TURNmusic springs into April at The Phoenix
April 5, 2025 | By Anne Decker TURNmusic presents a variety of unique, original listening experiences in April, starting Sunday, April 6, with cellist Ben Kulp.
All music takes place at The Phoenix Music Gallery and Music Hall on Stowe Street. Shows are all ages. Get tickets online at sevendaystix.com or turnmusic.org. BYOB.
April 6: Ben Kulp, Cello
Cellist Ben Kulp. Courtesy photo
Whether you appreciate cello or music in general, you’ll enjoy Ben Kulp’s solo concert, “Sign of the Times.”
His program, featuring music that reflects the current moment, will engage you on an emotional and deeply musical level. Featuring modern works that describe joy and loss, to Jimmy Hendrix's take on the Star Spangled Banner, the program offers a wide variety of new music.
Audiences enjoy Ben's open and educational approach to classical music for music lovers new or old.
Kulp is the cello instructor at Upper Valley Music Center. He graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance, and a Master of Music from Ball State University, with further studies with Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi and Brant Taylor.
He is an active solo and chamber performer in the Upper Valley, a former member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and he teaches at workshops and institutes across the United States.
Gallery opens at 3:30 p.m. Music at 4 p.m. Tickets: $15-$30 sliding scale.
Anabel Díaz and her DíJazz Collective. Courtesy photo
April 12: Anabel Díaz and her DíJazz Collective
Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and composer, Anabel Gil Díaz was born in 1994 in Havana, Cuba, where she graduated from the Superior Institute of Art. She has developed professionally as a flutist, professor and producer with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra under the conduction of Orbert Davis.
She performs both classical and jazz and attended the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice at Berklee School of Music on a full Presidential Scholarship. She also received a Masters in Jazz and Contemporary Music from the Longy School of Music.
For this performance, she brings her ensemble to Waterbury: Ludwig Izaguirre Martinez on bass, John LaPolla on piano and drummer Harshit Upadhyaya.
Anabel Diaz. Courtesy photo
Diaz shares her musical philosophy as an extension of her worldview: “Often we imagine our energy and essence touches the lives of those around us, creating uplifting or challenging moments, shaped by each person’s unique perspective. One truth remains: the energy flowing through nature—Mother Earth, Water, Father Fire, and the gentle whispers of the Wind—connects us all.
“For me, music embodies this energy, acting as a bridge that links us to the universe and each other. It feels like destiny and a sacred expression of the divine, which is why I cherish music as my religion, guiding light and inspiration.”
She invites the audience to take off their shoes, connect with Mother Earth as they experience the music and an uplifting connection. “I believe music is the thread that binds us together,” she says. “Your energy will enrich our shared experience.”
Doors: 7 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$30 sliding scale.
April 16: April all-ages Jazz Jam hosted by Nina Towne
Once a month, musicians from near and far gather at The Phoenix for a Jazz Jam that offers an opportunity for all ages to gather and play, sing, enjoy jazz and socialize.
Jazz players from school age to elders make music in an organized, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Participants join in on the songs others bring, and come with their own to share. Musicians are encouraged to bring several copies of sheet music for the tunes they would like to call. Many are played from The Real Books. Singers, please bring copies of lead sheets or sheet music for your tunes in your key.
Jazz Jam runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Singers join in at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $5. Bring a snack or dessert to share.(Next month’s Jazz Jam is May 21.)
Anne Decker is the director of TURNmusic.