When I was living in Russia, I frequently came across the opinion that art made by women is inherently subpar. And not only art–there is a woeful tendency, even by educated people (including educated women, no less), to use the words “female” or “feminine” as an indelible stamp of lower quality–a stigma, in other words. In the United States I have the impression that such opinions have been not so much extinguished as swept under the carpet, delegated to the margins. Expressing them openly is “bad manners.” Nevertheless, patriarchy in culture is alive and well–just watch any Hollywood movie if you want proof. Therefore, even though cultural events dedicated solely to work by women are problematic from a feminist point of view (critics speak of “female ghettos”), they are still needed. Women’s Voices at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts was such a “lady-focused” project. It featured Kronos Quartet‘s enthusiastic treatment of works by three female composers as well as two collaborative pieces with maverick female performers, Vân-Ánh Vanessa Võ and Tanya Tagaq. Both concerts–on May 11 and 12–were nothing short of stellar.

Kronos Quartet. Photo by Jeffe Gudmundsen-Holmgreen. Courtesy Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

The program both nights was identical. The evening started with the performance of young Canadian composer Nicole Lizée’s 2010 piece Death to Kosmische, dedicated to German psychedelic music of the late 1960s–early 1970s. Kosmische holds a particular resonance today, since it marks the moment when pop music started becoming electronic. Of course, the sound of early electronic instruments is now deeply nostalgic, and Lizée is part of a current of composers and music-makers who summon that era’s ghosts (the latter word was not used accidentally, since the figures of “ghosts” and “haunting” are very important in that current’s discourse). In Death to Kosmische the strings of Kronos Quartet imitated electronics and combined with primitive machines (also played by the band) to create an enchanting retro-futuristic soundscape with breathtaking glissandi.

After the second work, a slow, gooey piece by Laurie Anderson, Kronos performed its first tribute to a composer whose work influenced Lizée decisively: British electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire. Nowadays the interest in her music, as well as the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, where she worked, is resurgent, thanks to the aforementioned “hauntologists.” In the 1960s and 1970s Derbyshire experimented in the studio to create soundtracks to TV programs “set in the distant past, the unseen future or deep in the human psyche.” For Women’s Voices, short fragments of her output were put together (by arranger Danny Clay) to create Mosaic. Some parts were for strings while some were for unusual instruments like children’s toys, and that, combined with the intentional cartoonishness of several motifs, provided for a playful effect. Several of Kronos’s moves, such as their use of whistles and howling tubes, made the audience giggle happily.

Vân-Ánh Vanessa Võ. Photo by Jason Lew. Courtesy Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

With Mosaic, the retro-futuristic part of the show was over, and the “ritualistic” half began. Vietnamese-born Vân-Ánh Vanessa Võ came on stage for a meticulously choreographed performance that starred instruments like đàn Bầu (a one-string guitar) and đàn Tranh (a plucked zither) and a variety of artillery gongs. The performance also incorporated Võ’s singing, recorded sounds and various percussion “instruments” such as stones, seeds poured into a basket and what looked like giant bamboo trunks, which made a thunderous sound when hit against the floor. Võ’s work, called All Clear, was dedicated to the suffering of the victims of the Vietnam War, and at the center of it was a solemn ritual of lighting incense inside an American soldier’s helmet, which had been hidden behind a red curtain (red–a reference to communism?). The composer said that her perspective was “that of someone who was not on any side,” but nevertheless, the intense and dramatic, even tragic mood of All Clear did not hint at any reconciliatory sentiment. No, the work wasn’t bellicose, but it presented the past as a gaping wound, and that is the right tone in which to speak about war.

