Critical Mass Big Band observes and celebrates Women’s History Month in March by presenting an evening dedicated to compositions by female composers. The event will feature works by Seattle-area composer Nelda Swiggett, Toshiko Akiyoshi (NYC), Maria Schneider (NYC), Jessika Smith (Oregon), Ellen Rowe (Michigan), Leigh Pilzer (Washington, DC), Courtney Wright (NYC), Annie Booth (Colorado), Hazel Leach (Berlin, Germany), Michele Fernandez (Florida), Patty Darling (Wisconsin), Tracy Yang (NYC), and Mary Lou Williams (deceased).

Since its inception in 2001, Critical Mass Big Band has developed into a distinguished group of Seattle-area musicians performing some of the finest big band music. This eighteen-piece ensemble, directed by Ian Basques-Jellison, includes notable members such as Ian, Al Lowe, Barbara Hubers-Drake, and Sara Voskuhl on saxophones; Jim Elder, Dave Buck, Doug Lora, and Vinnie Christ on trombones; Jeff Leinbaugh, Marty Molloy, Mark Baker, Greg Klein, and Victor Ross on trumpets; Seth Ahnert on piano; Rob Parks on drums; Philip Demaree on bass; and Neal Adams on guitar.