone in the fall with Charlie and Marika, along with singing and playing songs old and new. A gentle way to slide back into new york life after three weeks across the pond. GL vox, baritone ukulele, accordion, piano Charlie Burnham violin Matt Muniseri guitar Marika Hughes cello Barbes 376…
Find out more »February 2008
21 Positions – A Cartographic Dream of the Middle East
by Abdelfattah Abusrour, Lisa Schlesinger and Naomi Wallace A workshop (student production) of a really interesting new piece, with a point of view not heard too often here, directed by Lisa Peterson, and including a whole bunch of songs from me. Check it out, and check out checkpoint303.free.fr Feb. 21-23, 25, 28,29, March 1st Fordham University @ Lincoln Center 60th & Columbus, Manhattan
Find out more »April 2008
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW
This could be the one and only 2008 NY sighting of this estimable bunch of musicians, so catch us while you can - it's always a treat. GL, alto & bari sax, bass cl., accordion, vox; Doug Wieselman, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax, guitar; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax; Steven Bernstein, trumpet & slide trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »May 2008
MR. WAU WA
...Again, this could be the one and only sighting this year of THIS estimable bunch... Times like these need songs like these. Inspired by a photo of Brecht from the '20s, performing with some clowns including the famed Karl Valentin and his partner Liesl Karlstadt: Brecht is standing in a cart playing the flageolette, behind a roll-down cartoon drawing of a strong-man being run over by a car full of revellers, with the inscription 'Mr. Wau Wa'. The band is…
Find out more »August 2008
KGC @ MoMA
An amazing second sighting this year... Part of MOMA's Thursday Night Music Series, al fresco in the Sculpture Garden. There's currently a Dali exhibition at the museum, which seems highly appropriate. We'll be digging through the back catalogue for suitably surrealistic fare. GL, alto & bari sax, bass cl., accordion, vox; Doug Wieselman, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax, guitar; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax; Steven Bernstein, trumpet & slide trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen,…
Find out more »September 2008
Back In My Skin
Sliding back into the city with an early evening gig in the back room, hammock songs for a summer's eve, hopefully with the doors open for the breeze... w/ GL, vox & baritone uke; Charlie Burnham, violin; Matt Munisteri, guitar; Tim Luntzel, bass Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »October 2008
Mr. Wau Wa sings the songs of Bertolt Brecht
Times like these need songs like these. Gina Leishman, vox, accordion, pump organ; Rinde Eckert, vox, accordion, pump organ; Doug Wieselman, clarinet, sax, guitar; Marcus Rojas, tuba Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »The Fun Palace
A tribute to Agnes Bernelle First sighting of a new solo project. Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »November 2008
Weimar-New York
very late night, very weimar, very new york... the latest incarnation of Earl Dax's louch cabaret revue - last year's at the Spiegeltent were a gas... I will make an appearance at some point... Nov. 1st & 2nd, 11.30pm Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St. NY 212-967-7555 or 212-539-8778 www.joespub.com
Find out more »January 2009
The Leishman Sisters
A tribute concert to the village that has been so good to my family, a chance to sing with my sister, and the 50th anniversary of my father's children's concert in the same hall. The wheels of time go round and round... The Village Hall Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, County Durham, England
Find out more »Millenial Territory Orchestra
guest vocalist. A nice way to start the year, singing with the best little big band in town, featuring 9 of New York's finest musicians.. 55 Bar 55 Christopher Street West Village of Manhattan 212.929.9883 www.55bar.com
Find out more »February 2009
UNCIVIL WARS: Collaborating with Brecht and Eisler