Tanya Tagaq. Photo by Pedro Usabiaga. Courtesy Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Women’s Voices was “headlined” by Tanya Tagaq from the Canadian province of Nunavut. Since I had never heard traditional Inuit singing before, her voice turned out to be the main surprise (and even shock) of the show. She emitted rhythmic guttural sounds that some would definitely describe as animalistic, but for me they bore as much affinity with the machinic. It could be thought that Tagaq’s performance, in contrast with the “futurism” of the first part of the evening, might have meant to exemplify the “traditional,” but in fact the singer is also an innovator. Throat singing in Inuit culture is a form practiced between two women (it developed from a breathing game which lasted only several minutes), so Tagaq’s brand of performance is fairly new. Granted, the “traditionalist” mood was set by composer Derek Charke’s having chosen Arctic nature as a theme for accompanying music, as well as Tagaq’s telling of the Inuit origin myth. But overall, just like the works by Lizée and Võ, Tundra Songs was a hybrid in which markers of a particular tradition were used only as starting points. Let us hope we will hear those works again soon, and not in the framework of “women-only” and “ethnic” events.

RELATED LINKS

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Kronos Quartet

Let us know what you think! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to give us a shout. You can also stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android, iPhone or Ovi.

Coachella has just announced that the 2013 edition of the festival would once again take place over the course of two weekends. Weekend One will be held on April 12, 13 and 14, while Weekend Two will be held on April 19, 20 and 21.

As has been the case for the last few years as well, festival passes will be sold exclusively through Front Gate Tickets. There are no hidden fees in this year’s ticket options. So the $349 general admission, $399 general admission/shuttle pass combo, and $799 V.I.P. wristband pricing that you see, is what you pay–prices reflect all the various fees included.

The advance sale will start this Thursday May 17, 2012 at 10:00am PDT, and conclude next Thursday on May 24, 2012 at 10:00 am PDT. The general on-sale will happen early next year, but the Coachella Payment Plan is only going to be available during this advance sale period. A 20% minimum deposit will be required at the time of purchase, and then seven monthly installments to follow. Check out Coachella.com for the rest of the fine print.

Pro tip: if you have not already, now is the time to create a Coachella/Front Gate Tickets account for the weekend you wish to attend. This will save you some time come May 17. Surely, these passes will sell out quckly, so get your trigger fingers ready!

RELATED LINKS

Coachella Official Website

Coachella – Front Gate Tickets – Weekend One

Coachella – Front Gate Tickets – Weekend Two

Are you planning to attend Coachella in 2013?  Which weekend? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to give us a shout. You can also stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android, iPhone or Ovi.

Full Flex Express Tour

This July, Skrillex, Diplo and Grimes will hit the road together for dates in Cananda. Pretty Lights, KOAN Sound and Tokimonsta will round out the tour. The Full Flex Express Tour takes its name after the Festival Express tour that featured The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and the Band, whom also toured Canada in the 1970s.

Bumbershoot Music & Arts Fest

Now in its 41st year, 2012′s Bumbershoot Festival promises to be the best ever with a lineup that is sure to impress both fans and newbies to the Seattle-based music and arts extravaganza alike.

This year, some of the greatest acts from the past, present, and perhaps the future will make an appearance. From famed dubstep maven Skrillex, to 1980s alt-rock sensation Jane’s Addiction, to even the legendary jazz crooner Tony Bennett–Bumbershoot’s got something for everyone to love this Labor Day weekend.

Get the line-up here!

Blink-182

Sad news for Blink-182 fans. The 1990s pop-punk sensation was slated to headline New Jersey’s annual Bamboozle Festival before drummer Travis Barker’s most unfortunate run in with a tonsillectomy. I guess even drummers need their vocals to be in tip top shape before performing in front of fans. Unfortunately, fans and newcomers to the band alike will need to wait a while to get their Blink fix–as in addition to Bamboozle, a majority of the band’s scheduled US tour dates have also been cancelled.

Get well, Travis!

Young the Giant

Whether it be such celebrated acts as Foster the People, Portugal the Man, or Young the Giant–there is definitely no shortage of up-and-coming indie pop/rock bands with names that follow the strangely popular formula of “(subject) the (object).” However, as it always should be, a band’s name always take a backseat to the quality of music it produces, and Young the Giant’s inspired take on the genre has catapulted the band to fame and stardom.

