The Army, The Navy is the duo of Maia Ciambriello and Sasha Goldberg, whose music blends intimate songwriting with atmospheric production. Raised near Mount Tamalpais and shaped by New Orleans, they began writing together as college roommates and built a following after their 2023 single “Vienna” gained attention online. They later opened for artists including Dora Jar, Paris Paloma, and Matt Maltese, and sold out their Gentle Hellraiser headlining tour. Their debut album, Fake Brave Life, follows the 2024 EPs Fruit for Flies and Sugar for Bugs. Recorded in Athens and New York with producers Drew Vandenberg and Mikey Freedom Hart, the album expands their sound with session musicians and strings while exploring vulnerability, heartbreak, courage, and the risks artists take in sharing their work.

Events in the series have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists, and programs of a diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H Esbenshade Sr., and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pa. All events are free and open to the public.