Concert 1: Come ALIVE: An Album Release Concert—Wed, June 10
Strathmore Artist in Residence Kanysha takes the stage for her debut album release—on her birthday, no less! This one-of-a-kind concert fuses R&B, alternative, funk, soul, and inspirational music into an electrifying live experience. With powerful vocals and a high-energy performance, Kanysha offers an evening of bold sound, soulful storytelling, and celebration of artistry, life, music, and new beginnings.
Free Workshop: Genre-Bending: A Non-Conforming Exploration of American Music—Wed, June 17
This workshop invites audiences into a transformative musical experience that unpacks the roots of American music. Led by vocalist and songwriter Kanysha, this dynamic session weaves performance and conversation to reveal how genres such as jazz, blues, R&B, rock, country, classical, and soul are deeply intertwined. From plantations to symphony halls, church pews to jukeboxes, American music is a cultural quilt—stitched together by the voices, rhythms, and innovations of many peoples. Through live demonstration, storytelling, and musical history, this workshop challenges the boundaries of genre while celebrating the shared roots that connect us all.
Concert 2: Live from the Vault: Kanysha Unarchived—Wed, June 24
Press play on the songs that almost stayed silent. In this intimate concert, singer-songwriter Kanysha opens the vault to share music that has lived behind the scenes—original tracks never released alongside the iconic songs that inspired them. Part concert, part behind-the-music, the evening blends unheard originals and reimagined covers to give you an unfiltered glimpse into her creative process, influences, and inner world as a writer. It’s a night of musical inspiration, hesitation, discovery, and the beauty of finally being heard.
Read Kanysha's bio, and learn more about the AIR program and the Class of 2026.
Paired with AIR donors Bayo & Funke Oyewole♪, Dale Rosenthal & Michael Cutler♪, Carolyn & Marty Shargel♪, and Steven & Irene White♪
♪ Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitments and their above-and-beyond support of the AIR program.