Skullcap (Janel Leppin, Anthony Pirog & Mike Kuhl) + Bryan Rogers/Matt Engle/Ian McColm trio

Skullcap (Janel Leppin, Anthony Pirog & Mike Kuhl):

Skullcap, the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore based combo, has been performing as a project for the last year and recently completed a full length recording that is scheduled for release on Cuneiform Records in 2025 . Mixing composition and improvisation and drawing from an eclectic range of inspirations has led this ensemble into exciting and energetic places in sound.

Janel Leppin is a picture of versatility. Not only has she been a pillar of Washington, D.C.’s creative music community for the last 20 years, but the cellist, composer, arranger, and singer has made significant marks in other scenes as well. Leppin leans into a jazz-centric vision on the majestic and occasionally abrasive Ensemble Volcanic Ash, which affirms her place as a boundless musician who constantly leaves the listener intrigued. It’s a puzzle in which jazz, chamber music, contemporary classical, and punk seamlessly coalesce with bracing results.

Drummer, recording artist, educator, Mike Kuhl hails from the musical diverse city of Baltimore MD. Kuhl had studied and performed in numerous genres allowing him to be a first call drummer for any situation. A graduate from Towson University, Kuhl has performed locally and throughout the globe alongside jazz greats Dave Liebman, Tony Malaby, Michael Formaneck, Dave Ballou, Ellery Eskelin and Claudio Roditi. Outside of jazz, Kuhl has shared the stage with many international acts such as Beach House, Arboretum, Cigarettes After Sex, Tom Tom Club, and The Ravonnettes. As a leader, Kuhl performs with his trio every Tuesday night at Bertha’s in Fells Point, Baltimore.

Anthony Pirog, the guitarist, composer and loops magician, is a quiet but ubiquitous force on stages around his hometown. With fearsome chops and a keen ear for odd beauty, Pirog has helped expand the possibilities of jazz, rock and experimentalism in a town long known for its straight-ahead tradition. He somehow takes these styles, all of which he has mastered and makes them all work together and also makes them all his own.

Bryan Rogers, Matt Engle & Ian McColm trio:

New powerhouse trio of sax, bass and drums, the formula is tried, tested and awaits your approval!

accessibility: two steps from street to venue.

Please note, entrance is via the side door on Arizona Street.