2.0-//104.168.145.88//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.26.9//GREGORIANPUBLISHhttps://www.eighthblackbird.orgAmerica/ChicagoAmerica/ChicagoAmerica/Chicago2021-11-07T02:00:002022-11-06T02:00:00CST-05:00-06:002021-03-14T02:00:002022-03-13T02:00:00CDT-06:00-05:00ai1ec-46041@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZUniversity of Richmond Residency2018-10-292018-11-04en-USResidencies0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/university-of-richmond-residency-5/freeai1ec-46079@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZThird Practice Electroacoustic Music Festival<p><a href="http://thirdpractice.org/3p18/schedule.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> for a full schedule of the festival, and for more information. </p>2018-11-022018-11-04en-USFestivals,Residencies+37.574386-77.542125Camp Concert Hall @ 455 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173, USA0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/third-practice-electroacoustic-music-festival/freeai1ec-46548@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZEugene Residency Activities<p>We’ll be participating in a number of residency activities during our time in Eugene. For a full list of activities, <a href="https://eugenesymphony.org/events/special-events/artist-residency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. </p>2018-11-122018-11-15en-USResidencieshttps://eugenesymphony.org/events/special-events/artist-residency0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/eugene-residency-activities/freeai1ec-46045@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZUNCSA Residency2019-01-312019-02-03en-USResidenciesUNCSA - Winston Salem, NC @ 1533 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 271270https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/uncsa-residency/freeai1ec-46046@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZUniversity of Richmond Residency2019-02-042019-02-08en-USResidenciesModlin Center for the Arts - Richmond, VA @ 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 231730https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/university-of-richmond-residency-6/freeai1ec-46047@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZJefferson College Residency<p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.jeffco.edu/community-outreach/performing-arts/pace/upcoming-pace-event">https://www.jeffco.edu/community-outreach/performing-arts/pace/upcoming-pace-event</a>.</p>2019-02-142019-02-15en-USResidenciesJefferson College - Hillsboro, MO @ 1000 Viking Drive Hillsboro, MO 630500https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/jefferson-college-residency/externalhttps://www.jeffco.edu/community-outreach/performing-arts/pace/upcoming-pace-eventai1ec-46053@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZUniversity of Richmond Residency2019-03-042019-03-08en-USResidenciesModlin Center for the Arts - Richmond, VA @ 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 231730https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/university-of-richmond-residency-7/freeai1ec-46054@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZTucker-Boatwright Festival<p><strong>Program</strong></p> <p>Nina Shekhar: <em>ice ‘n’ SPICE</em><br /> Alex Mills: <em>Four Rain-Begging Songs</em> – World Premiere<br /> Fjola Evans: <em>Eroding</em><br /> Viet Cuong: <em>Electric Aroma</em><br /> -intermission-<br /> Nathalie Joachim: <em>Madam Bellegarde</em><br /> Angélica Negrón: <em>Quimbombó</em><br /> Jonathan Bailey Holland: <em>The Clarity of Cold Air</em><br /> Julius Eastman: <em>Stay On It</em></p>2019-03-072019-03-08en-USConcerts,ResidenciesModlin Center for the Arts - Richmond, VA @ 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond VA 231730https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/tucker-boatwright-festival/freeai1ec-46056@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZUniversity of Richmond Residency2019-04-022019-04-07en-USResidenciesModlin Center for the Arts - Richmond, VA @ 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 231730https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/university-of-richmond-residency-8/freeai1ec-70254@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZKarim Sulayman, tenor<hr /> <p><em>The Chicago Artists Workshop Presents:</em></p> <p><strong>Karim Sulayman, tenor</strong></p> <p>Lebanese-American tenor Karim Sulayman has garnered international attention as a sophisticated and versatile artist, consistently praised for his sensitive and intelligent musicianship, riveting stage presence, and beautiful voice. A 2019 GRAMMY® Award-winner, he regularly performs on the world’s stages in orchestral concerts and opera, as well as in recital and chamber music.</p> <p><img data-attachment-id="70233" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/sulaymanctbd06-1/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?fit=2100%2C1400&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2100,1400" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"8","credit":"JON WES","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark IV","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1570353583","copyright":"","focal_length":"88","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.008","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Sulaymanctbd06-1" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-70233 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=462%2C308&ssl=1" alt="" width="462" height="308" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=1350%2C900&ssl=1 1350w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&ssl=1 2048w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=1600%2C1067&ssl=1 1600w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 462px) 100vw, 462px" data-recalc-dims="1" />His diverse performing career has included roles with the Drottningholms Slottsteater in Stockholm, Houston Grand Opera, Florentine Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Chicago Opera Theater and New York City Opera; orchestral appearances with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, and National Symphony Orchestras and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra; and engagements at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, International Bach Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, the Aldeburgh Festival, and the Marlboro Music Festival.</p> <p>His growing discography includes his debut solo album, Songs of Orpheus, which was released in April<br /> 2018 to international acclaim on the AVIE label. Named “Critic’s Choice” by Opera News, and praised for his “lucid, velvety tenor and pop-star charisma” by BBC Music Magazine, the album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Traditional Classical Chart and number 3 on the iTunes Classical Chart, and was honored with the GRAMMY® Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album in 2019. His sophomore solo recording project, an album of Schubert songs with fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, Where Only Stars Can Hear Us, will be released in March 2020, also on the AVIE label. He is also featured in the ARTE documentary Leonard Bernstein – A Genius Divided, which premiered throughout Europe in the summer of 2018 and was subsequently released on DVD. His performance of Bernstein’s Mass with the CSO was recorded live and is slated for national broadcast on PBS Great Performances in 2020.</p> <p>Additionally, Karim created a social experiment/performance art piece called I Trust You, designed to build bridges in a divided political climate. A video version of this experiment went “viral” on the internet, and was honored as a prizewinner in the My Hero Film Festival. He has been invited to give talks and hold open forums with student and adult groups about inclusion, empathy, healing from racism, and activism through the arts.</p> <p>—</p> <p>PROGRAM</p> <p>Nous Voulons un Petit Soeur (1934) – Poulenc<br /> Lune d’Avril (1960) – Poulenc<br /> Lost and Lookin’ – Sam Cooke<br /> Bleuet (1939) – Poulenc<br /> Suéltate las cintas (2004)- Gustavo Santaolalla<br /> C. (1943) – Poulenc<br /> Fêtes Galantes (1943) – Poulenc<br /> Li Beirut (1984) – Fairouz<br /> My Dearest Ruth (2013) – Stacy Garrop<br /> Piano Piece #4 (1977) – Frederic Rzewksi<br /> Tomorrow’s Gonna Be A Better Day (2013) – Billy Bragg</p> <p><em>Program repertoire is subject to change.</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10_20_2020-Karim-Sulayman-Program-Notes-1.pdf">Click here for program notes, texts, and translations.