a haphazard list

some of my favorite culture moments in 2024

Sova

Dec 30, 2024

Jan. 8 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, NY

The Lift Series returns with Doom Dogs, an improv supergroup with Reeves Gabrels (The Cure, David Bowie), Jonathan Kane (Swans), and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells (Embryo, Machine Gun). Onstage seats are sold out, but hall seats are available. Tickets are $25.

Jan. 26 at Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, Saratoga, NY

My next solo performance, on the brand new Surround Series. These shows are impeccably curated, intimate, and visually gorgeous. There will be multiple pianos :) and I’ll be trying out some new material. Tickets are $22.

Feb. 15 at Little City Concerts, Falls Church, VA

Solo concert in partnership with OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration). Tickets are $25 with 50% of ticket sales going to OAR. OAR is a community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe & thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil & human rights.

I’ll also be teaching a masterclass for young pianists who live in Virginia in partnership with Little City Concerts. If you know any, send them my way! More info here.

Sweet readers —

I’ve succumbed… I’ve never felt compelled to make a year-end list, but no, this is not another year-end list! Rather, it’s a haphazard listing of some of my favorite experiences of culture this past year — books, tv or movies, concerts I attended and/or performed. It’s in no particular order, and because I’m not a methodical person in the slightest, I made this list just this morning solely off memory, my calendar, and my StoryGraph app (i.e. I’m sure I’ve forgotten things that I’ll kick myself for later).

Mostly, I wanted to relive these beautiful moments and remind myself to never take a piece of art for granted.

If you feel inclined, I’d love to know what some of your favorite experiences, artworks, and moments of culture were this past year.

Leave a comment

Here are mine —

Esperanza Spalding and Fred Hersch at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall (concert) — Somehow, this concert upended my entire perception of what a concert can be… Was it theater? I’m not sure, and it doesn’t matter. These two unbelievable musicians spun a thread that was unlike anything I’ve experienced.
Kiasmos at Elsewhere (concert) — the softest boys making the softest electronic dance music. I was in heaven. This was the best-sounding live show I’ve heard in a long time, and do check out their newest album. I also met fellow OPIA artist Engrane at this show. :)
The Straight Story (1999 David Lynch film) — Incredibly moving. From the first shots, this film is undeniably David Lynch. It’s also rated G and produced by Disney. How this all came together I don’t know, but it’s perfect. If you need a reminder that there is pure goodness to be found in the world, watch this.
Half Waif at PS21 (concert) — Nandi Rose (Half Waif) released one of my favorite albums this year, See You at the Maypole. Please listen. The album release concert was beautiful in so many ways, but I was most inspired by how Nandi creates a sense of belonging in a live setting.
The Terror (tv series) — Incredible… we talked about it for days after. Not for the faint of heart, but remarkable character development and exploration of themes such as male leadership, ecological/colonial devastation, and so much more.
Remains of the Day (1989 book by Kazuo Ishiguro) — I wouldn’t have guessed a book about a butler in mid-century England would be a page-turner, but I read this in two days. It’s a marvel of craft.
Callicoon Wine Merchant (restaurant) — My husband and I discovered this two-table restaurant in the Catskills and there’s no going back. No frills is an understatement — it looks like a dive bar for locals, and it is — but it’s also some of the best world-class food I’ve had. We’ve been three times now and were elated to learn that the one (and only) server remembered us.
Sam Torres at Troy Glow (concert) — There’s no video footage of this show sadly, but my husband performed in the middle of a light installation and I sat on a bean bag chair and let my eyes droop and felt complete bliss. He’s been experimenting with new sounds and new instruments recently and I’m co-producing his next album and yes, it’s going to be beautiful!
Doom Dogs at Alias Coffee (concert) — A favorite live musical experience happened in the back room of one of my local coffee shop haunts. This supergroup is comprised of Reeves Gabrels (member of the band The Cure and longtime collaborator of David Bowie), Jonathan Kane (drummer of influential band Swans), and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells (founding member of the avant-rock band Machine Gun, and member of the German experimental rock band Embryo). I felt like I entered a portal into a different timeline. Unreal music-making.
Rafiq Bhatia at The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Son Lux at Mass MoCA (concerts) — It was a real joy to have Rafiq on the series that Sam and I curate at the music hall. His sound-crafting is always inspiring. A few weeks later, we heard him with his band Son Lux. Fantastic as always!
Station Eleven (2014 book by Emily St. John Mandel) — A rare instance where I had watched the adaptation first, but it was well worth it to return. This book is a deep celebration of culture, and reminds us why we make art in the first place. There are images that have stuck with me ever since. Very human, very moving.
Troy Listening Room (concerts) — yes, I’m biased, but I can’t believe the community that rallied around our house shows in 2024. We had multiple standing-room only shows featuring off-the-beaten path, independent music. Be still my heart. I’ll preach this until the end: I believe hyper-local community and microculture are the way of the future, and I’m so grateful we have that in spades in our small city.
My concert at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall — yes, I’m ending with one of my own performances. This was truly a highlight! A sold-out show with a beautifully warm energy and audience. I left this concert with a renewed sense of what my live performances can be, and I’m so grateful for that. Onwards.

Thank you for being in my village. Thank you for being you.

xoxo
sophia