Jason Kao Hwang Critical Response / Jessica Ackerley (solo)
Jason Kao Hwang’s Critical Response returns to Rhizome DC for an evening of narrative, improvisational music shaped by Hwang’s violin and viola. The trio combines Hwang’s compositions with the electric guitar of Anders Nilsson and the drums of Michael T.A. Thompson, moving through an adventurous, constantly shifting blend of influences. Their work has been praised for its captivating and thrilling fusion of composed and improvised performance.
Jessica Ackerley opens with a solo set. The Canadian guitarist, improviser, composer, and visual artist develops a hybrid musical language informed by Black American Music, avant-garde improvisation, and New York’s rock and noise scenes. Now based in Honolulu and pursuing a PhD at the University of Hawaiʻi, Ackerley has released 19 albums since 2017 and has received coverage from The Wire, Pitchfork, BBC Radio, and Bandcamp. Her commissions include work for Adult Swim, Mutual Mentorship, and New Music USA.
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Schedule: Doors at 6:30 PM; music begins at 7:00 PM. The event is scheduled to run until 10:00 PM.
Tickets: $20–$30
Venue: Rhizome DC
Presented by: Transparent Production
Lineup: Jason Kao Hwang, composer, violin, and viola; Anders Nilsson, electric guitar, 11-string alto guitar, baĝlama, composition, and improvisation; Michael T.A. Thompson, drums; Jessica Ackerley, solo guitar, improvisation, composition, and visual art.
Jason Kao Hwang: Hwang’s compositions explore the sonic resonance and cultural language of his history, creating narrative landscapes in which sounds undergo spontaneous transformation. His recent releases and collaborations include *Uncharted Faith*, duets with the late J.A. Deane, The Human Rites Trio, and duos with the late Karl Berger. He was voted the El Intruso Jazz Critics Poll’s top violinist in 2012, 2013, 2018, and 2019.
Anders Nilsson: The New York-based guitarist, composer, and improviser works across a wide range of styles. His projects include solo performances under the title “Night Guitar,” the rhythm-focused Anders Nilsson Group, and Outer Space Caravan with violist Staphanie Griffin, saxophonist Michael Attias, and bassist Ken Filiano.
Michael T.A. Thompson: Thompson’s drumming emphasizes a broad palette of sound colors, with an inventive and highly responsive approach that stays closely attuned to the moment.
Jessica Ackerley: Ackerley is a Canadian guitarist, improviser, composer, and visual artist whose practice combines avant-garde guitar, improvisation, composition, and visual art. Her musical approach draws on Black American Music, avant-garde improvisers, and the New York rock and noise communities.
Ages: Not specified.
Accessibility: Not specified.