What's New
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.
With love and gratitude
2026 started off with a BANG with the Arun Ramamurthy Trio … THANK YOU WinterJazzfest (NYC) APAP (NYC) and Folk Alliance International (New Orleans) Stay tuned for details about the Arun Ramamurthy Trio shows this summer, our fall Europe & East Coast shows - and our winter 2027 West Coast Tour. Look out for new music coming from me, from Gwen Laster and from several other projects we are excited about.
COMING UP:
Two, back-to-back multimedia, works-in-progress presentations at Mabou Mines for the RE/VENUE Festival next week! One written, composed and conceived by yours truly, the other one written, composed and conceived by the ever-so-awesome Gwen Laster. We are both grateful for the opportunity;
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW !!!
Wednesday, July 22nd 8:30 PM
Mabou Mines
150 1st Ave Second Floor, New York, NY 10009
(212) 473-0559
www.maboumines.org
“A Maroon Tale”
Book & Music written, composed and arranged by
Damon Banks
This performance depicts the life of a West African slave who endures the plantation system, escapes, then lives the rest of his life as an escaped “Maroon”. His contemporary, alter ego grows up in New York City and gets caught up in mass incarceration-prison industrial complex. He survives prison, gets out on parole, and never returns. Both are/were profit driven systems that succeed through the incarceration and exploitation of black and brown people. Different stories ? Different aspects of the same character ? You decide.
Performers:
Toussaint Jean Louis (actor, narrator)
Nia Sadler (choreography, movement)
Damon Banks (bass, compositions, text, visuals)
Gwen Laster (violin, composition)
Manu Koch (keyboards, sound ambience)
Harve Wirht (drums & percussion)
Adrien H. Tillman (visual production)
Randy “Wolf” Simon (production manager)
Matthieu De Robles (lx design & operation)
Tickets (sliding scale, general admission seating)
$23.95 / $38.11 / $54.44
Ticket Link:
https://events.humanitix.com/a-maroon-tale?_gl=1*trnaob*_gcl_au*MTkwODExMTUxNS4xNzgzMDA0NTU5*_ga*Nzc0NjE5NTYzLjE3ODMwMDQ1NTk.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3ODMwMTk1OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODMwMjAyOTgkajQ2JGwwJGgw
https://www.maboumines.org/production/and-damon-banks-a-maroon-tale/
Thursday, July 23rd 8:30 PM
Mabou Mines
150 1st Ave Second Floor, New York, NY 10009
(212) 473-0559
www.maboumines.org
“Is My Black Still Beautiful: Reflections on a Childhood in Detroit”
Book and Music written, composed and conceived by Gwen Laster
“Is My Black Still Beautiful” explores the impact of colorism, through the lens of a young black girl growing up during the post civil rights era in Detroit. This hero's story is conveyed through live music, storytelling, projected visuals and dance. It reflects, and sheds light on, the maltreatment and cruelty performed by society’s ruling class and lower class based on complexion. It also celebrates the accomplishments of the female “warriors of color” who beat the odds - and colonialism’s conditioning - to became iconic figures in all fields.
Performers:
Aviva Jaye (actress, vocals)
Gwen Laster (composer, creator, violin)
Damon Banks (bass)
Alexis Marcelo (keyboards)
Tony Lewis (drums)
Nia Sadler (choreography, movement)
Adrien H. Tillman (visual production)
Randy “Wolf” Simon (production manager)
Matthieu De Robles (lx design & operation)
Tickets / Sliding Scale (general admission seating)
$23.95 / $38.11 / $54.44
Ticket Link:
https://events.humanitix.com/is-my-black-still-beautiful-reflections-on-a-childhood-in-detroit/tickets?_gl=1*5nusic*_gcl_au*MTkwODExMTUxNS4xNzgzMDA0NTU5*_ga*Nzc0NjE5NTYzLjE3ODMwMDQ1NTk.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3ODMwMTk1OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODMwMjAzNjkkajYwJGwwJGgw
Stay Tuned for information about SUMMER SHOWS — PLUS – Gwen Laster's Multimedia Presentation “Is My Black Still Beautiful” / SEPTEMBER 2026, Italian Surf Academy Sicily/Italy) TOUR November 2026 – AND MORE !
LATEST RELEASES releases from collaborations with dear friends and wonderfully talented artists!
“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
More about Violinist / Composer / Producer / Educator 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 LLc:
Is 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!