A Pick-Up Performance Co.(S) Production of Brecht & Eisler's The Roundheads & The Pointheads edited directed and choreographed by David Gordon Skidmore College, Saratoga NY, Feb. 27th-28th, 8pm Walker Arts Center, Minneapolis, March 12th-14th, 8pm Happy to be back in Brect/Eisler land, with this re-mount of the show I did with David Gordon at the Kitchen last winter. We're doing 2 weeks of work up at Skidmore and 2 in Minneapolis, culminating in these performances. If you know folks in…
Find out more »April 2009
Dutch Courage
A trio with Michael Vatcher, percussion, and Michael Moore, reeds. Two incredible musicians, I am excited to give this a try. Zaal 100 De Wittenstraat 100 1052 BA Amsterdam tel: 020-6880127 www.plutones.com
Find out more »May 2009
In My Skin
GL vox, baritone uke; Charlie Burnham, violin; Doug Wamble, guitar; Greg Cohen, bass. w/ special guest Smokey Hormel Oh, the merry month of May... This one I am really looking forward to - what a line-up. How did I get to be so lucky? Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »August 2009
Residency at Montalvo Arts Center
A month's retreat in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains, starting to work on a couple or three new pieces. Lucky me. Residency at Montalvo Arts Center Lucas Artists Program Saratoga, CA www.montalvoarts.org
Find out more »GL & Beth Custer @ Montalvo
As the two composers-in-residence for the month of August, this is a joint concert as part of their "Final Fridays" series. It's free, open to the public, and a spectacularly beautiful setting. Villa Montalvo 15400 Montalvo Road Saratoga CA 95070 408.777.2119 www.montalvoarts.org
Find out more »September 2009
A Tribute To Connie Converse, 1924 – ?
In 1974, Elizabeth "Connie" Converse packed up her car, drove away and was never heard from again, leaving behind a haunting collection of recorded music that would remain virtually unheard for nearly 30 years. Her songs, written and recorded in the 1950's, paint a striking portrait of a gifted, independent, and troubled woman whose work was truly ahead of her time. Now, after more than 50 years at the bottom of a filing cabinet, Connie's tapes have been restored, re-mastered,…
Find out more »Evolving Voice Vocal Series
a new series being put on by RUCMA. I will be singing, and playing baritone uke and accordion, along side my two wonderful cohorts, Charlie Burnham on violin and Marika Hughes on 'cello. Repertoire will include songs of mine old and brand new, plus a few ancient ditties... A welcome and fitting return to the city... The Local 269 269 E.Houston St (corner of Suffolk) Manhattan NYC
Find out more »October 2009
Gina @ Barbes
a last-minute gig, but always happy to play my favourite back-room-of-a-bar. Leishman, Shakespeare, Brecht. Vox, baritone uke, accordion, with Charlie Burnham, violin, and Marika Hughes, cello 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »Glass @ Joe’s
A double bill with Junkyard Gamelan. a rare sighting of the glass tiers, accompanied by the incomparable Charlie Burnham on violin and Marika Hughes on 'cello. A first. JOE'S PUB 425 Lafayette Street NYC 212.967.7555 www.joespub.com
Find out more »November 2009
“Uncivil Wars: Moving with Brecht & Eisler”
The return of the Brecht/Eisler piece that I did with David Gordon at The Kitchen two winters ago. Slight change of cast - no Estelle Parsons, but the amazing John Kelly has stepped into her shoes and it is not to be missed... As for me, I still play Hanns Eisler (in both senses of the word) and count myself very fortunate to be visiting this work for the third time - a rare occurence in this culture... Peak Performances…
Find out more »December 2009
“Orpheus X”
Music/Lyrics/Text: Rinde Eckert Director: Robert Woodruff with Rinde Eckert, Susan Hanson, John Kelly For once I get to be not in the driver's seat, musically, just a member of the band, playing rock-and-roll opera with a bunch of great musicians for this amazing piece. I wrote the lead tenor role of my first opera for Rinde, he came to sing and play with me in Mr. Wau-Wa, now I get to be his sideman - that's the way it's supposed…
Find out more »Septimus & Clarissa workshop
