Resonance: A Release Residency explores how new music comes alive in real time. On three Sundays in February, live shows will coincide with the release of brand-new recordings from top Twin Cities guitarist David Feily—two singles and an EP, each from a separate group. Each release and corresponding show will highlight Feily as a composer, bandleader, guitarist, and improviser and display how his own sound resonates within collaborative ensembles.

Minneapolis String Project deviates from the standard repertoire for bowed stringed instruments with their original sound drawing from jazz, fusion, soul, and an array of world music influences. Week 1 of the residency will celebrate the release of their original tune “Flight Time,” which was composed by Feily for this ensemble specifically to help their style and sound emerge. The group will be joined by drummer Miguel Hurtado.

Current students may use the promo code STUDENT to purchase $15 tickets. Student IDs must be presented at the door. While Berlin is 18+, minors are allowed if accompanied by an adult.

Band Members:
Ernest Bisong - Violin
Greg Byers - Cello
David Feily - Guitar
Miguel Hurtado - Drums

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Ernest Bisong was introduced to the violin at the age of nine in his home country of Nigeria. He has since studied with several notable tutors and performers from around the world, including Rachel Barton-Pine (American violinist), Sir Godfrey Amoah (Ghanaian violinist), Louis Jones (British violinist), Agnes Nagy (Hungarian cellist), and Thomas Kanitz (cellist of the Reger String Quartet and Dortmund Symphony Orchestra). After studying mainstream classical music, Bisong found an appreciation for more contemporary musical styles and thus began an exploration of the jazz genre. In 2011, he performed at the African Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the illustrious Bez. In 2012, he was on the Nigerian contingent to perform at the African Showcase of South by Southwest in Austin, TX. In 2013, Bisong became the first Nigerian to obtain performance diploma certification from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London with a distinction. In the maiden edition of Venture Career Journal Nigeria released that same year, he was referred to as “arguably Africa’s foremost contemporary violinist.” He has opened for such acts as Richard Bona, Mike Stern, Marcus Johnson, Marsha Ambrosius, and Anita Baker.

In his lifelong pursuit of music, Greg Byers has overcome countless obstacles in order to become an idiosyncratic performer, composer, educator, and producer. Byers started playing cello at the Family Suzuki School in Rochester, NY, at age 2.5. By age 16, he was a talented cellist but was frustrated with the lack of personal expression he found in youth orchestras. This led Byers to explore the possibilities of the cello in a jazz context. At the University of Miami, he became the first person to double major in instrumental performance/studio music and jazz on cello and bass, summa cum laude. After participating in the Miami and Los Angeles music scenes, Byers released his debut EP, Some Dark, Beautiful Morning, and decided to continue his higher learning at McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, where he earned a Master of Music Performance degree. Now a resident of the historic A-Mill Artist Lofts of Minneapolis, Byers maintains a busy schedule, juggling original and freelance performances, a private cello/bass studio, and recording and production services. His recent career highlights include performing with Terence Blanchard & the Turtle Island Quartet, becoming a faculty member at Carleton College, and receiving the 2022 Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

David Feily is a genre-blending force and has become one of the Twin Cities most in-demand guitarists, touring/session musicians, and educators. His collaborative spirit has led him to work with many artists, including LA Buckner, Minneapolis String Project, BZ3 Organ Trio, and Rhythm Street Movement. Drawing from jazz, funk, R&B, rock, and world influences, Feily's playing is as emotive as it is technically masterful, and his approach showcases blending skill with creativity. Whether he's laying down syncopated grooves or exploring adventurous improvisations, the live concert experience is both electrifying and intimate.