HEADLINES “FRESH AIR” DEBUT CONCERT AT MUSIC CENTER
Award-Winning Music Director Mark G. Meadows Collaborates
with Standout Regional Artists for a Live Cross-Genre Performance
Originally Published by Strathmore, August 11, 2026
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NORTH BETHESDA, Md. – Aug. 11, 2026 – Featuring an extraordinary assembly of top-tier regional talent, Strathmore proudly announces its incoming Artists in Residence (AIR) cohort with the FRESH AIR Class of 2027 Debut Concertfeaturing Tomás Jonsson, Andrew Smith, Julius Bjornson, Ray Winder, Michael Ventura and Marie Tatti. Guided by acclaimed Broadway music director, conductor and pianist Mark G. Meadows (The Outsiders, An Evening with Cynthia Erivo), these six DMV-area artists will perform on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, for an electrifying, cross-genre performance showcasing their artistry and musical brilliance.
The evening marks the official introduction of the AIR Class of 2027 and offers a sneak peek at the ensemble before their individual solo showcases roll out next year. Held in the Concert Hall, known for its classic shoebox design and pitch-perfect acoustics, the show will bring together an eclectic mix of styles and multidisciplinary forms, spanning inspirational, folk, old-time Appalachian, classical, soul, jazz and more. Delivering the ultimate musical conversation, the residents will share the spotlight from start to finish.
“Our residents bring fully formed artistic identities, ready to weave their distinct sounds and stories into a single, collaborative conversation from the very first note,” said Rochelle Rice, director of the Artists in Residence and Artistic Advancement Fellowship Programs. “The Fresh AIR concert will be an immersive live showcase of the fearlessness, depth, and independent spirit defining the future of music.”
Throughout their residency, a network of esteemed industry leaders will also advise the AIR Class of 2027 on career advancement and touring strategies. Alongside Meadows, this mentorship team features accomplished artists like Christie Dashiell, a two-time Grammy nominee and AIR Class of 2014 alumna, and Jayme Stone, a two-time Juno Award-winning musician and producer who also serves as the strategy consultant for Strathmore’s Artistic Advancement Fellowship. Together, this mentorship team will equip the incoming class with the tools needed to navigate today’s industry and build sustainable, self-directed careers.
Since 2005, Strathmore’s AIR program has nurtured more than 124 regional artists. The program is led by Rice, an award-winning jazz vocalist, songwriter, and AIR Class of 2015 alumna who joined as director of artist development programs last fall. Under her direction, the residency pivoted its eligibility to ages 18–40 to support non-linear career paths, and independent artists navigating the music industry on their own timelines. Additionally, she spearheaded the launch of the Artistic Advancement Fellowship, providing AIR alumni with targeted tools and mentorship needed to scale their careers.
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The 2027 class includes six DMV-area artists with diverse musical backgrounds:
AIR CLASS OF 2027
- Tomás Jonsson (he/him), Baltimore, Md. (January 2027): Pianist and composer brings together jazz improvisation, classical training, Latin American traditions, and the Great American Songbook. His album, The Unsung Sinatra, will be released in 2027.
- Andrew Smith (he/him), Washington, D.C. (February 2027): Classically trained bass-baritone, composer, arranger, and conductor who holds a musical arts doctorate from the University of Michigan. His sacred inspirational music draws on gospel, classical, and musical theater traditions.
- Julius Bjornson (he/him), Baltimore, Md. (March 2027): Americana guitarist, fiddler and vocalist brings creative, original interpretations to old-time Appalachian fiddling and the roots traditions intertwined with it.
- Ray Winder (she/they), Baltimore, Md. (April 2027): Performer, composer, and producer who brings classical training and jazz roots to self-described dream grunge shaped by rock, folk, and indie soul.
- Michael Ventura (he/him), Washington, D.C. (May 2027): Saxophonist and composer blends contemporary jazz with Afro-Latin rhythm and flamenco, bringing curiosity and a community-minded spirit to each new sound.
- Marie Tatti (she/her), Washington, D.C. (June 2027): Folk vocalist and musician draws on gospel, soul, jazz, and spirituals from traditions spanning the Americas.
Tickets for FRESH AIR Class of 2027 Debut Concert are $15 to $35 and available at strathmore.org, or by calling 301-581-5100. For more information about the program, the 2027 class or community pricing, visit strathmore.org/air.
Since 1983, Strathmore has enriched lives through transformative artistic experiences and meaningful community connections. Based in North Bethesda, Md., this nonprofit cultural institution showcases world-class talent, supports emerging artists, and offers diverse programs at its Music Center and Mansion, as well as across Montgomery County. Strathmore fosters creativity and community through performance, educational initiatives, and accessible arts programming. Experience the magic of Strathmore, where the arts are everywhere. Follow Strathmore on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.