Event

Ashia Grzesik EP Release Show

A special celebration of Ashia Grzesik's EP 'Bison Rouge' in a restored Victorian hall. Of a Polish grandma, Bonnie and Clyde romance, Farmer Lover, and Bison, this new EP by Ashia ranges from indie chamber pop, folk, blues, and Eastern European art song. Her voice, at once dynamic and demanding, can resound bare and lilting all while being cradled by cellos, accordion, drums, string quartets, and trumpet. One will hear the epic Bison running in the plains, the reflection and longing of Slavic roots, and the joy of an affair between a farmer from the hills and a hipster belly dancing Portland city girl. On stage to join her will be Todd Bayles on accordion, belly dancers Nagasita and burlesque belly dancer Karolina, as well as many more talents from the two bands she loves to play with most: Portland Cello Project and Vagabond Opera........

A little about Ashia:
"…Utilising her full vocal range and putting in a virtuoso performance on cello, accompanied only by accordian. Is this folk? It's mixed with classical, but yes it's folk, most certainly: Grzesik sang of her Polish Grandmother's numerous ploys to discourage her family from moving away from home; ranged through intimate tales, both emotional & mature, tossed in jaunty escapades; and sang in English and Polish. …. I should mention her voice - a sumptuous but delicate soprano which scales, sometimes violently, but to good effect, to a forceful almost 'rock' vocal." Zaph Mann, OPB