adaptation: Ellen McLaughlin director: Rachel Dickstein producer: Ripe Time Exploratory workshop open rehearsal. The first step in a brand new collaborative work based on Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. Ellen McLaughlin, adaptor and Clarissa; Rachel Dickstein, director and producer; yours truly, composer; plus a collection of wonderful actors and movers... chapter one... stay tuned... South Oxford Space 138 South Oxford Street Fort Greene Brooklyn
Find out more »February 2010
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW @ Barbes
The first Kamikaze gig since MoMA 2008 - is that possible? tempus sure does fugit.... how we will all fit into the tiny back room is anyone’s guess, but we’ve done it before, and it sure was fun... GL, alto & bari sax, bass cl., accordion, vox; Doug Wieselman, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax, guitar; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax; Steven Bernstein, trumpet & slide trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums Barbes 376 9th…
Find out more »March 2010
“Spring Awakening”
A Children’s Tragedy by Frank Wedekind This is the original play, not the musical, in a new translation by Barbara Karger. She and Michael Preston are directing, and I will be singing and playing accordion as the scene-weaver. I’m pleased to be working with them, they are a great creative team, and we have plans... March 4th-6th @ 7.30pm Trinity College Hartford, Connecticut
Find out more »April 2010
Pentimento @ The Stone
GL, piano, accordion, glass, voice Doug Wieselman, calrinet Charlie Burnhma, violin Marika Hughes, cello Closing in on the third and final part of the Leishman Songbook, this one is from the chamber music corner of my musical brain... corner of Avenue C and 2nd Street, Manhattan www.thestonenyc.com/
Find out more »May 2010
Gina @ Barbes
GL, vox, baritone ukulele, piano Doug Wieselman, clarinet Matt Munisteri, guuitar Tim Luntzel, bass A wonderful line-up for what will probably be the last gig of this ilk until after the summer, so come on down... 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »June 2010
Septimus & Clarissa
based on Virginia Woolf’s MRS. DALLOWAY adapted by Ellen McLaughlin music by Gina Leishman directed by Rachel Dickstein This is a workshop production, co-produced by Ripe Time and Red Bull Theatre at CSC. Full production premiere in the 2010-11 season. stay tuned... June 25th @ 8pm, June 26th @ 2pm and 8pm CSC 136 East 13th Street (between 3rd and 4th aves.) www.ripetime.org www.redbulltheater.com
Find out more »September 2010
Gina @ Barbes
GL, vox, baritone ukulele, piano Doug Wieselman, clarinet Charlie Burnham, violin Greg Cohen, bass oh how sweet it is to come back to town and play with these guys again - welcome home... 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »October 2010
Baseless Rumors
GL, vox, piano, accordion, glass Charlie Burnham, violin Doug Wieselman, clarinet Marika Hughes, cello This venerable institution/venue has been around since the ‘60s but off the radar for the past decade. Similar in space but slightly larger than The Stone. Wayne Horvitz is curating the month of October, and we’re the first offering. A pre-release concert of my upcoming new CD. University of the Streets 130 E.7th Street at Ave. A Manhattan (212) 254-9300 www.universityofthestreets.org
Find out more »November 2010
Residency at Montalvo Arts Center
My second month’s retreat in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains, continuing work on a couple of new projects. Lucky me. Lucas Artists Program Saratoga, CA www.montalvoarts.org
Find out more »March 2011
Romeo & Juliet @ Yale Rep
I’ve written music for many Shakespeare plays but strangely never this one, - it’s a great company, and a great play check out the clip on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq8mnIQbNmc www.yalerep.org
Find out more »Spring Solstice solo gig
Curated by Vera Beren, I’ll do the first set at 8pm, solo voice and accordion. Expect Brecht, English music hall and Agnes Bernelle. The Delancey Small Beast 168 Delancey Street (between Clinton and Attorney), F train to Delancey Stop Call 212-254-9920 for information.
