Hennies’ Sat/1 world premiere, The Grain House, is among several new and a few rarely heard works performed during the annual Santa Cruz music festival, running through August 9. Cabrillo Music Festival 2026 takes as its theme “We the Dreamers” in recognition of the country’s 250th anniversary, and Grain House will debut as part of the “Defiant Dreams” program. In terms of Hennies’ work, “defiant”—especially in the current political climate—could be applied to her mere existence. Often described as a “trans composer,” Hennies says she simultaneously rejects and embraces the label. Seeking surprise, she hopes people will hear Grain House and think, “Wow, what’s that?”