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KRISTIN SLOAN |
I spend loads of money on music… but it can be difficult to keep all the music you want together, organized, transportable and fully charged. (I’ve already hit my max of 5 authorized computers for my music, and as far as I know, you can only attach an iphone or ipod to receive songs from ONE computer). This is a great solution for good, quick music (which you probably already own) on the go. Sorry UK, hope they work out licensing soon…
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MIKI ORIHARA |
I went to see Fred Sherry Plays Zorn on Monday night. It was such a great evening.
World premiere of “777″( three cellists) Discussion lead by Charles Wuorinen( composer) with Fred Sherry and John Zorn, “Amour fou(1999)” piano, violin and cello, another discussion, solo cello work title “Untitled ( for Joseph Cornell)( 1999)” and again “777″.
“777″ started very disharmony sound, but when you listened it , it was actually harmonied together. It was a long tme ago that I used to listened to one CD which had John Zorn’s work, then long time I did not hear his music. But this performance, he gave me so many different sides of music. every work sounded different from each other. It was just amazing.
“Untitled ( for Joseph Cornell)” has a very interesting story that Zorn, in his childhood, lived in Queens where Cornell lived few doors down from his place. Knowing him as a person, eating icecream at the deli, strange man on the corner… all other aspects…and of course his art work inspire Zorn to make this solo.
I love this “works & process” at Guggenheim. You get to know the artist!and we came out after this performance, they were putting new exhibition. Interesting to see how they were putting this cars up in the air…
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KRISTIN SLOAN |
Thought this was great (video via quodlibet and spinner.com).
Dance and media artist Bill Shannon’s dance moves (he has a degenerative hip condition and created this way of dancing with crutches) drive a one-take music video shot in NYC for RJD2, who makes appearances throughout the piece.
Beautiful isn’t it? From Bill’s website…
Recently through dance choreography I have juxtaposed abstract forms of urban streetstyle kinetics into a textural landscape with an express focus on time and how it can be used to reinvent the familiar… my role as director and choreographer is in the setting of pace and creation of mood.
…I know choreographers but I am not one of them. I also know dancers but I am not like them either. The reality is that I lack the specialized focus of the choreographer or the training of the dancer. The way I see it, I currently function as an outsider artist of an interdisciplinary nature within the dance field. I use the term outsider because I was never trained in dance.
The dance I perform is pretty much my own invention and, never having seen much choreography, the dance pieces I choreograph lack the sophistication of contemporary artists in the field. So if I am unsophisticated and entirely out of the loop why are the venues normally reserved for those who are so so sophisticated opening up for me?
Bill. This is fantastic. You’ve invented your own dance style and remain true to yourself. But I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. How does not having dance training make you an outsider? If anything, you’re something for a lot of fellow dancers and dance-makers to aspire to, incorporating multiple influences into one raw, hybrid movement style that speaks to people, and most importantly, allows you to express yourself.
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KRISTIN SLOAN |
So the other night I wrote a post, asking everyone what they find interesting or engaging about a dance performance, or what would draw them to see a dance performance that they wouldn’t otherwise have sought out.
But let’s go even further back…
What was your first introduction to the arts, or to dance - apart from just observing the world around you? (I’m keeping it loose here)
Was it in school? Were you taken to a performance by your school, did you play an instrument in school, did you study a musician, choreographer or other type of artist which then lead you to discover dance or another art form?
If you didn’t have such arts exposure in school, do you think that if you had it would have changed your interest or involvement in the arts?
Do you think there is a way to change the current tide in the US, and convince the government - or whoever it needs to be - to put more funding into arts education in school, not less?
If everyone shared their stories about how they were first introduced to art or dance (school, family, friends, or some other outside force) could it make a difference?
Here’s some ramblings from me as I sit here typing…
I remember adoring art class in school. I couldn’t get enough.
I remember going to art museums with my parents and on field trips as a little kid (I feel like those experiences still remain as some of my earliest vivid visual memories).
I remember loving music classes. I played the saxophone… Lugging around a saxophone case that was as big as I was in 3rd/4th grade. I played until 6th grade I think - I changed schools and went from a cool jazzy teacher who challenged us, to another teacher who didn’t.
I remember my dad bringing me on photo shoots (involved or just watching) or showing me how to make prints, and thinking it was so amazing to be able to create such beautiful things with subjects and light.
I remember my school going on a field trip to see The Nutcracker, and thinking it was neat that my classmates got excited about and had a better understanding of what I was already doing after school by that point.
I remember my mom playing classical music in the car, and while first thinking it was annoying, starting to develop a taste for styles that I enjoyed more than others (and beginning to feel that WGBH in Boston played it too safe!).
I remember my mom taking me to Boston Ballet performances back when they were still at the Wang Center. I loved seeing the orchestra members warming up before the show, and loved getting to see a lot of the same dancers each time we went.
On another note - I remember my 6th grade class having access to Macintosh computers. They blew my mind. I in turn begged my parents for something similar… my first computer was a Mac Classic, and spawned my (and my family’s) ongoing love for well-designed technology.
That’s just some of my random personal experiences. Everyone comes from a different situation, has different memories, different influences, and different things that got them excited about art and/or dance. The fact is that as a kid, school, family and friends are your entire life. What you are exposed to during that time can have a big effect.
What’s your story or experience?
Did school programs have much play in your exploration?
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MATTHEW MURPHY |
It’s been a few days since I posted, and today’s post isn’t exactly the most exciting so forgive me. Even though this is just about a great new playlist (that’s perfect for warm-ups), the next posts I have coming up are going to be VERY exciting! I am just waiting on a few things before I can post them.
So if you’re in the mood for some great new music, check out the new “RANTING WINGER” iMix. Over the past five months of being sick, music has played a key role in brightening up my spirits. This playlist reflects the songs that help put a smile on my face at the moment. There’s a huge mix of artists, including M.I.A, Mika, Nellie Mckay, Patrick Watson, Rilo Kiley and many more! Check it out!
(Fellow corps dancer Blaine Hoven and I enjoy some music at Marcelo’s end of summer barbecue. It’s a battle of the sunglasses!)
(Jackie joins the battle and wins.)
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KRISTIN SLOAN |
You may remember me talking about Doug’s semi-secret creative members club LVHRD (pronouced LIVE HARD) before. It’s the one where they throw events where architects battle to create models live on stage, fashion designers compete to create the best dress in an hour, and for the past two years, individuals have battled for the title of Dance Champion.
The first year of LVHRD’s DNCHRD (pronounced DANCE HARD) featured the wonderful Mr. David Hallberg as a judge. Last year, both Gia and I had the opportunity to see and comment on the competition from a front-row judge’s seat as well. This year, the format is entirely different….
According to LVRHD’s website…
“Three DJ’s go head to head in a round robin tournament where you provide the vynl. Awards for best dance crew will be up for grabs, so bring your favorite record and be ready to dance your ass off.”
The main event is on Tuesday SEPT. 25TH (also Doug’s bday), but TONIGHT at an East Village bar called B-Side, there wil be a Pre-Party, where you can meet the competing DJ’s. Also, if you bring some vintage vinyl tonight to the official Pre-Party, you will be granted free admission to the main event on the 25th.
I’ll be there tonight, and next Tuesday.
I’ve already got my vinyl - Doug E Fresh - in honor of you know who.