Although Young the Giant originated in sunny Irvine, California, the city of San Francisco holds some of its most die-hard fans. So it seems only natural that the band will be performing at the city’s annual Oysterfest being held this year in Golden Gate Park, and Young the Giant will be headlining on June 30th. If you’re a fan or even if you’re not quite sure yet, you owe it to yourself to check out this SoCal indie rock sensation.

André 3000 as Jimi Hendrix?

Although the iconic member of the dialectic hip-hop duo Outkast is certainly not the only hardcore Jimi Hendrix fan left in this world, he certainly wants to be the one to portray him in an upcoming biopic. André Benjamin is typically known as the more “progressive” aspect of the Outkast dyad–often incorporating elements of progressive and psychedelic rock into his act, in stark contrast to Antwan “Big Boi” Patton’s often heavy-handed hip-hop style. So it seems only natural that one of the proponents of Jimi Hendrix and his style of music in the hip-hop/rap medium would want to don the facade of the guitar god and portray him in an upcoming film about Hendrix’s life (without the support of Hendrix’s estate, however).

No matter how you look at it, with André 3000′s involvement, the film just got that much more interesting.

That’s it for this week’s “Best News Ever”–tune in next week, because you know the news just never stops!

RELATED LINKS

Full Flex Express Tour Official Website

Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival Official Website

Blink-182 Official Website

Young the Giant Official Website

Did we miss an announcement? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for updates on what we’re covering. You can stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android or iPhone. 

Washed Out’s recordings provide the perfect soundtrack to lose one’s self in deep thought. Its bedroom synthpop and chillwave sound is the type of music you might relax to while sitting at home, indecisively pondering your Friday evening plans. Conversely, when experiencing Washed Out live and in person, it is akin to the body-high you get when you make a decision, any decision, and feel instant gratification.

Last Friday, Washed Out played a sold out show at Mezzanine. When tickets went on sale in late February, it only took a few days for the event to officially sell out. Clearly, everyone who was in attendance at Mezzanine didn’t have to think about whether or not they wanted to go to the show–it was a foregone conclusion.

Originally, Washed Out began with just Ernest Greene when he produced songs in his bedroom studio in South Carolina. After making his music available online, Greene soon caught the attention of music bloggers and tastemakers. “Feel It All Around” is Washed Out’s most recognizable track, which is partly due to its usage as the opening theme song of the cable-television series Portlandia.

In live settings, Greene has a backing band on stage performing with him. As the roadies prepared the stage just before Washed Out’s performance, I took stock of the stage set-up. From left to right, there were multiple keyboards and synthesizers stationed at the front, and a drum-kit in the background.

Right away, the band sounded much more explosive than I imagined. At times, Greene’s soft soaring vocals got lost amid the thumping bass, but it’s a minimal gripe barely worth noting, and easily forgivable. At one point, the bassist’s guitar cord accidentally got disconnected from the amp, and it took a few moments to reconnect the instrument as the band kept playing. Albeit the nit-pickiest of nitpicky observations, it was a slight disruption to the flow of the show nonetheless. Washed Out’s set wasn’t perfectly flawless, but tracks like “You and I,” “Get Up” and “Before” were performed with smooth precision, and the band’s overall performance was more than satisfying. Good, booming bass that has the ability to envelope you, but not overwhelm you is hard to find. People with an aversion to dubstep will attest to that. Washed Out has seemingly found that sweet spot in between.

Photos by Joey Pangilinan. For more photos of Washed Out at Mezzanine [May 4, 2012]

RELATED LINKS

Washed Out Official Website

Mezzanine Official Website

eventseekr Facebook Page

Have you see Washed Out live before? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to give us a shout. You can also stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android, iPhone or Ovi.

The infamous San Francisco fog gave way to sunny skies and weather suitable for swimwear last Saturday. The temperature was raised even higher at Project Inform’s SwimWear For A Cause runway fundraiser. Project Inform is an organization that promotes activism and leadership to end HIV/AIDS. The organization was founded in 1985 and continues to educate people living with HIV about HIV care and treatment. Held poolside at the chic Phoenix Hotel, the runway event not only raised the heat but more importantly, raised awareness about this admirable organization.

