Heights Arts presents its 15th Close Encounters series LIVE from the iconic Bop Stop in a series of three streamed concerts in January, February and April. The concerts will feature minority composers and new music alongside traditional favorites.

“Live music has become a luxury amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since we are still unable to provide this opportunity in person, we are excited to partner with The Bop Stop to bring our Close Encounters concert series to not only our many dedicated audience members who have attended over the years, but to Music Settlement and other students who will be able to experience these performances from their homes. It is partnerships like these that allow our respective arts organizations to continue to deliver our programming while we wait to present again in person.” says Executive Director Rachel Bernstein.

Close Encounters Artistic Director Isabel Trautwein says the pandemic has inspired never-before-seen creativity in the artists featured in this series. Says Trautwein, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade… but why not make lemon meringue pie, lemon sorbet or sweet lemon drops? I’ve been amazed by the joy and creativity that came up in planning our first digital season. Instead of complaining, my colleagues quickly switched to asking the question: What can we do now that wasn’t possible before.”