Find out more »Gina’s Birthday @ Barbes Series
Finally turning 21, time to celebrate... Monday March 28th, 7pm Kamikaze Ground Crew GL, alto & bari sax, bass cl., accordion Doug Wieselman, cl & bass cl, tenor & bari sax Peter apfelbaum, tenor sax Steven Bernstein, trumpet, slide trumpet Art Baron, trombone Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums Monday April 11th, 7pm In My Skin Quartet GL, vox, bari uke, piano Charlie Burnham, violin Matt Munisteri, gtr Brad Jones, bass Monday April 25th, 7pm Mr. Wau Wa GL vox,…
Find out more »April 2011
“The World Is Round” by Gertrude stein
I’ll be doing a week-long exploratory workshop in April with director Karin Coonrod and members of her Colombari company, adapting this classic book written as Stein says “for children and philosophers”. Karin is a visionary director, with whom I did a first reading at New York Theater Workshop back in 2001. I’m happy to be spending more time with a rose is a rose is a rose...
Find out more »“Baseless Rumors” concert
GL, vox, piano, accordion, glass Charlie Burnham, violin Doug Wieselman, clarinet Marika Hughes, cello Two years in the making, this one was meant to be Vol.III of the Leishman Songbook, completing the trilogy, but it has turned out as much instrumental as vocal - although as always, narrative based - this time from the chamber music corner of my brain. Looking for transparency, it’s been a real pleasure discovering this music with the quartet, and the recording by John Kilgore,…
Find out more »September 2011
Septimus & Clarissa
World premiere based on Virginia Woolf’s MRS. DALLOWAY adapted by Ellen McLaughlin music by Gina Leishman directed by Rachel Dickstein produced by Ripe Time Two years in the making, this labor of love finally gets its full production. The stellar cast includes Ellen as Mrs. Dalloway, Tom Nelis as Peter, and Henry Stram as Richard. Previews begin Sept. 7, it runs Sept. 15 - Oct. 8 Baruch Performing Arts Center
Find out more »November 2011
The Funes @ Barbes
Doug Wieselman clarinet, guitar Gina Leishman accordion Don Falzone bass Jim Pugliese drums debut of a new band - check it out... Barbes 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »House Concert
GL vox, baritone uke, accordion Charlie Burnham violin Doug Wieselman clarinet Matt Munisteri guitar Marika Hughes ‘cello A sweet farewell to the West Village...
Find out more »April 2012
Drama Desk nomination
STOP PRESS - 4.27.12 the music for Septimus & Clarissa was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Score.
Find out more »September 2012
“The World Is Round” – workshop
The next in a series of exploratory workshops with director Karin Coonrod and members of her Colombari company, adapting this classic book, written as Gertrude Stein says “for children and philosophers”. Karin is a visionary director, with whom I did a first reading at New York Theater Workshop back in 2001, and the most recent in spring of 2011. I’m happy to be spending more time with a rose is a rose is a rose... looking at a NY production…
Find out more »March 2013
St. Matthew Passion, Durham Cathedral
I absolutely love this piece, but have never sung in it before, so I’m thrilled to bits - plus singing it in Durham Cathedral is going to be a total treat. This is with the Barnard Castle Choral Society.
Find out more »Faure’s Requiem
Again, I’ve never sung in it publicly before, but love it - crazy contrast on the heels of the Bach.... life is like that.... this one with the Swale Singers. Low Row, Swaledale Upper Teesdale
Find out more »April 2013
Solo concert
A benefit for the Swale Singers I’m doing a one-off solo gig, with some possible surprise special guests, as a fundraiser for one of the choirs I sing with. Expect anything from jazz to traditional and music hall songs, and of course some of my own, plus maybe some Brecht, Agnes Bernelle, Connie Converse... you never can tell... it’s a sweet hall in a jewel of a little town in a truly beautiful corner of the world... Reeth Memorial Hall,…
Find out more »August 2013
the world is round is round is round
an adaptation of Gertrude Stein’s wonderful book “for children and philosophers”, adapted and directed by Karin Coonrod for her Compagnia de' Colombari, with music by GL. August 30th, 8pm, August 31st & September 1st, at 4 and 8pm: The Mill, Arts Letters & Numbers 1525 Burden Lake Road Averill Park, NY 12018 for tickets & info go to www.colombari.org
Find out more »September 2013
