Part of NEMPAC’s collaborative new Artist Series, Flower & Ash: A Post-American Concert is an evening of original, folk-inspired song. No ordinary setlist, the night marks the full band debut performance of songs from a new musical still in progress (“Flower & Ash”). Unlike a traditional musical, the folk/roots band of Flower & Ash delivers a concert experience that compliments the action onstage and can also stand on its own, as it will at City Winery. Through the vibrant, character-rich music, we are transported to the world of a dystopian America born of violent political differences. In the play, the post-apocalyptic story chronicles an epic journey of two 20-somethings—Flower and Ash—who discover the true meaning of survival. Reflections of the adventurous, soul-searching narrative weave their way throughout this Post-American Concert. THE PROCESS OF CREATING FLOWER & ASH – in the words of creator Mike Descoteaux Flower & Ash is a vigorous push-back against the hardening of hate and vitriol in our culture. We’re shining a spotlight on the power of compassion through storytelling that is as fun as it is pointed. We’re combining music, theater, and storytelling in unique ways. We’re asking folk music to do what it’s always done: change the world, if just a little bit. Our show explores the tribal wasteland of a dystopian America born of violent political differences and the resulting anarchy. Amidst the literal and figurative rubble arises a truly American story of resurrection and connection. Unlike a traditional musical, our folk/roots band delivers songs that create a concert experience alongside the action onstage. In fact, the concert can stand alone as a live album, reflecting on the themes explored in the narrative—freedom, identity, sexuality, religion, and what it means to be American. On the road to a first full production, we are thrilled to partner with NEMPAC and City Winery in presenting the debut performance of the complete song-set of FLOWER & ASH with a band of talented musicians. Songwriter and playwright, Mike Descoteaux, will provide narrative highlights between songs for audience members to engage with the story beyond the music. After the concert, everyone is invited to discuss their experience with the artists. This concert presents folk songs from a dystopian future: Mike Descoteaux: (songwriter, piano, vocals) McCoy Plaisted: (drums, vocals) Casey Murray: (cello, guitar, vocals) Lila Blue: (guitar, banjo, vocals) Pearl Scott: (vocals) DATE: Thursday, April 16th @ 7:30 PM to 9 PM | Doors open at 6 PM for drinks and dinner VENUE: City Winery Boston | Haymarket Lounge ADDRESS: 80 Beverly St, Boston, MA 02114 Purchase Tickets Here! We are also offering the opportunity to sponsor an artist or sponsor one of the three concerts. Please reach out to Will Neely at wneely@nempacboston.org or 857 239 9997 if you are interested. ABOUT MIKE DESCOTEAUX (SONGWRITER, PIANO, VOCALS): Mike Descoteaux (he/him...
