The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis

Ars Nova Workshop presents punk-jazz power trio The Messthetics, joined by fire-breathing saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, at Solar Myth on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Drummer Brendan Canty and bassist Joe Lally were the rhythm section for the iconic D.C. punk band Fugazi from its inception in 1987 to its period of hiatus in 2002. They reunited for the first time to form The Messthetics with the eclectic guitar wizard Anthony Pirog. One half of the duo Janel & Anthony, Pirog has emerged as a primary figure in the city’s out-music community. Together they’ve crafted a band approach dedicated to the live ideal, where structure gives birth to improvisation. The New Yorker hailed their “ecstatic, exploratory squall that lands between starry post-rock and heaving jazz fusion.” They’ll be joined by the acclaimed saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, who has forged a singular sound encompassing ancient and future, inside and outside, density and openness, church and street.