</a></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-karim-sulayman-tenor-october-20-2020/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-karim-sulayman-tenor-october-20-2020/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2020-10-20T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/karim-sulayman-tenor/externalthumbnail;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=462%2C308&ssl=1;462;308,medium;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=462%2C308&ssl=1;462;308,large;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=462%2C308&ssl=1;462;308,full;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sulaymanctbd06-1.jpg?resize=462%2C308&ssl=1;462;308https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-karim-sulayman-tenor-october-20-2020/1ai1ec-70147@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZRebecca Rego featuring Leah Casey – Songs for Cleaning Women<hr /> <p><em>The Chicago Artists Workshop Presents:</em></p> <p><strong>Rebecca Rego featuring Leah Casey – Songs for Cleaning Women</strong></p> <p>Rebecca Rego has been a Midwest singer-songwriter, recording artist, and producer for over 15 years. She has written and recorded eight albums and toured the country many times over, solo and with her Chicago-based band The Trainmen.</p> <figure id="attachment_70408" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70408" style="width: 471px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img data-attachment-id="70408" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/rebecca-rego-songs-for-cleaning-women/rebecca-rego-photo-by-chet-white/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"3.5","credit":"Chet White","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark IV","caption":"Rebecca Rego.\\r\\rPhoto by Chet White","created_timestamp":"1599779364","copyright":"Rebecca Rego","focal_length":"70","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.005","title":"Rebecca Rego.\\r\\rPhoto by Chet White","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Rebecca Rego.Photo by Chet White" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-70408 " src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1.jpg?resize=471%2C315&ssl=1" alt="" width="471" height="315" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1350%2C900&ssl=1 1350w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&ssl=1 2048w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?resize=400%2C267&ssl=1 400w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1-scaled.jpg?w=2160&ssl=1 2160w" sizes="(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px" data-recalc-dims="1" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70408" class="wp-caption-text">Rebecca Rego. Photo by Chet White</figcaption></figure> <p>In 2014, a mysterious package arrived on her doorstep.In it was Lucia Berlin’s short story collection, “A Manual For Cleaning Women.” The note simply said: “I think you’ll love this.” As Rego began picking through the dark, witty, romantic prose, the stories slowly began to seep into her consciousness and affect her songwriting. After a few years, she realized she had created a unique set of songs based on Berlin’s book.</p> <p>In the fall of 2019, Rego traveled to Northern California, where a handful of Berlin’s stories take place, and recorded six of these songs at Panoramic Studio in Stinson Beach with engineer Beau Sorenson (Death Cab For Cutie, tUnE-yArDs,) backed by multi-instrumentalist J. Tom Hnatow (Horse Feathers, Ringo Starr,) and Alysia Kraft, Staci Foster, and Tobias Bank of Fort Collins, CO based band Whippoorwill. The resulting album “Songs For Cleaning Women Pt. 1” will be released November 11, 2020. The release will be celebrated with a livestreaming performance during Grammy Award-winning music ensemble Eighth Blackbird’s “Chicago Artists Workshop” series.</p> <p>As an independent female artist, Rego is influenced by the unflinching, raw honesty found in Berlin’s art. Many of Berlin’s stories are semi-autobiographical accounts of her time working blue-collar jobs, raising four children as a single mother, and dealing with her own alcoholism. Berlin died in 2004, never receiving critical acclaim in her own lifetime. Rego’s goal with this release is to pay homage to Berlin’s stories and introduce new audiences to her work.</p> <p>Rebecca will be joined by <strong>Leah Casey</strong>, a Chicago-based actress, writer, and dancer with a love for fictional podcasts.</p> <p><img data-attachment-id="70354" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/rebecca-rego-songs-for-cleaning-women/leah-casey/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?fit=900%2C1280&ssl=1" data-orig-size="900,1280" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark III","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1576191956","copyright":"","focal_length":"85","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.008","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Leah Casey" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?fit=338%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?fit=633%2C900&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-70354 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?resize=284%2C404&ssl=1" alt="" width="284" height="404" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?resize=338%2C480&ssl=1 338w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?resize=633%2C900&ssl=1 633w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?resize=450%2C640&ssl=1 450w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?resize=400%2C569&ssl=1 400w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Leah-Casey.jpeg?w=900&ssl=1 900w" sizes="(max-width: 284px) 100vw, 284px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></p> <p>Some of her previous credits include Frankenstein with Manual Cinema, For Colored Girls at Court Theatre, and Romeo and Juliet with Teatro Vista. When not onstage, she can be found behind the mic as Rebecca Neil, a reporter for The Onion’s daily news podcast, The Topical, or working with the cast of Project STELLAR, a science fiction podcast about a group of crazy kids who have close encounters of the awesome kind.</p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-rebecca-rego-november-11-2020/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-rebecca-rego-november-11-2020/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2020-11-11T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/rebecca-rego-songs-for-cleaning-women/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1.jpg?resize=471%2C315&ssl=1;471;315,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1.jpg?resize=471%2C315&ssl=1;471;315,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1.jpg?resize=471%2C315&ssl=1;471;315,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pressphoto-1.jpg?resize=471%2C315&ssl=1;471;315https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-rebecca-rego-november-11-2020/1ai1ec-70255@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZJustin Roberts and Anna Steinhoff<hr /> <p><em>The Chicago Artists Workshop Presents:</em></p> <p><strong>Justin Roberts and Anna Steinhoff</strong></p> <p>For nearly 20 years, Justin Roberts has been creating the soundtrack to families’ lives, helping kids navigate the joys and sorrows of growing up while allowing parents to remember their own childhoods. Along with his band, The Not Ready for Naptime Players, Justin has travelled the globe from Hong Kong to New York, and Miami to Seattle, performing at venues and festivals such as LEGO land, Ravinia, Lollapolooza and Austin City Limits festival. Justin has performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he’s been featured on Nick Jr. TV, and has received three GRAMMY nominations for his work.</p> <p><img data-attachment-id="70250" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/?attachment_id=70250" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?fit=640%2C632&ssl=1" data-orig-size="640,632" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 11 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1582043068","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="image4" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?fit=486%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?fit=640%2C632&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-70250 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=422%2C417&ssl=1" alt="" width="422" height="417" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=486%2C480&ssl=1 486w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 32w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=45%2C45&ssl=1 45w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?w=640&ssl=1 640w" sizes="(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px" data-recalc-dims="1" />On the other end of the musical spectrum, Anna Steinhoff specializes in baroque cello and viola da gamba, in addition to the modern cello. She is principal cellist of the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, and is a member of the Haymarket Opera Company, Third Coast Baroque, Wayward Sisters and Second City Musick.</p> <p>Justin’s latest album, Wild Life, is his 14th album for families and his most personal project yet. Inspired by the birth of their first child, Justin wrote cello parts for Anna into almost every track. They were joined by an eclectic group of instrumentalists including pianist Lisa Kaplan (Eighth Blackbird), percussionist Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks), and vocalist Nora O’Connor (Flat Five, the Decemberists). Wild Life includes songs about anticipation, uncertainty, unconditional love and advice for a life well-lived, and aims to evoke the wonder of what poet Mary Oliver called this “one wild and precious life.”</p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-justin-roberts-and-anna-steinhoff-november-18-2020/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-justin-roberts-and-anna-steinhoff-november-18-2020/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2020-11-18T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/justin-roberts-and-anna-steinhoff/externalthumbnail;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=422%2C417&ssl=1;422;417,medium;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=422%2C417&ssl=1;422;417,large;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=422%2C417&ssl=1;422;417,full;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image4.jpeg?resize=422%2C417&ssl=1;422;417https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-justin-roberts-and-anna-steinhoff-november-18-2020/1ai1ec-70256@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZXuan<hr /> <p><em>The Chicago Artists Workshop Presents:</em></p> <p><strong>Xuan</strong></p> <p>Xuan is a new media artist, filmmaker, and pianist working at the intersection of music, visual art, and technology.</p> <figure id="attachment_65519" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65519" style="width: 392px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img data-attachment-id="65519" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/about/collaborators/zhang_amy-headshot/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?fit=1696%2C1696&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1696,1696" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Zhang_Amy-headshot" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?fit=480%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?fit=720%2C720&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-65519" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623-480x480.jpg?resize=392%2C392&ssl=1" alt="" width="392" height="392" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1 480w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1 900w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 32w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=440%2C440&ssl=1 440w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=45%2C45&ssl=1 45w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=1600%2C1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?w=1696&ssl=1 1696w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623.jpg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 392px) 100vw, 392px" data-recalc-dims="1" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-65519" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by: Nadine Sherman</figcaption></figure> <p>Her work focuses on the distinct interconnectivity between sound and image, and encompasses experimental animation, narrative documentary shorts, music videos, abstract scenography, interactive installations and real time audio-visual programming. With a background as a contemporary classical pianist, she actively develops innovative, cross-disciplinary projects that broaden the immersive scope of new music through technology.</p> <p>She has collaborated with artists such as Glenn Kotche, Pierre Jodlowski, Michael Burritt, Gemma Peacocke, Annika Socolofsky, Third Coast Percussion, Nois Quartet, Parhelion Trio, Rubiks Collective, and Ensemble Garage, which have led to performances at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MCA Chicago, the Smithsonian Institution, University of South Carolina, Carnegie Mellon University, Constellation, SF Jazz, Le Poisson Rouge, and the Indie Grits Film Festival. Recent projects in interactive design have been exhibited at the ErsterErster Gallery in Berlin, DE, the ibug Urban Art Festival in Reinchenbach, DE, and Design Biennale 2019 in Zürich, CH.</p> <p>Xuan is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and has studied Media Spaces at the BTK University of Art and Design in Berlin.</p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-xuan-december-1-2020/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-xuan-december-1-2020/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2020-12-01T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/xuan/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623-480x480.jpg?resize=392%2C392&ssl=1;392;392,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623-480x480.jpg?resize=392%2C392&ssl=1;392;392,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623-480x480.jpg?resize=392%2C392&ssl=1;392;392,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Zhang_Amy-headshot-scaled-e1579637552623-480x480.jpg?resize=392%2C392&ssl=1;392;392https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-xuan-december-1-2020/1ai1ec-71031@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZJ. Ivy<hr /> <p><em>The Chicago Artists Workshop Presents:</em></p> <p><strong>J. Ivy</strong></p> <p>J. Ivy is an Award Winning Performance Poet, Recording Artist, Song Writer, Author and Actor. Over the years his work has earned him a Peabody, Clio, Telly, and NAACP Image Award and he is widely known for being the “Poet” featured on Kanye West’s Grammy Winning Album, “The College Dropout,” on the classic song “Never Let Me Down,” along with Hip-Hop icon Jay-Z.</p> <p><img data-attachment-id="70253" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/?attachment_id=70253" data-orig-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C2048&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,2048" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"9","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 80D","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1581531466","copyright":"","focal_length":"85","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.005","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="J. Ivy headshot" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot-scaled.jpg?fit=600%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot-scaled.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-70253 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot.jpg?resize=448%2C358&ssl=1" alt="" width="448" height="358" data-recalc-dims="1" />Early in his career Ivy was featured on three seasons of HBO’s Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry. From there his work has been featured everywhere from commercials to classrooms. From hosting and performing at conferences for Deepak Chopra to penning and performing a poem for the NBA Hall of Fame Legend Michael Jordan, J. Ivy has used his unique style of poetry to navigate the art form to arenas of all facets. He has poetically narrated, acted, and starred in two B.E.T. documentaries, “Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ” and “Martin: The Legacy of a King,” which paid homage to two of the world’s most iconic voices. He has done voice-over work for dozens of commercials, starred as the spokesperson in AARP’s national ad, and can be heard on Coca-Cola’s new History Shakers commercial. The author of three books, his latest being “Dear Father: Breaking the Cycle of Pain,” has inspired many to pick up the pen and write their own Dear Father Letter in hopes to promote the Power of Forgiveness. After the world shut down due to Covid-19, in July of 2020, J. Ivy wrote and narrated Beyoncé’s Black Is King promo for the Return of the NBA.</p> <p>Not only has he collaborated with countless musical artist, J.Ivy has recently released his 4th studio album, “Catching Dreams,” which is a beautiful blend of poetry and music. He also recently finished co-writing and co-producing, singer-song-writer, Tarrey Torae’s upcoming album, “Thanks for the Love,” and co-wrote the new song, “Freedom Ride” with Grammy Nominated House Music Legend, DJ Terry Hunter, which is also by Ms. Torae. He is the Poet Laureate for the famed visual artist Ernie Barnes’ Foundation.</p> <p>A fun fact for many, is J. Ivy is the man who gave Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award-Winning singer, songwriter, actor, and activist John Stephens the stage name John Legend, as told by John himself on Oprah’s Next Chapter. In 2019 J. Ivy became the first Spoken Word Artist to hold a Chapter President’s seat (Chicago Chapter) in the history of the Recording Academy.</p> <div><i>This program is partially supported by a grant from Illinois Arts Council Agency. </i></div><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-j-ivy-december-8-2020/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-j-ivy-december-8-2020/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2020-12-08T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/j-ivy-2/externalthumbnail;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot.jpg?resize=448%2C358&ssl=1;448;358,medium;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot.jpg?resize=448%2C358&ssl=1;448;358,large;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot.jpg?resize=448%2C358&ssl=1;448;358,full;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/J.-Ivy-headshot.jpg?resize=448%2C358&ssl=1;448;358https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-j-ivy-december-8-2020/1ai1ec-70257@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZTarrey Torae<hr /> <p><em>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents: </em>Tarrey Torae</p> <div> <p><img data-attachment-id="71033" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/tarrey-torae/474a9031/" data-orig-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"7.1","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 7D Mark II","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1567394498","copyright":"","focal_length":"40","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.005","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="474A9031" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-71033 alignleft" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=507%2C338&ssl=1" alt="" width="507" height="338" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?w=2560&ssl=1 2560w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=1350%2C900&ssl=1 1350w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&ssl=1 2048w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=1600%2C1067&ssl=1 1600w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?w=2160&ssl=1 2160w" sizes="(max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Chicago bred, but southern at heart, Tarrey Torae’s melodic presence springs from the crossroads of city living, southern geniality, essential womanhood, and passionate soul. No amateur to music, Tarrey is a 6x Apollo Winner and has appeared on 2 GRAMMY Award Winning Albums for her work with Kanye West on <em>The College Drop Out</em> and John Legend’s, <em>Get Lifted</em>.</p> <p>This musical powerhouse has performed on stages with The Roots, Common, Talib Kweli, Patti Labelle and Stevie Wonder and has shared stages with the likes of Jill Scott, Mos Def, Nas, Usher, Anthony Hamilton, Faith Evans, Dave Chappelle, Lupe Fiasco, Cee Lo Green, Little Brother, El Debarge, Lyfe Jennings, Eric Roberson, India.Arie, Amel Larrieux, Erykah Badu, Miguel, Marsha Ambrosius, Roy Ayers, Snoop Dogg, the late great Gil‐Scott Heron, Will.I.Am, and many more.</p> <p>Along with her audacious voice, her songwriting skills have been featured on Platinum & Gold records with Kanye West, John Legend, & Freeway. She’s also been on records with Talib Kweli, DMX, J. Ivy, Pete Rock, and The Last Poets, and has been commissioned to do work in the advertisement world for brands such as All State, General Mills, Ford, and Toyota.</p> <p>Beyond singing and writing, her acting background has extended to theater, film and television, where she landed the lead role on the Off‐Broadway play “Me and My Shadow.” She also appeared on an episode of the Emmy Award Winning Drama Series “ER,” and in an independent comedy called “Not Another Black Film” (Amazon 2017). Recently she has taken on a new role in the upcoming film “Hal King” and is playing the character named Madame Quickly, which is set to release in the summer of 2018.</p> <p>Some of Torae’s other endeavors include the release of her album, The Sweetest Survivor, her House Music singles, Marching On, Let It Go, and most recently, Freedom Ride. Freedom Ride was produced by Grammy Nominated House Legend, DJ Terry Hunter. Tarrey is currently preparing for the release of her upcoming R&B Soul album, as she continues to tour with the Iconic Hip-Hop Legend Slick Rick the Ruler, and International Award-winning Poet, J. Ivy.</p> <p>Further, Tarrey works in the community with children and young adults giving self‐esteem and creative workshops. An example of this can be seen in her music video titled, Little Girl. With Tarrey Torae’s talent and creative fervor, she is bound to leave a timeless mark on music and art.</p> </div><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-tarrey-torae/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-tarrey-torae/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-02-13T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/tarrey-torae/externalthumbnail;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=507%2C338&ssl=1;507;338,medium;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=507%2C338&ssl=1;507;338,large;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=507%2C338&ssl=1;507;338,full;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/474A9031-scaled.jpg?resize=507%2C338&ssl=1;507;338https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-tarrey-torae/1ai1ec-71048@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZTom Lee<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</em>: Tom Lee</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img data-attachment-id="71084" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/tom-lee/tom_lee_sm_creditayumisakamoto/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?fit=997%2C997&ssl=1" data-orig-size="997,997" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?fit=480%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?fit=720%2C720&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71084 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=408%2C408&ssl=1" alt="" width="408" height="408" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?w=997&ssl=1 997w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1 480w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1 900w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 32w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=440%2C440&ssl=1 440w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=45%2C45&ssl=1 45w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w" sizes="(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></span></p> <p><strong>The Great Zodiac Animal Race</strong><br /> Growing up in Hawai’i, Tom Lee’s memories of Lunar New Year included narcissus blooms, tasty dim sum dishes and bowing to your elders before running off to your room to open your lucky red envelope with money in it! Tom Lee retells the classic Lunar New Year zodiac tale with shadow puppet animals inspired by Asian languages and pictograms. Suitable for all ages.</p> <p>Stream begins 6pm CT/7pm ET/4pm PT.</p> <p>A recorded version of the show will be available at the same link starting at 12:00am CT on 2/28 until 11:59pm CT on 3/1.</p> <p>—</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Mililani, Hawai’i, Tom Lee is a director, designer and </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">puppet artist based in New York & Chicago. Mr. Lee began his career at La MaMa Experimental </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theater in New York with the encouragement of Ellen Stewart and, later, the St. Ann’s </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Warehouse Puppet Lab. His original puppet theater work includes Shank’s Mare (La MaMa, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">International Tours), Hoplite Diary (St. Ann’s, La MaMa), Tomte (Chicago International Puppet </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theater Festival), Odysseus and Ajax (La MaMa) and Ko’olau (La MaMa/Hawai’i tour). Mr. Lee </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">directed & designed puppetry for Pinocchio with the House Theater of Chicago, The Scarlet </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ibis by Stefan Weisman and David Cote at the Prototype New Opera Festival and for the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">National Asian American Theatre Company, among others. Mr. Lee collaborated with director </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Earnhart on a multimedia staging of Haruki Murakami’s The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">for which he designed the scenery, puppetry and projected puppet miniatures at the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Edinburgh International Festival in 2011 and the Singapore Arts Festival in 2012.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr. Lee has performed extensively as a puppeteer, including the Tony Award-winning </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">War Horse at Lincoln Center Theater with puppetry by Handspring Puppet Company of South </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Africa. He is a principal puppeteer of Cio-Cio-san’s child in the late Anthony Minghella’s </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">production of Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera with puppetry by Blind Summit </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theatre. Tom directed the puppetry for the Giants Are Small production of Petrushka with the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">New York Philharmonic on tour at London’s Barbican Centre and was a puppeteer in Le Grand </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Macabre at Avery Fisher Hall directed by Doug Fitch and conducted by Alan Gilbert. He has </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">performed in Dan Hurlin’s Obie-award winning puppet work Hiroshima Maiden and Disfarmer, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">on tour and at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn. Tom recently performed in Lee Breuer’s epic </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">puppet opera La Divina Caricatura at La MaMa.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tom’s theater design work includes puppets, projections and sets for Lookingglass </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theater, Yoshiko Chuma, Bora Yoon, Tom O’Horgan, Czechoslovak American Marionette </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theatre, Paper Canoe Company, The Georgia Shakespeare Festival, Christopher Williams, The </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Swedish Marionette Cottage, The Stonington Opera House, Lone Wolf Tribe and Ellen Stewart, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">among others. In 2013, he designed the Korean pop musical The Lost Garden, directed by </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">June-Young Soh and premiered at the Shanghai Mercedes Benz Arena in China.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2005, supported by the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Designers, Tom </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">spent two months studying traditional and contemporary puppetry throughout Japan. He </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">studied with Koryu Nishikawa V, headmaster of Hachioji Kuruma Ningyō (cart puppet theatre </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">company) with whom he has maintained an ongoing creative relationship. Tom Lee and Koryu </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nishikawa V developed Shank’s Mare, a collaborative puppet theatre work using the kuruma </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ningyō style. Mr. Lee’s work has received support from The Jim Henson Foundation, The Japan </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Foundation NY, The TCG/Andrew W. Mellon In the Lab Program, The TCG/ITI Travel Grant </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Program, The Trust for Mutual Understanding, The Pennsylvania Council for the Arts, The NYC </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Department of Cultural Affairs, Japan Foundation, Asian Cultural Council, The Puppet Lab at </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">St. Ann’s Warehouse and artist residences at High Concept Labs at Mana Contemporary </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chicago, Sarah Lawrence College, The Rhodophi International Theater Laboratory (Bulgaria), </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Ringling Museum of Art, The Jim Henson Carriage House and Hachioji Kuruma Ningyō.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tom was a guest faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College for ten years and was co-</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">director of the St. Ann’s Puppet Lab from 2009-2011. Eileen Blumenthal, author of Puppetry: A World History, wrote of Hoplite Diary, “An extraordinary piece of theater–huge in scope and </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">filled with exquisite detail and emotion. Tom Lee is an exciting new talent.”</span></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-tom-lee/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-tom-lee/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-02-26T18:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/tom-lee/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=408%2C408&ssl=1;408;408,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=408%2C408&ssl=1;408;408,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=408%2C408&ssl=1;408;408,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tom_Lee_SM_CreditAyumiSakamoto.jpg?resize=408%2C408&ssl=1;408;408https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-tom-lee/1ai1ec-71057@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZNick Zoulek<p><em>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents: </em>Nick Zoulek</p> <p class=""><img data-attachment-id="71055" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/?attachment_id=71055" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1000,667" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Andrew Von Haden","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1445691125","copyright":"@Andrew Von Haden, all rights reserved","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="NZ" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71055 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?resize=457%2C305&ssl=1" alt="" width="457" height="305" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?w=1000&ssl=1 1000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w" sizes="(max-width: 457px) 100vw, 457px" data-recalc-dims="1" />“…<em>Zoulek’s performance, on saxophones in every range, is stunningly virtuosic, whatever the genre</em>.” -The Wall Street Journal</p> <p class="">A modern saxophonist of <em>“pure mindfulness and talent”</em> (PopMatters), Nick Zoulek’s focus on performance, collaboration, multimedia, and improvisation, has led to a diverse portfolio of distinctive artistic ventures, performing across France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.</p> <p class="">As a soloist, Nick’s craft has been lauded as <em>“wickedly contagious”</em> (The Huffington Post) with the capacity to <em>“[take] you to other worlds”</em> (Milwaukee Magazine). The versatility Nick displays on the saxophone has been praised as <em>“[b]eautiful harmonies [singing] in contrast to mysterious knockings and hums, and finally to ungodly, soul-shattering blasts”</em> (Shepherd Express). Bringing together diverse musical landscapes, Nick’s performances traverse genre, bringing together classical, jazz, experimental, and rock idioms. He has garnered numerous awards as a classical soloist, and has been featured in concerti with the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Wind Ensemble, and the Boulogne Ensemble du Vent. Committed to advancing the classical saxophone, Nick performs frequently as a visiting guest artist at universities across the United States, most recently as the featured artist of the Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival and as the year-long Artist in Residence for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee SENSORIA series.</p> <p class="">As an interdisciplinary artist, Nick is <em>“a no-holds-barred engine of avant-garde exploration,”</em> (Portland Press Herald). Currently, Nick is working on his second album project, <strong>Enter Branch</strong>, which will combine his performance and compositions with members of Bon Iver, Eighth Blackbird, Field Report, the Tontine Ensemble, ~nois saxophone quartet, and many more. He has served as music director with Wild Space Dance Company, and has scored and performed dance works with the Madison Ballet, HYPERlocal, and with members of Zenon and Like You Mean It dance companies.  Nick often works with film and animation, experimenting with the expressive potential of visual media. His films center on self-composed scores, and have been screened at festivals in England, Canada, Serbia, Africa, and around the United States. Nick’s media works have garnered numerous awards, including Best Experimental Film from the London Modcon International Film Festival and Largo Film Festival. Nick’s music can be heard on <strong>Rushing Past Willow </strong>(INNOVA Records), which fuses all of facets of his work through self-composed pieces for alto, tenor, and bass saxophone.</p> <p class="">Nick maintains an active profile researching the saxophone’s role in contemporary classical music, presenting on contemporary aesthetics and saxophone performance. He has served on faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (sabbatical replacement), teaching saxophone and jazz studies courses. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Contemporary Music Performance with a cognate in Digital Media from Bowling Green State University. Additionally, Nick holds a Master of Music Performance from BGSU, a Certificat des Études Musicales from the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régionale de Boulogne-Billancourt, and a Bachelor of Music Performance with Magna Cum Laude honors from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has previously learned with Dr. John Sampen, Jean-Michel Goury, Dr. Matthew Sintchak, and Dr. Jon Amon.</p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-nick-zoulek/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-nick-zoulek/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-03-10T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/nick-zoulek/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?resize=457%2C305&ssl=1;457;305,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?resize=457%2C305&ssl=1;457;305,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?resize=457%2C305&ssl=1;457;305,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NZ.jpg?resize=457%2C305&ssl=1;457;305https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-nick-zoulek/1ai1ec-71065@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZSusy Bielak & Fred Schmalz: The World Inside This One<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>Susy Bielak & Fred Schmalz: <em>The World Inside This One</em></h3> <p><img data-attachment-id="71500" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/susy-bielak-fred-schmalz/image-asset/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,900" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1472996497","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="image-asset" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?fit=320%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-71500 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=379%2C569&ssl=1" alt="" width="379" height="569" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?w=600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=320%2C480&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=427%2C640&ssl=1 427w" sizes="(max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></p> <p>Join us for an evening of music, poetry, image, and imagination. In this program, Eighth Blackbird founding members Matthew Duvall and Lisa Kaplan partner with artist/writers Susy Bielak and Fred Schmalz for a brand-new multimedia collaboration.</p> <p>Equal parts meditation and evocation, <em>The World Inside This One </em>invites us to consider the past, present, and future lives of our homes and the relationships among the objects within them.</p> <p>The evening includes a new long poem by Bielak and Schmalz, inspired by works of Ceslaw Milosz and Jean Valentine, whose poem inspired the title of this work.</p> <p>Videos by Bielak and Schmalz present tableaus of domestic daily life and ritualistic acts in home and nature.</p> <p>The musical score by Duvall and Kaplan—weaving through the entire piece—references works by Aphex Twin, John Cage, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, and Hiroshi Yoshimura, among others.</p> <p><strong>About the artists:</strong></p> <p>Susy Bielak and Fred Schmalz are artists and writers who frequently collaborate with each other, as well as with choreographers, engineers, historians, musicians, and others. Their ongoing collective, Balas & Wax, mines social histories, texts, and archives to create multimedia works that reflect the gravity and strangeness of daily life and contemporary cities.</p> <p>Critic, poet, and translator Gabriela Jauregi wrote that Balas & Wax’s work expands:</p> <p>“the practice of artmaking to embrace walks around the city, archival work, music, poetry, monument and anti-monument… often joined by multiple accomplices, who make the urban landscape theirs by questioning what’s there, by excavating what they encounter, thereby effectively transforming the city, rendering it strange (as in the Russian concept of<em> ostranenie</em>, or defamiliarization) through the process of paying attention to the inner lives of certain objects and places.</p> <p>‘Most people don’t see what’s going on around them. That’s my principal message…For Godssake keep your eyes open. Notice what’s going on around you,’ William Burroughs counsels in The Third Mind. And indeed Balas & Wax elevate this act of noticing the everyday into an art form.”</p> <p>Balas & Wax’s work has manifested in exhibitions, performances, and publications including EXPO CHICAGO, the Hyde Park Art Center, Lit & Luz Festival, Museo Tamayo, and Poetry Magazine.</p> <p>Bielak’s work has been collected and exhibited widely, including by the International Print Center, San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, and Walker Art Center. Her artwork and writing have been published in Art Papers and New American Paintings, among others. Bielak received her MFA from the University of California San Diego. She is a 2020-21 BOLT artist in residence at Chicago Artists Coalition.</p> <p>Fred Schmalz’s debut poetry collection, <em>Action in the Orchards</em> (Nightboat Books), responds to encounters with dance, music, and visual art. He was poet-in-residence for the LA Philharmonic’s 2018 FluxConcert in its season-long fluxus festival. His recent writing has appeared in <em>Conduit</em> and <em>Oversound</em> and is forthcoming in <em>The Canary</em>. He currently co-curates the Poetry & Biscuits reading series.</p> <p><a href="http://www.susybielak.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.susybielak.com/&source=gmail&ust=1617980994594000&usg=AFQjCNH0Q07MzwIm9nyFyHUZ4WxOpe19Sw">www.susybielak.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fredschmalz.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.fredschmalz.com/&source=gmail&ust=1617980994594000&usg=AFQjCNHFnf38H0J22Dq6d3gRcq1xSennfg">www.fredschmalz.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.balasandwax.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.balasandwax.com/&source=gmail&ust=1617980994594000&usg=AFQjCNHpi0mUPgWD7WhxbQvD-y9JmtVHRA">www.balasandwax.com</a></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-susy-bielak-fred-schmalz/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-susy-bielak-fred-schmalz/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-04-23T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/susy-bielak-fred-schmalz/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=379%2C569&ssl=1;379;569,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=379%2C569&ssl=1;379;569,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=379%2C569&ssl=1;379;569,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image-asset.jpeg?resize=379%2C569&ssl=1;379;569https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-susy-bielak-fred-schmalz/1ai1ec-71508@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08Z5th Wave Collective<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>5th Wave collective</h3> <p><img data-attachment-id="71510" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/5th-wave-collective/shortfinal/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C2560&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,2560" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="shortfinal" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?fit=480%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?fit=720%2C720&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71510 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=341%2C341&ssl=1" alt="" width="341" height="341" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?w=2560&ssl=1 2560w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1 480w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1 900w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1536&ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 32w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=440%2C440&ssl=1 440w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=45%2C45&ssl=1 45w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=1600%2C1600&ssl=1 1600w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?w=2160&ssl=1 2160w" sizes="(max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px" data-recalc-dims="1" />5th Wave Collective is a Chicago-based classical music ensemble dedicated to performing and promoting music by womxn and gender-nonconforming composers. Demonstrating their commitment to composers throughout classical music’s history, the Collective performs repertoire by composers such as Teresa Carreño, Clara Schumann, Florence Price, Augusta Read Thomas, and Aftab Darvishi. With a roster of over 110 musicians, 5th Wave curates concerts with configurations ranging from solo instruments to symphony orchestra, and performs in venues across Chicago, including recital halls, art galleries, community centers and restaurants. Learn more at <a href="http://5thwavecollective.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://5thwavecollective.com&source=gmail&ust=1617718960983000&usg=AFQjCNFzpUaBxLDCBN5T_5dwJuPYkBU2-w">5thwavecollective.com</a>, or by following 5th Wave on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @5thWaveCollective.</p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-5th-wave-collective-may-5/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-5th-wave-collective-may-5/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-05-05T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/5th-wave-collective/externalthumbnail;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=341%2C341&ssl=1;341;341,medium;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=341%2C341&ssl=1;341;341,large;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=341%2C341&ssl=1;341;341,full;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/shortfinal-scaled.jpeg?resize=341%2C341&ssl=1;341;341https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-5th-wave-collective-may-5/1ai1ec-71475@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZHalf Gringa<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>Half Gringa</h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img data-attachment-id="71476" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/half-gringa/_mg_4933/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?fit=2500%2C1667&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2500,1667" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1568910489","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="_MG_4933" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-71476 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=470%2C314&ssl=1" alt="" width="470" height="314" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?w=2500&ssl=1 2500w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=1350%2C900&ssl=1 1350w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1366&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=1600%2C1067&ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?w=2160&ssl=1 2160w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></span></p> <p><i><span class="il">Half</span> <span class="il">Gringa</span> (Isabel Olive) is joined by her <span class="il">guitarist</span> Sam Cantor for duo arrangements of songs from her most recent release, </i>Force to Reckon<i>, as well as new, unreleased material.</i></p> <p class="">Emerging from Chicago’s flourishing indie music scene, Half Gringa blends contemporary indie-rock and Latinx pop with midwestern folk. “When you grew up in the Midwest really into alternative rock, but heard a lot of country music in the supermarket,” offers Isabel Olive, the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist at the core of Half Gringa, when asked to place her music in a specific genre. “Or when your mom loved Bruce Springsteen and Maná and sometimes your brain starts playing them at the same time.” The name Half Gringa is both a tribute to and study of her legacy, stemming from a childhood term of endearment as “la Gringa” in her Venezuelan family and her bicultural experience growing up in the United States. Olive’s work seeks to narrate her tireless pursuit as a pupil of both her origins and her experiences.</p> <p class=""><em>Force to Reckon </em>is the Chicago-based artist’s second full-length album, following her locally acclaimed debut, <em>Gruñona, </em>which landed on Chicago Magazine’s “10 Best Chicago Albums of 2017” and Chicago Reader’s “Best Chicago Albums of the Decade.” On the self-produced 9-song set, Olive is joined by her full-time band members — Nathan Bojko (drums), Sam Cantor (guitar), Andres Fonseca (bass), Lucy Little (violin) — as well as Ivan Pyzow on trumpet, with occasional harmonies and piano from fellow Chicago singer/songwriter Gia Margaret. But <em>Force to Reckon </em>has the intimacy of a solo project, and engaged listening feels like a glimpse into Olive’s journals of the last three years.</p> <p class="">“I’m very goal-oriented, but I’m also a very anxious person,” she says. “And I always need to have a plan or a process and try to predict every outcome so I’m prepared with my next move. When I started writing these songs I was feeling emotionally upended, a bunch of things came at me that I did not predict, and instead of feeling and responding in the moment, I swallowed all of it. These songs feel like little eruptions as a result, they’re all trying to reach a point of catharsis, but you can’t force catharsis.”</p> <p class="">Vocally forward and instrumentally full, the songs on <em>Force to Reckon</em> have a quality that feels personal, yet meant to be shared. Olive’s poetry background is prominently displayed, with carefully selected words used to craft narratives grounded in various different textures, and each part feels intentional and precise. It’s meticulously composed but not cautious. “I was trying to figure out how to express my own vulnerability, my love towards other people, in a way that felt like I was giving myself permission to do so, while accepting that loss and estrangement are inevitable,” she goes on to say.</p> <p class="">Each song reaches a climactic peak in its own way and even slower tracks on the album capture something that feels expansive, both sonically and emotionally. “<em>I don’t know your feelings by their first name</em>,” Olive sings emphatically on “Afraid of Horses,” an apology punctuated by a pizzicato violin echo and soft harmonies from Gia Margaret. And although the record is steeped in heavy-hearted themes, Olive often dissects those subjects using tongue-in-cheek humor: “<em>1991 was good to you and I</em>,” the 28-year-old deadpans at the start of upbeat opener “1990,” which traces the anxieties of adulthood back to oft-forgotten childhood memories.</p> <p class="">Elsewhere, on “Transitive Property,” Olive explores grief and loss, over a bed of bittersweet fingerpicked guitar, by expertly placing the abstract concepts into the context of everyday change rather than mortality. “I’ve realized that bereavement is about more than a person dying,” she explains. “It’s an absence that you can’t control.” After her grandmother passed away while Olive was on tour, she tried to bury her grief in productivity but eventually realized she needed to set aside time to process. On “Forty,” the album’s string-heavy closer, she finally allows herself long-overdue space to mourn.</p> <p class=""><em>Force to Reckon</em> is, as the title suggests, an album with a powerful presence. Though deeply personal, Olive leaves listeners space to relate and experience their own catharsis. “None of the songs on this record resolve, really,” she explains. “Many end in the middle of a thought, because this record is about how much I’m still in the middle of my grieving process. Lines like ‘<em>Time will tell if nothing else’</em> and ‘<em>I will mourn you in advance, but I never really get the chance’</em> sound like hindsight, but they were more like predictions when I wrote them. I spend a lot of time looking away from things I don’t want to deal with, but I know they’re still there. And my eyes are getting tired, I guess.”</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-half-gringa-may-13/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-half-gringa-may-13/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-05-13T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/half-gringa/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=470%2C314&ssl=1;470;314,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=470%2C314&ssl=1;470;314,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=470%2C314&ssl=1;470;314,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_4933.jpeg?resize=470%2C314&ssl=1;470;314https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-half-gringa-may-13/1ai1ec-71072@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZMolly Joyce<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>Molly Joyce</h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img data-attachment-id="71071" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/?attachment_id=71071" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1706" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"6.3","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D810","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1483531713","copyright":"","focal_length":"32","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.01","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71071 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=446%2C298&ssl=1" alt="" width="446" height="298" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?w=2560&ssl=1 2560w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=1350%2C900&ssl=1 1350w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&ssl=1 2048w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=1600%2C1066&ssl=1 1600w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?w=1440&ssl=1 1440w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?w=2160&ssl=1 2160w" sizes="(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></span></p> <p>Molly Joyce comes to the Chicago Artists Workshop to perform songs that “explore disability as a creative source, including those centered on my direct embodiment of disability as well as from Perspective, an ongoing communally-engaged project featuring disabled interviewees. The songs will be complemented with visual footage including open captions of the lyrics sung, as well as sound descriptions by Chicago-based sound artist Andy Slater, in order to emphasize access as aesthetic.”