Concert 1: Remembering Eddie South—Wed, February 12
Violinist Maximilian Jacobs pays tribute to legendary African American jazz violinist Eddie South, who played with 20th-century greats like Django Reinhardt, Stuff Smith, and Benny Goodman. Jacobs performs South's famous recordings, original compositions, and the Hungarian folk music that inspired him. Readings of letters and clippings will round out this celebration of South's musical contributions.
Workshop: The History and Impact of the Jam Session—Wed, February 19
Raised in the Baltimore jam scene, violinist Maximilian Jacobs dives into the history of jam sessions and their importance in today’s DMV music community. A jam session, where musicians gather to improvise and share music, has long been central to jazz, fostering creativity and collaboration. Jacobs will explore how these sessions, found throughout DC and Baltimore across jazz, blues, old-time, and Irish music, serve as vital hubs for building musical talent and keeping traditions alive.
Concert 2: Symphonic Jazz—Wed, February 26
Violinist Maximilian Jacobs debuts original compositions that blend symphonic writing with big band arranging. Drawing inspiration from gypsy jazz, klezmer, and Eastern European folk music, Jacobs blurs the lines between classical and jazz. His music weaves together the rich traditions and improvisational spirit of non-classical styles with the beauty and craft of classical composition.
Read Maximilian's bio, and learn more about the AIR program and the Class of 2025.
Paired with AIR donors Victoria J. Perkins♪, Tina & Art Lazerow, and Karen Lefkowitz & Al Neyman
♪ Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitments and their above-and-beyond support of the AIR program.