Gina @ Barbes
GL, vox, piano, bari uke Charlie Burnham, violin Doug Wieselman, clarinet Matt Munisteri, guitar Marika Hughes, cello Greg Cohen, bass Welcome home Gina! BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »December 2013
MR WAU WA plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
GL vox, accordion, pump organ Rinde Eckert, vox, accordion, pump organ Doug Wieselman, guitars, sax, clarinets Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums at BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »March 2014
Political Shenanigans
Dancing with Brecht & Eisler directed by David Gordon music arranged & directed by GL 3 Sunday afternoon showings of the work in progess at Christ Church Community House 20 N American St Philadelphia, PA 19106 alyce@pupcs.org
Find out more »April 2014
THE LEISHMAN SISTERS
THE LEISHMAN SISTERS A return to upper Teesdale, via Scotland, Spain and New York. Diana (vocals and guitar) and Gina (vocals, baritone ukulele and piano) sing traditional songs from the UK and North America, plus their own originals. In honour of their Cotherstone family, a benefit for the Village Hall. Cotherstone Village Hall Cotherstone nr. Barnard Castle Co.Durham England
Find out more »May 2014
Gina @ Barbes
GL, vox, piano, bari uke Charlie Burnham, violin Doug Wieselman, guitar, clarinet Tim Luntzel, bass a now rare sighting of the migratory Leishman bird, singing from the Leishman Songbook BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »July 2014
Orfeo in Orvieto
ORFEO IN ORVIETO an adaptation of the Monteverdi opera, for Colombari Compania, directed by Karin Coonrod, music arranged & conducted by GL Palazzo Simoncelli Orvieto, Umbria www.colombari.org
Find out more »August 2014
Thursdays in August
The Leishman Sisters Uria Bar Café Plaça Conquesta, Maó, Menorca
Find out more »September 2014
Solo in Sicily
GL solo performance as part of Fundraising Dinner, Akrai Residency, Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily featuring the mandola, but also including songs past and present, and whatever seems appropriate to the moment and to the culinary wonders of Chef Turi...
Find out more »October 2014
On Sabbatical
October 2014 - April 2015
Find out more »April 2015
3 Tuesdays in April @ Barbes
3 April gigs at Barbes, my favourite back room in Brooklyn... April 14th, 7pm In My Skin Quartet GL vox, baritone uke, mandola Charlie Burnham violin Matt Munisteri guitar Tim Luntzel bass April 23rd, 8pm Baseless Rumors Quartet GL piano, mandola, vox Doug Wieselman clarinets Charlie Burnham violin Marika Hughes cello April 29th, 8pm Mr. Wau-Wa plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht GL vox, accordion, pump organ Rinde Eckert vox, pump organ, accordion Doug Wieselman clarinet, sax, guitar Marcus Rojas …
Find out more »July 2015
Blue Moon Concert
THE LEISHMAN SISTERS Private house concert Binisafuller, Menorca The only concert of the summer
Find out more »September 2015
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW Reunion
GL, alto & bari sax, accordion, piano, vox Doug Wieselman, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax, guitar Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax Steven Bernstein, trumpet & slide trumpet Art Baron, trombone Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN??... this will be an open rehearsal, the first gathering in 4 years... tempus fugit... BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »October 2015
MR. WAU-WA plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
GL vox, accordion, pump organ Rinde Eckert vox, pump organ, accordion Doug Wieselman clarinet, sax, guitar Marcus Rojas tuba Kenny Wollesen percussion times like these need songs like these... BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »texts&beheadings/ElizabethR
October 20-24th @ BAM Next Wave Festival texts & beheadings/ElizabethR my latest collaboration with Karin Coonrod and Colombari... http://www.bam.org/theater/2015/texts-and-beheadings-elizabethr N.B. The BAM performances are sold out, but the piece will be running at the Folger Theater in Washington D.C. September 19 - October 4 http://www.folger.edu/calendar?event_type=3
Find out more »January 2016
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW Reunion @ Westbeth