Guests gather in anticipation for the show.

Guests mingled poolside, and lounged in cabanas. They soaked in the sun, sipped fruity cocktails, and nibbled on scrumptious hors d’oeuvres. The air was filled with a warm summer breeze and sounds from a stellar set spun by DJ DCM.

DJ DCM.

The show kicked off with an educational speech about awareness by Project Inform’s Executive Director, Dana Van Gorder. As the sun shone, models, provided by City Model Management, began parading around the pool donning the latest in swimwear.

Models walked the poolside runway.

Swimwear provided by Speedo and Macy’s were showcased. A few of the lines that were shown included DKNY, Nanette Lepore and Michael Kors. The models revealed bright, bold, statement-making pieces. The models were adorned with chunky bangles at the wrist and beach bags on their arms. As if a nod to the Kentucky Derby, some models wore sun-blocking floppy hats.

Models posed in bikinis with beautiful patterns.

As the sun began to set and the party winded down, gift bags were handed out. This event proved to be extremely hot–raising the heat, awareness and over $35,000! To learn more about Project Inform visit their site at www.projectinform.org.

RELATED LINKS

Project Inform Official Website

Phoenix Hotel Official Website

Did you attend the Project Inform pool party? Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for updates on what we’re covering. You can stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android or iPhone.

On May 8, Los Angeles’ Silversun Pickups will release its newest LP, Neck of the Woods. The album is the band’s third LP on Dangerbird Records, and is the follow up to the 2009 Grammy-nominated Swoon. If you’re in San Francisco on May 9, be sure to hit up Amoeba Music for a free show at the venerable record store in the city’s Haight District. The performance will start promptly at 6pm.

Peep the tracklist and the stream below:

1. Skin Graph

2. Make Believe

3. Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)

4. Busy Bees

5. Here We Are (Chancer)

6. Mean Spirits

7. Simmer

8. The Pit

9. Dots and Dashes (Enough Already)

10. Gun-Shine Sunshine

11. Out of Breath

RELATED LINKS

Silversun Pickups Official Website

Amoeba Music Official Website

What do you think of the new Silversun Pickups album? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to give us a shout. You can also stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android, iPhone or Ovi.

Adam Yauch died today at the age of 47. One third of the Beastie Boys, Yauch is better known to his fans wordwide as MCA. Mike Diamond (Mike D), Adam Horowitz (Ad-Rock) and Yauch formed the Beastie Boys in New York in the late 1970s. The group first started as a hardcore band. At the start of the ‘80s, the Beasties transitioned into a rap-trio.

As the group’s sound (punk, rap, rock, electronic, etc.) evolved throughout the years, so did each member’s creative and personal endeavors. MCA became an activist, and founded the Milarepa Fund, a non-profit organization that supports a free Tibet. As part of Milarepa, Yauch led in organizing the first Tibetan Freedom Concert, which was held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in 1996. The organization, as well as the series of Tibetan Freedom Concerts that followed, were founded to help promote activism and awareness of the injustices committed on native Tibetans by the occupational government in China.

Under the alias Nathanial Hörnblowér, Yauch also directed the music videos to Beastie Boys songs including “So Whatcha Want,” “Intergalactic,” and “Body Movin.” Yauch’s videos were always innovative and distinct. Last year, Yauch directed the short film Fight For Your Right Revisited, which was an extension of the group’s video for “Make Some Noise.” Elijah Wood, Danny McBride and Seth Rogen were featured as the Beastie Boys of yesteryear. In the story, the three younger Beasties are challenged to a dance off by their future selves as portrayed by Jack Black, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. Yauch also founded Oscilloscope Laboratories, a successful independent movie distributor. Through Oscilloscope, Yauch released his directorial debut in 2008, Gunnin’ For That #1, a basketball documentary.

When Yauch and his bandmates first formed the Beastie Boys, their goal was to merely follow their passions, which was to create good music.

