Live Jazz with Simon Dunson & Kurt Stracener

A native to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Simon grew up immersed in bluegrass music playing with people like, Andrew Marlin, Emily Frantz, Jon Stickley, Bobby Britt and Hank Smith. Looking to try something new, Simon auditioned and was the first mandolin major to be admitted into Interlochen Arts Academy where he studied classical mandolin repertoire and techniques. During this time, Simon discovered a great love and passion for jazz music and following his graduation Simon came to Boston to attend New England Conservatory as the first mandolin player admitted into their Jazz department.

Kurt Stracener is an accomplished percussionist, known around the Triangle for performing in Moon Unit, Mellow Swells, and a variety of jazz ensembles. His genre-bending dexterity lends itself to an expressive style that can be quickly recognized by those familiar with the local scene.