The Hart Community Performing Arts Association is pleased to announce the artists who will visit Hart during the upcoming 2026-2027 season of the Hart Community Performing Arts Series. Over the past 26 seasons, the Series has presented 176 concerts featuring a wide range of artists, and this coming season will continue in that vein.
The 26-27 season will open on Oct. 9 with a 7:30 p.m. concert by The Wildwoods. From the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods have grown into a folk/Americana trio rooted in rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling. Formed by husband-and-wife duo Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), and joined by longtime friend and bassist Andrew Vaggalis, the band crafts songs that feel both intimate and expansive — tales of home, hope and the open road. The Wildwoods blend folk, bluegrass and indie sensibilities into something uniquely their own. Their music is lush with nature imagery, layered harmonies and an emotional sincerity that captures the quiet beauty of their Midwestern roots. Whether weaving tales from their rural upbringing or capturing fleeting moments from life on tour, The Wildwoods create a sound that feels like home…wherever you are.
On Nov. 20, the Series will present one of the most highly acclaimed vocalists on the national scene over the past several decades. With nine Grammy nominations to her credit, Tierney Sutton is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and thoughtful voices in contemporary jazz. As vocalist, arranger, educator and song writer, she has built a body of work marked by artistic integrity, collaborative innovation and a profound commitment to storytelling. Raised in Milwaukee and currently based in Los Angeles and Paris, Sutton emerged in the 1990s with a fresh approach to jazz singing — one that blended impeccable musicianship, emotional depth and a uniquely collaborative spirit. Sutton will be accompanied by renowned pianist Tamir Hendelman. Longtime collaborators and musical soulmates, Sutton and Hendelman bring a rare level of trust and communication to both the recording studio and stage, allowing songs to unfold with remarkable freedom and emotional immediacy. Critics and audiences alike have responded enthusiastically, with many citing Sutton’s work with Hendelman among the finest work of her 30-year career. As the pair continue to tour internationally, their recently released album "Spring" stands as a testament to the power of mature artistry, deep listening and shared musical imagination. In the words of The New York Times, Sutton remains “one of the most-lauded jazz vocalists of her generation,” and with "Spring," she continues to demonstrate why.
Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors and his band will bring the sounds of Detroit smooth jazz and funk to Hart on Dec. 11. Nabors is a Detroit-based pianist, composer and producer whose music blends jazz, gospel, classical and blues into a deeply expressive and emotionally resonant sound. Known for his dynamic touch and intuitive improvisation, his playing creates moments that invite listeners to pause, reflect and connect. A two-time Detroit Music Award winner for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Musician, Nabors holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in jazz studies from the University of Michigan, and his career has taken him to stages across the United States, Europe and Africa. At the heart of his work is a commitment to creating meaningful musical experiences — whether through live performance, recording or intimate moments at the piano — where connection takes precedence over complexity and every note has purpose.
On Sunday, Jan. 17, the Series will present a rising star in the world of classical music. Cellist Cameron Renshaw, 15, described by NPR as “so exuberant… a born entertainer,” has received top honors at numerous international competitions, including the First Great Award at both the Vienna International Music Competition and the Manhattan International Music Competition. He has soloed with 12 orchestras internationally and across the U.S., including the Moscow Symphony Orchestra (where he made his debut at age 8), Cape Symphony, The Orchestra San Antonio and the Holland Symphony. Cameron has had the honor of performing in some of the world’s greatest concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall, Mozarteum Salzburg, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Romanian Athenaeum. Cameron’s playing and engaging personality have been featured widely on national media, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," NPR’s "Tiny Desk," and NPR’s "From the Top." He has performed numerous solo recitals in recent years, including featured engagements at the Sobrio Festival in Switzerland and Young Artist Performances in Hilton Head, South Carolina. This will be a 3 p.m. performance.
Some of Michigan's finest musicians will appear at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, when Third Coast Swing appears. Third Coast Swing plays the music of the late Belgium-born Romani Gypsy, Django Reinhardt & his band, The Hot Club Of Paris (1930s-1940s) — think Louis Armstrong with a French accent. Third Coast Swing has recently been touring with Detroit native Dave Bennett, violinist Grant Flick, vocalist Ella Jarvis Plummer and pianist Andrew Henley. Jarvis Plummer and guitarist Kaedin Plummer did a deep dive into early jazz classics by Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday, then arranged these songs to fit Third Coast Swing’s eclectic style.
Julien Labro, internationally recognized as one of the foremost accordion and bandoneón soloists of his generation, will come to Hart on April 16. Labro brings uncommon versatility to the concert stage, moving fluidly between classical, jazz, tango and world music. As a performer, composer and arranger, he is known for concept-driven, presenter-friendly programs that captivate audiences while pushing musical boundaries. Born in France, Labro began playing the accordion at the age of 9, shaped early by traditional folk music and the lyricism of French chanson. His artistic voice expanded through a deep engagement with jazz, inspired by its freedom, originality, and expressive possibilities. Accompanied by acclaimed pianist Ahmed Alom, Labro will present a program entitled “Profane vs. Sacred.” which traces the bandoneon’s journey from its 19th-century European origins to its rebirth as the voice of Argentine tango. Conceived in Germany for devotional use, the instrument ultimately found its destiny not in the church, but in the streets of Buenos Aires.
The season closes on May 14 with Sister Sadie. Sister Sadie is a force to be reckoned with in the bluegrass genre and beyond. Formed serendipitously during a one-off jam session at Nashville’s legendary Station Inn, the group’s undeniable chemistry transformed a casual collaboration into a full-time powerhouse. Today, Sister Sadie is celebrated for their electrifying performances, stellar musicianship and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation they bring to bluegrass music. The band is composed of six supremely talented musicians, each with a rich history of individual achievements that elevate their collective magic. Sister Sadie has released three critically acclaimed albums. Their debut, "Sister Sadie" (2016), introduced their masterful musicianship to the world, while "Sister Sadie II" (2018) solidified their reputation as one of the leading acts in bluegrass. That release, "Sister Sadie II," was a watershed moment, earning a Grammy nomination for “Best Bluegrass Album.” The band has also claimed the International Bluegrass Music Association Vocal Group of the Year award three times, in 2019, 2020 and 2021, highlighting their exceptional harmonies and innovative arrangements, as well as Entertainer of the Year in 2020.
Full information on becoming a patron of the Series or purchasing season tickets is available on the Series website, hartseries.org. If you have questions, contact Artistic Director Tom Kirk at tomkirk@hartsseries.org.