GL, alto & bari sax, accordion, piano, vox Doug Wieselman, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax, Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax Steven Bernstein, trumpet Art Baron, trombone Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums only 3 months since we last played - mirabile dictu... this is an evening sponsored by the Westbeth Artists Residence Council, a sort of introduction of me to the building, but it’s open to the public... and free! a rare manhattan sighting, and early, pre-storm... Westbeth…
Find out more »February 2016
Gina @ Barbes
GL vox, baritone uke, mandola Charlie Burnham violin Matt Munisteri guitar Dave Hofstra bass Playing from the Leishman songbook BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »March 2016
Gina @ Barbes
GL, vox, piano, mandola, bari uke Doug Wieselman, clarinets, guitar Dana Lynn, violin Hank Roberts, cello Picking up where I left off last April, but with very special guest Hank Roberts - getting ready to record later in the month... BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »The Wapping Sisters @ Barbes
Debut of a new duo... GL, vox, mandola, accordion, piano Joy Askew, vox, guitar, piano, loops Yes, a brand new duo - sisters from another mother, as mr. bernstein quipped... we share both a common heritage (from the northeast of England) and a love of singing harmonies beautiful and bizarre... Agnes Bernelle meets the Silly Sisters - look out! BARBES 376 9th St. (corner of 6th Ave.) Park Slope, Brooklyn 718.965.9177 www.barbesbrooklyn.com
Find out more »September 2016
KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW @ Roulette
GL, alto & bari sax, bass cl.,accordion, uke, piano, vox Doug Wieselman, Eb, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax Steven Bernstein, trumpet, slide trumpet Art Baron, trombone Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums & percussion A chance to hear this great band in a really beautiful listening room. Premiering new pieces written for the occasion and digging back 35 years into the archives... a real treat... ROULETTE 509 Atlantic Avenue (1 block from BAM)…
Find out more »February 2017
MR. WAU-WA plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
Gina Leishman vox, accordion, pump organ Rinde Eckert vox, pump organ, accordion Doug Wieselman clarinet, sax, guitar Marcus Rojas tuba Kenny Wollesen percussion times like these need songs like these...
Find out more »texts&beheadings – ElizabethR at Wesleyean College
A short tour of the piece I did with Colombari at BAM in 2015 about Queen Elizabeth I - I know many folk didn’t get to see it then as it sold out really quickly, so here’s another chance... For more info go to www.colombari.org
Find out more »texts&beheadings – ElizabethR at Taconic Women’s Prison
A short tour of the piece I did with Colombari at BAM in 2015 about Queen Elizabeth I - I know many folk didn't get to see it then as it sold out really quickly, so here’s another chance... For more info go to www.colombari.org
Find out more »texts&beheadings – ElizabethR at Cathedral of St. John the Divine NYC
A short tour of the piece I did with Colombari at BAM in 2015 about Queen Elizabeth I - I know many folk didn't get to see it then as it sold out really quickly, so here’s another chance... For more info go to www.colombari.org
Find out more »KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW at Westbeth Community Room
Gina Leishman, alto & bari sax, accordion, piano, vox Doug Wieselman, Bb & bass cl., tenor & bari sax, Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax Steven Bernstein, trumpet Art Baron, trombone Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums This might just turn out to be an annual event - we had such a good time last year...
Find out more »March 2017
Vagabond at Duffy Institute for New Opera, Virginia Arts Festival
A reading of exceprts from my latest ongoing project, VAGABOND, at the invitation of the Duffy Institute for New Opera, in conjunction with the Virginia Arts Festival. A rare chance to hear a work-in-progress with orchestra and singers, organized by someone else! THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Find out more »December 2017
Historic Triple Bill @ The Kitchen, NYC – SOLD OUT
Forever Weird: Microscopic Kamikaze Passengers A historic reunion of three iconic bands from the '80s downtown NYC scene... 7pm Kamikaze Ground Crew 8pm The Jazz Passengers 9pm Microscopic Septet 10pm Finale
Find out more »January 2018
Babette’s Feast
Music for a new adaptation of the classic Isaak Dinesen short story (and film), directed by Karin Coonrod.
