Reaching Out is a jazz-classical fusion experience combining music, spoken-word and visual art by the James McGowan Ensemble. The continuation of the critically acclaimed 2023 album Reaching In, Reaching Out uses musical story-telling to tell an autobiographical journey of overcoming personal challenges to create an uncertain, yet hopeful future. This unique inter-art experience uses sound and symbolism to project how we persevere through conflict and loss to become stronger when we feel connection and belonging to our loved ones and community. 

From the creative mind of Ottawa composer and pianist James McGowan, this event features an ensemble consisting of strings, horns and rhythm section, celebrating the release of their album Reaching Out. The sounds you will hear are comprised of modern jazz, classical chamber music, latin, rock, and other musical influences. The music will lead you to dance, laugh, cry, and engage your heart, mind and soul.