The idea of three affluent Jewish kids trying to rap seemed like a novel concept, and it was something that was not lost on the trio. The Beastie Boys never took themselves too seriously, and probably more so than anyone else, they introduced irony to rap (and music in general). As MCs, each one possessed the type of wherewithal and talent that just could not be ignored.

While it is undeniable that the Beastie Boys are looked upon as a pioneering force in rap and hip-hop, they are musical icons because they pushed the boundaries of creativity. In crossing rap with elements of punk, dub, electronic, rock or any other genre they so chose, the trio managed to transcend any one type of musical style. As one third of the Beasties, Yauch’s contributions to the development of music and our culture cannot be overstated. This is why Yauch’s passing is felt well beyond just the music industry.

In the 12^th grade, as part of an exercise on how to tell a story, my English teacher asked the class to bring in a recording of a song. In fact, he wanted each one of us to bring in a ballad to share with class. Immediately, I knew what song I wanted to discuss: “Paul Revere” by the Beastie Boys.

One of the many reasons why I became a fan of the Beasties was because of their deft ability to tell a clear and concise story in each of their songs. No matter which direction they took musically, in the end, they weren’t trying to sound like anyone else. They always sounded like the Beastie Boys, and possessed an inherent honesty and positivity about whom and what they are–now that is a quality always worth admiring.

How will you remember MCA? Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for updates on what we’re covering. You can stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android or iPhone.

On April 19th, the fabulous Mission District art gallery Root Division hosted an evening of delicious food and beverages at its popular Taste 2012 event. In addition to giving visitors a sample of some of the best cuisine and drinks available in and around the Mission area, there were several exhibits that showcased the awesome talent of several Bay Area fine artists of all ages, as well as a silent auction that invited attendees to take some of their favorite displays home with them.

All proceeds from the event went towards supporting education in the arts at Root Division and other non-profit organizations throughout the Bay Area.

The selection of cuisine being offered at the gallery was, at first, a bit overwhelming. The fragrance of foods from all over the world filled the space with an incredibly appetizing aroma, and did much to compound our already nagging hunger. While there were some samples we tried that ended up being not so great, most dishes were indeed quite good, and a few were nothing short of heavenly.

This sumptuous dish is the creation of Adam Timney, a rising star chef at the now-famous Castro District restaurant Starbelly. This simple but incredibly tasty miniature sandwich highlights the rich texture of roasted porchetta, a savory and fatty cut of pork prepared in an Italian manner. The succulent slice of pork was seasoned with a light but flavorful chile sauce and nestled within a folded piece of grilled flat-bread. This sample was truly a highlight of the dishes on offer that evening, and trying it at the restaurant is truly a must.

A subtle twist on a classic Mexican favorite, these Tostadas de Mariscos (Seafood Tacos) showcased by Chef Telmo Faria from the very trendy Mission District taqueria Tacolicious, or “T-lish” for short, were quite delicious. This bite-sized appetizer included fresh shrimp and squid topped with just the right combination of cilantro, onions, cucumber and avocado. Even if you’re one of the few people who finds that avocado is not your thing, the savory fruit adds quite an interesting and subtle texture to the dish without being as heavy as traditional guacamole. These Seafood Tacos are indeed Mexican food done right.

The craft cocktails at the event were equally if not more impressive than the food. Many components of the drinks were either handcrafted (a majority of the drinks featured hand-cut ice) or carefully selected for their unique flavor profiles.

Dosa‘s South India Gin Punch was a refreshing mix of spice and seasonal fruit. Dosa Blade Gin, which is handcrafted near Belmont, features prominently in the drink, and is itself infused with the complex flavors of star anise, cardamom and curry. The gin is complemented perfectly by Rhuby liquer, which contains hints of rhubarb and cardamom as well. The result is a perfectly balanced, sweet, tangy and strong libation that you could sip all night.

