Under the Oaks

[NoHo Arts District, CA] –Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum’s Under the Oaks salon series is back with four musical evenings of classical, contemporary and popular music under the stars on Theatricum’s spectacular outdoor stage in Topanga.

• Friday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
The Music of Leonard Cohen

Celebrating one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Theatricum company members will perform Leonard Cohen’s seminal works — everything from “Suzanne” to “Hallelujah” — as well as some of his lesser-known compositions. Cohen’s career spanned 15 albums and more than the 50 years Theatricum has been in business, so you’ll hear a song you grew up with no matter what generation you’re from. Featuring the vocal talents of Sarah Carpenter, Ellen Geer (banjo) Christopher Glenn Gilstrap, Berber Heerema, Greg Hilfman (piano), Melora Marshall, Kellen McDaniel (viola), Marshall McDaniel (cello), Michelle Merring, Gerald C. Rivers (drums), Isabel Stallings, Elizabeth Tobias and Sky Wahl (guitar and drums).

• Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
A Midsummer Night‘s Music

Classical music alternates with dramatic appearances by Theatricum company members to create a romantic, immersive and unforgettable evening under the Theatricum oaks. Arnold Schönberg’s “Transfigured Night” and Felix Mendelssohn’s legendary “Octet” will be performed by violinists Martin Chalifour, Christina Mok, Niv Ashkenazi and Veronika Manchur; violists Kellen McDaniel and Drew Alexander Forde; and cellists Andrew Shulman and Trevor Handy, alongside Shakespearean interludes by actors Jonathan Blandino, Taylor Jackson Ross and Christopher Glenn Gilstrap.

• Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
The Horizons of Time

An evening of contemporary classical masterworks with an interdisciplinary twist showcases composers Juri Seo (“Respiri”), George Crumb (“Voice of the Whale”) and Olivier Messiaen (“Quartet for the End of Time”). Featuring Berber Heerema and Mia Barcia-Colombo on cello; Nic Gerpe on piano; Maia Jasper White and Madeline Falcone on violin; Micah Wright on clarinet; Sarah Wass on flute; and dancer Colleen Hendricks.

• Friday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
HOL

Singer-songwriter Holly Gottlieb with Liz Bee, Courtney Preis and friends. Lyrics written on the road whilst soul searching across the USA: soul songs to feel, and to dance to. Appropriate for welcoming in the full moon in Aries.

OTHER:

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an outdoor space terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually and bring cushions for bench seating. Refreshments are available at the venue, and patrons are welcome to picnic in the gardens before the performances.