Meet the Artists in Residence Class of 2026! This year’s class represents a delightfully diverse range of instruments, styles, and genres.
Program supported in part by Cathy Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation♪ and Carol & Joe Danks♪
In-kind support provided by Seasons 52
Be sure to join the Class of 2026 for their debut in the Concert Hall in Fresh AIR on November 12!
Class of 2026
Boundary-pushing global rhythms
January: Michael McSweeney, percussion
Michael McSweeney (January 2026) is a percussionist, bandleader, educator, and arts administrator whose performance career spans the US, Ghana, Trinidad, Colombia, and Bali. He brings expertise in salsa, Afro-Cuban and Ewe drumming, rock, pop, steel pan, jazz, classical, and global fusion. Since 2016, he has led the Chicago- and DMV-based band Costas Colectivo and regularly performs with local groups including Son Cubano Subterráneo, Avenue 66, and Panjung Duo. Known for his collaborative spirit, Michael explores culturally rooted musical traditions and their creative boundaries. His debut album, Lienzos by Salsa del Norte, was released in May 2019.
Paired with AIR donors Jeff Menick♪, Richard & Melba Reichard♪, and Marilyn & Barrie Ripin♪
Jazz roots shaped by masters
February: Cyrus Mackey, trumpet
Trumpeter Cyrus Mackey (February 2026) grew up in Chicago and was introduced to jazz by his grandfather, who shared the music of Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Jimmy Smith, and Herbie Hancock with him. Cyrus studied at the Chicago High School for the Arts before transferring to the Dillard Center for the Arts, where his jazz band won first place at the 2018 Essentially Ellington Competition. That same year, he toured Europe with Carnegie Hall's National Youth Jazz Orchestra and was named a 2019 National YoungArts Foundation Finalist in Jazz/Trumpet. A student of jazz masters, including Nicholas Payton, Sean Jones, Roy Hargrove, and Wynton Marsalis, Cyrus continues to grow as an artist while exploring sound design and music production.
Paired with AIR donors Tina & Art Lazerow, Howard & Dorothy Pedolsky, and Myrna Sislen
Jazz meets electronic innovation
March: Chris Hon, keyboard
Chris Hon (March 2026) is a DC-based keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist whose sound spans jazz, R&B, neo-soul, pop, and electronic music. Originally from Los Angeles, he earned a bachelor's degree in jazz and commercial music from Cal State Fullerton and a law degree from The George Washington University. Chris blends his jazz training with curiosity for synths and sound design, honoring tradition while exploring fresh soundscapes. He performs with artists including The JoGo Project, Cecily, and bēheld, with appearances at Blues Alley, 9:30 Club, Keystone Korner, and NPR's Tiny Desk.
Paired with AIR donors Karen Deasy♪, Hope Eastman & Allen Childs♪, and Karen Lefkowitz & Al Neyman♪
Celtic traditions through a classical lens
April: Ellen Gira, cello
Cellist Ellen Gira (April 2026) blends the rich traditions of Scottish, Irish, and Old-Time music with her classical training. A native of the DC area, she spent seven years in Glasgow, Scotland, performing, teaching, and earning a PhD and master's in Scottish music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She has toured as part of the acclaimed duo Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, whose debut album, All It Brings, won "Traditional Album of the Year" at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Ellen also performs with Vandalia, a string band offering a fresh take on Appalachian Old-Time music. Highlights include appearances at Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours International Festival as well as performances for BBC Radio and HRH King Charles III.
Paired with AIR donors Daniel & Sarah Gallagher♪, Ellen & Michael Gold♪, Linda & Van Hubbard♪, and Ava Kaufman♪
Folkloric sounds without borders
May: Juan Manú, voice, guitar & violin
Juan Manú (May 2026) is a Latin-folk instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in Washington, DC. Originally from the border city of El Paso, Texas, his music celebrates his Mexican heritage and Tejano culture. Most of Juan's songs are in Spanish, with English and a range of Latin and American influences woven throughout. He has more than a decade of training in both classical solo and orchestral violin, as well as 10 years of experience performing mariachi vocals, violin, and guitar. Through his work, Juan brings a distinct social perspective, using traditional genres and folkloric stages to uplift queer voices and stories.
Paired with AIR donors Jean & Michael Hoyt♪, J. Alberto Martinez & Anna Pigotti♪, and Jamie & Jessica McIntyre♪
Dynamic voice across stage and studio
June: Kanysha, voice
A versatile vocalist, songwriter, and actress, Kanysha (June 2026) graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, before studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and earning her Bachelor of Music from George Mason University. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and across the DC theater scene, including Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, and Round House Theatre. Kanysha's original music, including the singles "Alive" and "Kiss Me," is available on all streaming platforms. She also co-hosts the Downstage Center podcast and is an active music educator in the DC area.
Paired with AIR donors Bayo & Funke Oyewole♪, Dale Rosenthal & Michael Cutler♪, Carolyn & Marty Shargel♪, and Steven & Irene White♪
2026 AIR Mentors:
Christylez Bacon
Chelsey Green
Chuck Redd
AIR Advisor: Cathy Fink
Photos by Nick Moreland
♪ Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitments and their above-and-beyond support of the AIR program.
Become an Artist in Residence!
Applications open every year in the fall for the next year's class.
Become an Artist in Residence!
Applications open every year in the fall for the next year's class.
More to Explore
News Alumni Spotlight
Elijah Balbed, Bumper Jacksons & Be Steadwell
Alumni
Frédéric Yonnet, Chelsey Green, Invoke, and Christylez Bacon are just a few of the incredible artists who have passed through the program.
Book an Artist
Hire a Strathmore Artist in Residence for your next celebration.
SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS
Your generous support has a lasting impact on young artists in our community. Together, we help fuel their creativity, give them confidence, and support them when it matters most.
