Birckhead's approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his compulsion for creative risk and deep respect for legacy. His place in a storied lineage begins with his surname, Birckhead, and extends to his extensive musical education and work ethic. Educated at Howard University, Birckhead was named best blues/pop/rock soloist and outstanding instrumental jazz soloist by Downbeat magazine as part of the annual Student Music Awards. In 2011 he was named Best Alto Saxophonist by the Washington City Paper. The New York Times calls Birckhead "one of the most riveting young improvisers in New York."

Exhibition: November 5 – December 15Lecture & Opening Reception: November 5, 5:00 PMSmith (visual art) and Katsumata (electric violin) present their collaborative practice weaving image, sound, history, and memory. Smith draws from comic books, manga, surrealism, Ukiyo-e, anime, and pop culture to examine cultural narratives, while Katsumata creates vivid soundscapes blending classical training with experimental composition. Together, their work explores ancestry, cultural identity, and the stories that connect us.