This delicious cocktail was mixed by the masters over at Hog & Rocks, San Francisco’s first ham and oyster bar. Like the bar’s premise, the drink, simply called “Chile Old Fashioned,” is a creative wonder. This marvelous concoction of Partida Añejo tequila, maple syrup, chili tincture, as well as some orange and chocolate bitters was a near perfect synthesis of these complex flavors without being overpowering in the least bit. A beautiful, sweet and spicy Peppadew pepper acts as a garnish that adds a completely new dimension to an already fabulous take on tequila-based cocktails.

Overall, the Taste 2012 at Root Division on April 19th was a resounding success. Not only did we have the chance to enjoy some of the best food and drink being served at locations in the Mission District and its environs, but we also were able to see the burgeoning creativity of a new generation of artists that this gallery generously supports. The key driver that made this particular event a success was that each entity that donated their time and money did so in order to further a much greater goal: to give people of all ages the opportunity to create art, free from and unhindered by the various social restrictions that might otherwise keep them from doing so.

RELATED LINKS

Root Division Official Website

Starbelly Official Website

Tacolicious Official Website

Dosa’s Official Website

Hog & Rocks Official Website

Did you get to attend Taste 2012? Let us know what you think! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for updates on what we’re covering. You can stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android or iPhone. 

Today is that day of the week that Rebecca Black sings about, Friday, so that means it’s time to roll out another edition of eventseekr’s Best News Ever. There’s a whole lot of new event and tour news announcements out there on the interwebs, and our aim is to help you sort through some of it. What you’ll find below is  a shortlist of items that we think you should definitely know about for this week, April 27, 2012.

MODEST MOUSE

Modest Mouse announced a handful of June tour dates on the East Coast. One of the stops includes the Metallica-curated Orion Music & More Festival in Atlantic City. The band has been at work on new material, its even had a brainstorm session with Big Boi.

06/20 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
06/21 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
06/22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage A&E
06/23 – Atlanta City, NJ @ Orion Music + More
06/24 – New York, NY @ Governors Ball Music Festival
06/26 – Columbus, OH @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion

Björk cancels appearance at Sónar São Paulo

This week, Björk had to pull out of her headlining gig at the Sónar São Paulo festival due to a vocal cord nodule. In fact, earlier this month, Björk also had to cancel the last two shows of her Buenos Aires residency because of the nodule. Her doctors warned that she could cause permenent damage to her voice if she were to perform too soon. Set to take place on May 12, the festival’s lineup still includes Justice, Chromeo, Cee-Lo Green, and more.

TLC to Reunite

After Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg resurrected 2Pac in hologram form at Coachella, a number of debates on the matter have hit the music-blogosphere. Namely, whether or not it’s in good taste to ressurect–via hologram–other deceased musicans. Everyone from Jimi Hendrix to John Lennon has been bandied about. While Dre has gone on record to say that the hologram of 2Pac was strictly for Coachella, TMZ reported this week that Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas will go on tour with a hologram version of their departed bandmate Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. The report states that five shows have already been booked, and a full list of tour dates is also in the planning stages. Lopes died in a car accident in Honduras on April 25, 2002, exactly ten years to the day of TMZ’s report.

ANDREW BIRD

Fresh off his two weekends at Coachella, Andrew Bird has extended his current tour schedule. New tour dates include shows in the United Kingdom and Spain before heading back to the United States. In addition to headlining his own shows, Bird will be performing at festivals such as Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Soundtown Festival in Somerset and Outside Lands in San Francisco.

06/10 – Brighton, England @ Theatre Royal Brighton
06/12 – Madrid, Spain @ Teatro Circo Price
07/08 – Geneva, IL @ Fifth Third Bank Ballpark (w/Wilco)
07/10 – Raleigh, NC @ North Carolina Museum of Art
07/11 – Richmond, VA @ Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
07/14 – Louisville, KY @ Forecastle Festival
07/15 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
07/16 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark
07/18 – Montreal, Quebec @ Theatre De Verdure at Parc LaFontaine
07/19 – Toronto, Ontario @ Echo Beach
07/20 – Shelburne, VT @ The Green at Shelburne Museum
07/21 – Pawtucket, RI @ Hope Artiste Village Courtyard
07/27 – Somerset, WI @ Soundtown Festival
08/10 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands
08/11 – San Diego, CA @ The Spreckels Theatre
08/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
08/14 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
08/15 – Boulder, CO @ Chautauqua Auditorium
08/17 – Denver, CO @ Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
08/18 – Jackson, WY @ Jackson Hole Center for the Arts
08/20 – Omaha, NE @ Peter Kiewit Concert Hall
08/21 – Des Moines, IA @ Simon Estes Amphitheatre
11/08 – London, England @ Roundhouse

