Brass Bash, featuring Brass for Uncommon Times
In Linehan Concert Hall
Join us for UMBC’s annual Brass Bash, this year featuring Brass for Uncommon Times, a brass and percussion ensemble including top players from across the region, directed by Brian Kaufman, associate professor of music. The Brass Bash will also feature international tuba soloist Velvet Brown (pictured), critically acclaimed percussionist Fran Vielma, and Latin Grammy-winning drummer Daniel Prim. Additionally, award winning film composer Greg Nicolett will be present for the Maryland premiere of his multimedia work Forbidden to Face the Natural Light.
How can music help us navigate a world unraveling? Each piece on the program offers a distinct voice and perspective on the defining challenges of our time—from societal division, racial injustice, and global crisis—to expressions of loss, identity, and resilience. Listeners are invited to reflect, listen more deeply, and consider how we move forward toward connection, understanding, and hope. This event celebrates the ensemble’s debut album, to be released in July 2026 on the Naxos label. Attendees will be the first to hear this collection of music and have an opportunity to pre-order the album.
We are pleased to have UMBC brass and percussion students join Brass for Uncommon Times for the final piece.
Admission is free, but ticket reservations are required. Please visit here to reserve seats.
Linehan Concert Hall, located in the Performing Arts and Humanities Building, is easy to visit, with plenty of free parking. Please visit here for directions and parking information.