damonbanks.net

Greetings beautiful people,

I'm super grateful and happy to have been able to share beautiful music, with amazing musicians in interesting locales in 2025. The best way for me to raise my own vibration, and transcend negativity, is to build community by acting on my ideals. I do that through my participation in the arts, through my participation in education, through activism and through my realtionships with the people that I love. That’s my mission.  In light of that, here are some events coming up for 2026 that I hope you’ll enjoy. More to come.

By the way, I am thrilled that I am having a wonderful year as a new member of the Bard College Jazz faculty this year. Look out for notices and invites about events pertaining to this amazing community. 

With love and gratitude

2026 started off with a BANG … Thank You WinterJazzfest (NYC) APAP (NYC) and Folk Alliance International (New Orleans) Stay tuned for details about the Arun Ramamurthy FALL Europe Tour, FALL East Coast shows - and our Winter West Coast Tour.

MAY / JUNE:

Wednesday, May 27th

Q U A D R A T U R E at CITY WINERY NYC:
Located at Pier 57
25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Doors at: 6PM

https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/quadrature-48k402

*** 20% DISCOUNT CODE: BRM ***

Quadrature is a musical powerhouse that redefines sonic frontiers with their electric blend of Raga, Rock, Funk and Psychedelia. Rooted in deep musical traditions, yet soaring into uncharted territories, the band crafts soundscapes that defy laws of genre, space and time signatures. They feature the Sitar / EFX of Neel Murgai, the Firebird Trumpet / EFX of Indofunk Satish, Tripp Dudley on drums, and Damon Banks on bass.

Emerging from the legendary Brooklyn Raga Massive (BRM) jam sessions, Quadrature began their journey with fully improvised sets rooted in Ragas, captivating audiences on the streets of Brooklyn. In 2023, they were artists in residence at David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center at The Pocantico Center, where they further developed their sound and concept. Quadrature has performed at Globalfest at Lincoln Center, Ragas Live Festival at Pioneer Works, Barclays Center Plaza, Joe's Pub, Levitt Pavilion (Westport, CT) and more. Inspired by their name, which derives from mathematics and astronomy, Quadrature is the area under the curve of Raga and contemporary music, working the right angles while embracing odd time signatures and “Black Hole Blues”.

https://www.brooklynragamassive.org/

Friday, June 12th 8:00 PM
Poet Gold at Park Theater Hudson
Poet Gold returns to Park Theater for an evening of spoken word, storytelling, and reflection. A multidisciplinary artist and former Dutchess County Poet Laureate, Gold is known for performances that explore love, identity, purpose, struggle, and triumph through deeply personal and uplifting poetry. Her work extends beyond the stage through workshops, speaking engagements, radio, and film, all centered around connection, literacy, and the power of language. Whether performing poetry or sharing stories, Poet Gold creates an experience that is thoughtful, soulful, and deeply human.

723 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534
(518)249-8528

Tickets: https://www.viewcy.com/event/poet_gold

About Gold:
Poet Gold, a multi-disciplinary artist, shares poetry that offers a soul-searching insight into human existence, love, dreams, challenges, and triumph. NY Dutchess County Poet Laureate, Emeritus - Poet Gold’s recent book, “Be The Poem: Living Beyond Our Fears,” encourages individuals to live life as if they are a living poem, with intention, purpose, and gratitude.

 ** Stay Tuned for information about Gwen Laster's Multimedia Presentation “Is My Black Still Beautiful” / SEPTEMBER 2026, Arun Ramamurthy Trio FALL Europe Tour,  Arun Ramamurthy Trio FALL East Coast shows, & Winter West Coast shows … and MORE !

NEW releases from collaborations with dear friends and wonderfully talented artists!

Check out the links: 

“Filtron M”: https://filtronm.bandcamp.com/album/transit-net

“Whispering Worlds”: https://www.aaronshragge.com/whisperingworlds

“Quadrature”:  https://www.quadraturemusic.com/

“Italian Surf Academy”: https://41stparallelrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fake-worlds

Violinist / Composer / Producer Gwen Laster: 

https://www.gwenlaster.net/

Gwen Laster's NewMuse4tet released a new record in 2025 entitled “Keepers of the Flame”. The reviews and concerts have been amazing! “Keepers Of The Flame” is available on Bandcamp, and all major streaming outlets. Stay tuned for tour details coming soon …

“Keepers of The Flame” Record release Concert: 

Gwen Laster's NewMuse4TET: https://gwenlastergameboard.bandcamp.com/album/blue-lotus

CSIE (Creative Strings Improvisers Ensemble)  Our teaching artist / professional development program where we teach music students “Life Skills” through Improvisation, global music repertoire and original composition. In addition, our program helps educators unfamiliar with teaching improvisation-based art forms ways to become successful. 

https://www.gwenlaster.net/creative-strings-improvisers-ensemble.html

NewMuse4TET "Blue Lotus” can be previewed, streamed and purchased here: https://gwenlastergameboard.bandcamp.com/album/blue-lotus

Thank you for your continued support!