Christian Wiggs & Alex Frank Quintet - Live at Monks

Tue, May 30

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for The Christian Wiggs & Alex Frank Quintet! Christian Wiggs - Vocals Alex Frank - Double Bass Elias Haslanger - Saxophones Cameron Riggs - Piano Daniel Dufour - Drums --- Taking inspiration from luminaries such as Kurt Elling, Christian Wiggs is a vocalist, bandleader, lyricist, producer, director, artist manager, educator, and founder of Bandstand Presents. Christian has shared the stage with acclaimed musicians such as Benny Benack III, Martina DaSilva, Bryan Carter, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Steven Feifke, Aubrey Logan, Joe Peri, Dan “Chimy” Chmielinski, Mathis Picard, Daniel Foose, Andre Hayward, Alex Frank, and George Fludas. In addition to collaboration, Christian serves as artist management for drummer/vocalist, composer, and orchestrator Bryan Carter. Wiggs has released three studio albums and serves as the host and producer of “Off The Bandstand”, a series of conversations that feature local and national jazz musicians. Off stage, Christian serves as an active producer and director, his work behind the camera being featured by Playbill, ABC News, NPR Live Sessions, and WRTI 90.1. --- Since his 2010 graduation from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, where he studied under Peter Dominguez and Eddie Gomez, Alex Frank has already emerged as an important voice in the Los Angeles jazz scene. As the youngest member of the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Alex was the bassist on the debut album of actor and jazz pianist Jeff Goldblum, The Capitol Studios Sessions. This album, which debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard and iTunes Jazz charts, was produced by multiple Grammy winner Larry Klein for Decca Records. Featured artists on the album include Haley Reinhart, Imelda May, Till Bronner, and Sarah Silverman. Additionally, Alex has recorded with Bill Cunliffe, Bruce Forman, Peter Erskine, Tamir Hendelman, and, least expected, Nas. Alex has been fortunate to perform with such diverse artists as George Benson, Molly Ringwald, Benny Golson, Macy Gray, Bobby Rydell, Tierney Sutton, Jeff Hamilton, Johnny Mandel, and Kenny Burrell. He can be seen and heard playing live on-camera with the Bill Holman Big Band for the Clint Eastwood-directed film version of the Broadway smash, Jersey Boys. Other film, TV appearances, and soundtracks include Jimmy Kimmel Live, Modern Family, Black Nativity, the Today Show, You’re The Worst, the Graham Norton Show, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. In 2018, Alex was a finalist in the 23rd Annual USA Songwriting Competition for the song, “Lost And Found”. One year earlier, he co-wrote the song, “It’s Pure A.C.”, which was chosen as the official anthem for Atlantic City. As a member of Cow Bop, Alex was inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2013, he placed 2nd in the International Society of Bassists’ Jazz Competition. --- About Bandstand Presents: Evolving from a single quarantine project (“Off The Bandstand”), Bandstand Presents is an Austin-based production company, committed to the inclusivity, visibility, and collaboration of jazz scenes across the nation. Founded by vocalist, bandleader, lyricist and producer, Christian Wiggs, and producer Kirk Word, Bandstand highlights not only the brilliant talents and contributions of these jazz musicians, but celebrates the personalities that are integral to the art they create. In their first year, Bandstand has had a national presence - their work being featured through NBC, ABC World News Now, NPR Live Sessions, Playbill, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway World, SXSW, JAZZIZ, Queerty, Pride.com, and Sirius XM. In Fall of 2021, Bandstand began producing its residency series featuring guest artists including Bryan Carter, Martina DaSilva, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Benny Benack III, Steven Feifke, Aubrey Logan, Dan “Chimy” Chmielinski, Mathis Picard, Daniel Foose, Clark Sommers and George Fludas. As educational and musical investment are paramount, Bandstand Presents has facilitated partnerships with developmental institutions such as University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University and the Women in Jazz Association. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided!