Photo by Philip Laubner
Ian Hesford brings the twang during a rhythmic assault with his kubing, a mouth harp originally from the Philippines and the first type of mouth harp known to exist. Hesford and his band Telesma created a hypnotic stew during Saturday’s Visionary Gathering. Their audience has come to expect nothing less.
Caption and photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Joanne Berman Juskus of Telesma basks in the light of a transcendent performance during the show. Telesma is set to premier their concert DVD, ‘Hearing Visions Live’ at The Senator Theater June 19.
Caption and photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Aaron Krosner
While on stage, Adam Scott Miller utilizes a headlamp to help illuminate his mystic and mysterious painting during the show. Miller got his BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art and his MFA in painting from the Massachusetts College of Art.
Caption and photo by Aaron Krosner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Zach Morehouse and Visionary Gathering producer Neil Kurland on stage at Sonar. Morehouse’s concert footage and work has been featured on the Travel Channel, Rolling Stone’s web site, Gutter and SEN magazines. Morehouse is also the filmmaker behind Telesma’s soon to be released concert DVD, ‘Hearing Visions Live.’
Caption and photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
DJ Neil Kurland during lift off on Saturday night at the Visionary Gathering at Sonar. Neil along with Grace Walter (who just happens to be in the front row, second woman to the left of his foot) are the forces behind Soul Mob Productions. Soul Mob has taken on the monumental task of producing the Visionary Gatherings and have done so expertly.
Kurland, formerly known as DJ Knowledge, has been an omnipresent force in the Baltimore music scene for over a decade.
Caption and photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Brooke Hall
Josh Melton, Clay Williamson, Nicole Mert, CJ Mcaboy and Billy Reed.
Josh Melton wins this week’s highly coveted and prestigious ‘Though You Look Like You’re Wasted In This Picture It’s Only Because You Closed Your Eyes When The Flash Went Off and We Can Attest to the Fact that You Handled Yourself Quite Well At This Point In The Night’ award. Congratulations, you’ve earned it.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Simon Pulsford aka Shpongle blesses the audience and leads the charge during Saturday night’s Visionary Gathering II: Deep in the Shpongle at Sonar.
Caption and photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Brian Sacawa, curator of the Mobtown Modern music series and the Contemporary Museum’s Executive Director, Irene Hoffman, at the Metro Gallery where award-winning jazz arranger Darryl Brenzel premiered his “jazz rite,” a big band adaptation of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.
Caption and photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring was a startling revelation to those who were comfortable with conventional classical ballet. At the premier in 1913 catcalls led to arguments, which soon gave way to fist fights, and the ensuing riot was not entirely unlike the one at the Altamont Speedway Free Festival minus the LSD, Rolling Stones and Hells Angels.
Photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Darryl Brenzel’s adaptation of Rite of Spring was an inspired choice and we’re happy to have documented it. These performances also highlight the importance of having an organization like Mobtown Modern in Baltimore. Their role in the cultural tapestry of the city is invaluable and much appreciated.
Photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Brooke Hall
Rhymes With Opera unveiled the world premier of Book of Gazes, a composition by Jenny Olivia Johnson, at the Annex Theatre this weekend. The production, featuring the hip hop band Soul Cannon, was said by Johnson to be rooted in the recollection of a dream that she once had. While dreams are often the impetus for creativity, they can often be the most difficult subject to render. Book of Gazes frames its theme elegantly.
Photo by Brooke Hall
This idea plays out in a melancholy indie pop sensibility that gives way to moments of fleeting dissonance and unsettling time signatures. The characters in the piece return to themes time and again in what appears to be an effort to recreate a sense of déjà vu. All of these elements combined with the video projection were indeed successful at giving us a sensation similar to the one experienced when in the midst of waking, yet still not quite finished dreaming.
Photo by Brooke Hall
The evening came to a close after the chairs were removed allowing Soul Cannon to perform and bring the boogie down hard on Station North which proves the notion that Hip Hop can compliment any occasion if given the proper leeway.
Rhymes with Opera is taking the Book of Gazes on the road so forward this email to your friends in Philly and New York and tell them to follow the link for details.