HARD Summer

The producers of HARD Summer went HAM for its 2012 lineup. Headliners for this year’s edition are Skrillex, Boys Noize and Bloc Party. The two-day festival will go down in Southern California’s LA State Historic Park on August 3th and 4th. Other notable music names on the lineup include James Murphy, A-Trak, Magnetic Man, Chromeo (DJ-set), Little Dragon, and a host of others. Tickets are available now.

RELATED LINKS

Modest Mouse Official Website

Björk Official Website

TLC Official Facebook

Andrew Bird Official Website

HARD Summer Official Website

Did we miss an announcement? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for updates on what we’re covering. You can stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android or iPhone. 

On April 18, Program 2 of Alonzo King LINES Ballet at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts‘ Novellus Theater featured two pieces: Migration and Scheherazade. Though Scheherazade was undoubtedly the main event of the night, Migration proved to be no less dramatic, displaying the full force of the troupe in an impactful performance.

The piece explores the “hierarchical migration of birds and mammals,” and depicts the struggles inherent to change/migration through dynamic pas de deuxs and solos. Zack Tang and Meredith Webster performed beautifully together, illustrating the push and pull that couples invariably go through during a lifelong journey. Though the company comes out as a “flock” at times, the individual performers are never fully in sync. The piece is an organic one–seemingly loose in its choreography–wherein each member’s individual migration across and above the stage melds into a powerhouse performance.

Caroline Rocher, Scheherazade; Photo by RJ Muna

After a short intermission, the audience was primed to watch Scheherazade, a piece that was commissioned by the Monaco Dance Forum to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. This work was aurally and visually stunning. Zakir Hussain’s reinterpretation of Rimsky-Korsakov’s music seems to distill it to its most heartfelt parts, leaving the heft of the symphony orchestra behind in favor of a mix of Western and ancient Persian instruments–the combination is one that affects the listener on a primal level. Indeed, King’s version of this classic ballet trims all the fat from the production, turning it into a minimalist though still remarkably rich and textured piece of work.

King’s Scheherazade managed to take out any “exoticism” that would make you feel as though you were watching something from a foreign land. Colleen Quen and Robert Roenwasser’s sparkling costumes for the women and simple, flowing trousers for the men were dazzling, but were not stereotypical costumes that could be identified as particularly Middle Eastern. These costumes gave the production a timeless, global feel, and allowed the dancers themselves to dazzle the audience with their lyrical movements.

Rosenwasser’s set featured a backdrop of shimmering material that was highlighted to great effect by Axel Morgenthaler’s dramatic lighting design. A billowing piece of glowing fabric, reminiscent of a ship’s sail, hung from the ceiling, creating a dim, glowing dreamscape in which the dancers had their alternatively romantic/action-packed interludes.

In the retelling of this fantastical story, King and his company used these deceptively simple costumes and sets to immerse the audience completely in Scheherazade’s world, pulling the viewer in with beautifully executed movements that are rife with emotion. By putting a contemporary twist on this classic ballet, LINES has unequivocally succeeded in updating Scheherazade for the modern audience.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet will be performing Resin (reviewed here) and Scheherazade at the Joyce Theater in New York from May 8 to May 13.

RELATED LINKS

Alonzo King LINES Ballet

What do you think of LINES Ballet? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to give us a shout. You can also stay on top of exciting events from around the world by downloading the eventseekr app for Android, iPhone or Ovi.