Find out more »February 2018
Mr Wau Wa plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
Times like these need songs like these Gina Leishman, vox, accordion, pump organ Rinde Eckert, vox, pum organ, accordion Doug Wieselman, clarinet, sax, guitar Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums
Find out more »March 2018
“Geography” CD Release Concert
Gina Leishman, vox, piano, mandola, bari uke Dana Lyn, violin Doug Wieselman, clarinet, sax, guitar Marika hughes, cello Greg Cohen, bass plus guests Peter Apfelbaum, Kenny Wollesen and more Opening set @ 7:30pm: Joy Askew, solo (I will be joining Joy for a song or two, and she will be joining me)
Find out more »“Vagabond” Reading
Duffy Institute for New Opera Virginia Arts Festival Norfolk VA More info
Find out more »“Babette’s Feast” opens in NYC
Conceived by Abigail Killeen Written by Rose Courtney Directed by Karin Coonrod Set and lights by Chris Akerlind Costumes by Oana Botez Original music & sound score by GL Sound design by Kate Martin 1st preview March 14th, opens March 25th for an open-ended run.
Find out more »April 2018
On Sabbatical
April 1 - September 1
Find out more »January 2019
: Performance - KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW
This is turning into an annual tradition - and a lovely one - come join us... Who knew a low-ceilinged community room would be such a great listening venue? And it's just downstairs! Premiering new pieces and digging into the archives... KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW Doug Wieselman, clarinets & saxophones Gina Leishman, alto & bari sax, accordion, piano, vox Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax Steven Bernstein, trumpet, slide trumpet Art Baron, trombone Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums & wollesonics
Find out more »February 2019
Mr. Wau Wa plays the songs of Bertolt Brecht
Times like these need songs like these... Another intimate listening venue - come early to guarantee a seat... Gina Leishman, vox, accordion, pump organ Rinde Eckert, vox, pump organ, accordion Doug Wieselman, clarinets, sax, guitar, banjo Marcus Rojas, tuba Kenny Wollesen, drums
Find out more »March 2019
Solo house concert in San Francisco, Sunday, March 31st
4-6pm $20 minimum donation Doors open 3.45. Cash only, no reservations Wine/beer/pop will be served for a donation How long has it been since I was in SF? So long I can't even remember! Really looking forward to playing, singing, and catching up with everyone there... I'll be delving into the Leishman Songbook archives as well as hopefully airing new ones, plus the odd cabaret and music hall digression. Many thanks to the fabulous Beth Custer for hosting this.
Find out more »April 2019
Quartet house concert in NYC, Sunday April 7th, 3PM
It's been too long since I played with these wonderful musicians. I'm leaving town again right after this, so carping the diem to make some sweet music. Gina Leishman, vox, bari uke, mandola, piano Charlie Burnham, violin Matt Minister, guitar Brad Jones, bass The Parlor Series at Dupuy’s Landing 433 W 22nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues. Please enter upstairs. $20 donation at the door, cash only please. RSVP required, limited seating available please email RSVP to parlorseries@gmail.com …
Find out more »November 2019
Monday Nov.11th, Lethe Lounge @ 8pm
11/11, full moon... a quartet concert in an intimate setting, Come early, come late, food and drink in between Gina Leishman, vocals, bari uke, mandola, piano Charlie Burnham, violin Matt Munisteri, guitar Brad Jones, bass Monday November 11th, 8pm The Lethe Lounge 618 W 113th Street Manhattan Reservations recommended Lethelounge@gmail.com
Find out more »February 2020
: Performance - KAMIKAZE GROUND CREW
The annual winter reunion at Westbeth - who knew the Community Room had such good acoustics? Some old music, some new music, some deep listening. GL, alto & bari sax, bass cl., accordion, piano and vocals; Doug Wieselman, clarinets, saxes, guitar; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor sax; Steven Bernstein, trumpet, slide trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Marcus Rojas, tuba; Kenny Wollesen, drums, percussion & Wollesonics.
Find out more »