Intersection Concert featuring Peter Sprague & Friends

Peter Sprague & Friends – Spinning in Infinity: The Music of Paul Simon
Jazz Interpretations, Global Rhythm, and American Song
A reimagining of one of the great songbooks of our time

The 2026 Intersections season concludes with an unforgettable celebration of the music of Paul Simon, one of the most influential songwriters of the past half-century. In Spinning in Infinity, acclaimed guitarist and composer Peter Sprague leads an extraordinary ensemble of Southern California musicians in imaginative new interpretations that reveal the remarkable cultural influences woven throughout Simon's work.

Long before "world music" entered the mainstream, Paul Simon was exploring the musical traditions of Brazil, South Africa, Latin America, and beyond, creating songs that invited listeners to discover the beauty of cultural exchange. This performance continues that spirit of exploration, reimagining beloved classics such as The Sound of Silence, Cecilia, Hearts and Bones, and You Can Call Me Al through vibrant jazz improvisation, Brazilian rhythms, Afro-Cuban influences, and contemporary harmonic language. Familiar songs become fresh discoveries, offering audiences the opportunity to hear music they know and love in surprising and deeply moving ways.

Joining Sprague is an exceptional ensemble featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist Allison Adams Tucker, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Tripp Sprague, pianist Danny Green, bassist Mack Leighton, and drummer Duncan Moore, whose collective artistry transforms each composition into an engaging musical conversation. Together, they celebrate the spirit of collaboration and creative curiosity that has long defined both jazz and Paul Simon's songwriting.

Throughout the evening, internationally acclaimed ethnomusicologist, filmmaker, and cultural historian Yale Strom serves as host, guiding audiences through the remarkable stories behind the music. His engaging conversations explore the cultural traditions, historical influences, and artistic exchanges that shaped Simon's songwriting while revealing how music continually evolves as ideas travel across borders and generations.

More than a tribute concert, Spinning in Infinity is an invitation to rediscover familiar songs through fresh ears. Blending exceptional musicianship with storytelling and cultural insight, the evening celebrates music as a living expression of curiosity, creativity, and human connection, bringing the Intersections season to a joyful and inspiring close.