BKLYN plays BKLYN

A new concert series hosted by PLG Arts

September 8th, 4–5pm Musiquita! at Crown Heights library (children’s concert)
560 New York Ave
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September 14th, 6–8pm Kayla Williams Group at the Green Room
408 Rogers Ave
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October 5th, 5–7pm Prism Trio at Ruth
665 Flatbush Ave
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October 26th, 6–8pm Ayumi Ishito Group at the Green Room
408 Rogers Ave
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November 16th, 4–6pm Violalia Duo + Margarita Rovenskaya
in a Lefferts Manor historic home
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Free Admission / Donations Welcome

About the Artists

Musiquita!

Musiquita is the vibrant musical duo of Blanca Cecilia González and Jesse Elder, professional musicians, educators, and parents who create joyful, bilingual (English/Spanish) music for children and families. Blanca, a violinist and vocalist, earned her Master’s degree from The Juilliard School, while Jesse, a pianist, composer, and arranger, is the former music director for the internationally acclaimed Postmodern Jukebox. Blending original songs with traditional tunes from around the world, Musiquita’s performances invite audiences of all ages to sing, move, and connect through the universal language of music. Their warm, engaging style bridges cultures and generations, fostering creativity, empathy, and a love of learning.
With extensive experience performing assembly concerts, workshops, and residencies through Young Audiences and Arts for Learning, Musiquita has delighted audiences in schools, libraries, theaters, and community spaces. Their programs weave together music, storytelling, and cultural exploration, encouraging curiosity and celebrating diversity. Whether performing on stage or leading an interactive classroom session, Musiquita creates uplifting, memorable experiences that inspire both children and adults.

Personnel: Blanca Cecilia González: vocals/violin/ukulele/percussion, Jesse Elder: vocals/piano/percussion

Additional Information: https://www.musiquita.nyc/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25rxSGWHpUA

Kayla Williams Group

The Kayla Williams Quartet takes a multidisciplinary approach to chamber music, blending classical, jazz, folk, and roots traditions. Founded by violist, vocalist, and composer Kayla Williams, the group aims to break down genre barriers and foster connection through music. Growing up in Tallahassee, FL, Kayla moved seamlessly between church singing, youth orchestra rehearsals, and fiddle sessions—experiences that shaped her belief in music as a unifying force. The group continues this spirit, inviting collaboration across musical styles and building community through shared sound.

Personnel: Kayla Williams (viola), Chris McCarthy (piano), Franklin Rankin (guitar), Dan Pappalardo (bass)

Additional Information: https://brooklynchamberorchestra.org/orchestra/kayla-williams/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKSy_SNUkvA

Prism Trio

Drawing from Cuban, African, American, and European traditions, Prism Trio (Nicki Adams, piano; Eddy Khaimovich, bass; Evan Hyde, drums) emphasizes collaboration and musical dialogue. Their performances balance intricate rhythms with intimate expression, and they believe the boundaries between jazz and other musical forms are arbitrary, in line with Duke Ellington’s view that the only true distinction in music is between “good music and the other kind.” The Prism Trio creates a dynamic, vibrant sound, refracting diverse influences into a unique and joyful experience.

Personnel: Nicki Adams (piano), Eddy Khaimovich (bassist), Evan Hyde (drums)

Additional Information: https://nickiadams.com/about/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc-tfcESImo

Ayumi Ishito Group

At 19 years old, Japanese-born Ayumi Ishito picked up the tenor sax and never put it down. The Berklee College of Music graduate (who now lives in NYC) has headed up the quintet as its composer since 2011. With mesmerizing grace, she leads the way through the ever-evolving playground that is experimental, instrumental rock inspired by jazz, fusion, prog, indie rock, and more. Accompanying her sax and synth magic are Hajime Yoshida and Yana Davydova on guitars, Yoshiki Yamada on bass, and Carter Bales on drums. Blending their expansive talents, the band’s latest album presents playful moments of free improv, noise, and soundscape that flow from their instruments with sensational results.

Personnel: Ayumi Ishito (sax, electronics), Hajime Yoshida (guitar), Yana Davydova (guitar), Yoshiki Yamada (bass), Carter Bales (drums)

Additional Information: https://www.ayumiishito.com/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrLfly8zs8c

Violalia Duo + Margarita Rovenskaya

Violalia Duo is a collaboration between violinist/violist Laura Thompson and violist/composer Hannah Selin. Founded in 2021, the duo embraces the limber, conversational nature of their instrumentation, bringing musicality, curiosity, and a sense of humor to audiences in often-intimate concert settings. The group’s name is a both mashup of violin and viola, and a play on the word glossolalia (speaking in tongues). Violalia Duo is dedicated to exploring the musical and sonic possibilities of their small but mighty instrumentation.

Their repertoire focuses on 20th and 21st century music for violin and viola, and includes works by Augusta Read Thomas, George Tsontakis, Bohuslav Martinů, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Ennio Morricone, Ari Sussman, Sepehr Pirasteh and Selin herself. The duo also has an avid interest in creating and commissioning new works. Violalia’s 2022/23 season included concerts in New York and Philadelphia, as well as the premiere of newly commissioned Double Song II by Matthew Greenbaum.

In 2024/25, Violalia will perform a series of intimate concerts in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, featuring collaborations with composer Sepehr Pirasteh, pianist Rita Rovenskaya, and Kamratōn Ensemble.

Personnel: Hannah Selin (violist/composer), Laura Thompson (violinist/violist), Margarita Rovenskaya (piano)

Additional Information: https://hannahselin.com/projects/violalia-duo/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlsY7g5yOqY

BKLYN PLAYS BKLYN is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund
of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).