Contemporary singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist Annahstasia will take the Play Circle Theater stage in Memorial Union on Sept. 25 as part of a brand-new addition to the recently announced Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) Jazz Series.
Annahstasia released her debut album, “TETHER,” on June 13 with record label drink sum wtr/Secretly Group, who are home to artists like Grammy-winning & nominees artists Aja Monet, Japanese Breakfast, Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, Moses Sumney & more. The genre-blending record infuses soul, folk rock, chamber pop, and the acoustic, soulful traditions of jazz. She draws inspiration from the music of Bill Withers, Nina Simone, and Janis Joplin.
“TETHER” explores the dualities of human existence and her lived experience as a Black woman and her spiritual revival.
“I write my music from an earthly opulence, from that sense of abundance,” Annahstasia said. “Everything is heavy and has weight, but you can always see the weight as gold.”
Pitchfork named "TETHER" Best New Music with a review of 8.4 out of 10 score and including it in its list of Best New Albums of 2025 so far. Pitchfork Contributor Stephen Kearse highlighted Annahstasia's striking vocals and her music’s layered, detailed acoustic instrumentation.
She recently performed Nina Simone’s songs at the BBC Proms: Soul Revolution at Royal Albert Hall in London to a sold-out show of 5,000 people.
“Annahstasia has a voice that will stop time,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “Her songs have profound emotional depth that uncovers those hard-to-access parts of your soul. People won’t be able to stop talking about this performance. It’s going to be transformative.”
The Jazz Series brings together an eclectic mix of jazz artists from celebrated icons to rising innovators, like Annahstasia, giving audience members a series that honors jazz traditions and explores fresh sounds. Additional Jazz Series performances include HIROMI’s Sonic Wonder on Oct. 2, Samary Joy on Nov. 15, Jason Moran and the Harlem Hellfighters on Feb. 7, 2026, Emmet Cohen: "Miles and Coltrane at 100," featuring Jeremy Pelt & Tivon Pennicott on Feb. 28, 2026, and Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera Reunion Sextet on April 30, 2026.
Patrons can purchase tickets to all WUT performances, including Annahstasia’s, online, in person at the Memorial Union Box Office or by phone at (608) 265-2787. Patrons can purchase single tickets or save by purchasing a Jazz Series subscription or by bundling WUT season performances in a build-your-own subscription.