</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Molly Joyce’s music has been described as “serene power” (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">New York Times</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">), written to “superb effect” (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wire</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">), and “impassioned” (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Washington Post</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">). Her work is primarily concerned with disability as a creative source. She has an impaired left hand from a previous car accident, and the primary vehicle in her pursuit is her electric vintage toy organ, an instrument she bought on eBay which suits her body and engages her disability on a compositional and performative level. Her creative projects have been presented at TEDxMidAtlantic, Bang on a Can Marathon, Danspace Project, Gaudeamus Muziekweek, National Gallery of Art, Classical:NEXT, National Sawdust, and featured in outlets such as</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Pitchfork, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Red Bull Radio, and WNYC’s New Sounds. Molly is a graduate of The Juilliard School, Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Yale School of Music, alumnus of the YoungArts Foundation, and currently serves on the composition faculty at New York University Steinhardt.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.mollyjoyce.com/">https://www.mollyjoyce.com/</a></p> <p><img data-attachment-id="71776" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/molly-joyce/andy-microphone/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?fit=676%2C675&ssl=1" data-orig-size="676,675" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="andy-microphone" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?fit=481%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?fit=676%2C675&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-71776 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=356%2C356&ssl=1" alt="" width="356" height="356" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?w=676&ssl=1 676w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=481%2C480&ssl=1 481w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 32w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=440%2C440&ssl=1 440w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=45%2C45&ssl=1 45w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/andy-microphone.jpeg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w" sizes="(max-width: 356px) 100vw, 356px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Andy Slater is a Chicago-based media artist, sound designer, teaching artist, and disability advocate.</p> <p>He is the founder of the Society of Visually Impaired Sound Artists and director of the Sound As Sight accessible field recording project.</p> <p>Andy holds a Masters in Sound Arts and Industries from Northwestern University and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He was a 3Arts/Bodies of Work fellow at the University of Illinois Chicago in 2018 and an Institutional Incubator resident at High Concept Labs 2016-2020. Last year Andy was acknowledged for his art by the New York Times in their article, “28 Ways To Learn About Disability Culture.”</p> <p>Andy is a teaching artist with the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology and is a member of the Atlantic Center for the Arts’ Young Sound Seekers advisory board.</p> <p>He has exhibited and performed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco, Ian Potter Museum of Art Melbourne, Critical Distance Toronto, Experimental Sound Studios Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, Flux Factory New York, and the City Gallery Wellington New Zealand.</p> <p>Andy’s current work focuses on advocacy for accessible art and technology, Alt-Text for sound and image, documentary film, spacial audio for extended reality, and sound design for sci-fi film and video games. He has created a large catalog of compositions featuring the sounds of the blind body navigatingdifferemt acoustic spaces. These pieces include the bangs and swipes of his white cane and echo location clicks interrupting and disrupting natural and built environments. His recent album, Unseen Reheard (No Index records), epitomizes this tangent of his artistic practice.</p> <p><a href="http://www.thisisandyslater.net/">http://www.thisisandyslater.net/</a></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-molly-joyce/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-molly-joyce/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-06-03T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/molly-joyce/externalthumbnail;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=446%2C298&ssl=1;446;298,medium;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=446%2C298&ssl=1;446;298,large;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=446%2C298&ssl=1;446;298,full;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Molly-Joyce-photo-by-Shervin-Lainez-scaled.jpg?resize=446%2C298&ssl=1;446;298https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-molly-joyce/1ai1ec-71477@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZMatthew Burtner composer portrait, ft. Jocelyn Zelasko, soprano<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>Matthew Burtner composer portrait, feat. Jocelyn Zelasko, soprano</h3> <p>Eighth Blackbird’s Matthew Duvall is joined by soprano Jocelyn Zelasko for an evening devoted to the work of Matthew Burtner.</p> <p><img data-attachment-id="71479" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/matthew-burtner-composer-portrait-ft-jocelyn-zelasko-soprano/matthewplayingicearctic_sm/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" data-orig-size="720,480" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"13","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS REBEL T4i","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1556562348","copyright":"","focal_length":"18","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.002","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71479 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?resize=425%2C283&ssl=1" alt="" width="425" height="283" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?w=720&ssl=1 720w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1 640w" sizes="(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px" data-recalc-dims="1" /></p> <p><strong>Matthew Burtner</strong> (<a href="http://www.matthewburtner.com">http://www.matthewburtner.com</a>) is an Alaskan-born composer, sound artist and eco-acoustician whose music and research explores embodiment, ecology, polytemporality and noise. First Prize Winner of the Musica Nova International Electroacoustic Music Competition (Czech Republic), a 2011 IDEA Award Winner, and a recipient of the Howard Brown Foundation Fellowship, Burtner’s music has also received honors and awards from Bourges (France), Gaudeamus (Netherlands), Darmstadt (Germany) and The Russolo (Italy) international competitions. He is the Eleanor Shea Chaired Professor of Music in Composition and Computer Technologies (CCT) at the University of Virginia where he Co-Directs the Coastal Futures Conservatory. He is also Director of the Alaskan-based environmental arts non-profit organization, EcoSono (www.ecosono.org).</p> <p>Burtner’s works have been performed in festivals and venues throughout the world, and commissioned by ensembles such as NOISE (USA), Integrales (Germany), Peak FreQuency (USA), MiN (Norway), Musikene (Spain), Spiza (Greece), CrossSound (Alaska), and others. His work has been supported by major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Science Foundation, and he created ecoacoustic music for a number of organizations including President Obama’s US State Department. His research in ecoacoustics has been featured by NASA’s Goddard Space Center, the American Geophysical Union, The Atlantic, Earther and the Center for Energy Studies in the Humanities (CENHS) at Rice University.</p> <p>He is the composer of three evening-length intermedia environmental opera/theater works — Ukiuq Tulugaq (Winter Raven), Kuik, and Auksalaq, the first climate change opera. A 2010/2011 Provost Fellow at the Center for 21st Century Studies at UWM, Burtner has also conducted long-term residencies at the Banff Centre for the Arts (Canada), Phonos Foundation/Pompeu Fabra Universidad (Spain), Musikene (Spain), Cite des Arts (France), IRCAM/Centre Pompidou (France), and the University of Missouri Kansas City (USA). He studied composition, computer music, saxophone and philosophy at St. Johns College, Tulane University (BFA), Iannis Xenakis’s UPIC-Studios, the Peabody Institute/Johns Hopkins (MM), and Stanford University/CCRMA (DMA). Among published recordings for Parma/Ravello (US), DACO (Germany), The WIRE (UK), Innova (US), Summit (US) Centaur (US), EcoSono (US) and Euridice (Norway), his music is available on several solo albums: That which is bodiless is reflected in bodies, The Ceiling Floats Away, Glacier Music, NOISE plays Burtner, Auksalaq Live at the Philips Collection, MICE World Tour, Signal Ruins, Metasaxophone Colossus and Portals of Distortion.</p> <p>Burtner’s creative musical work is closely intertwined with the sciences, particularly environmental science and engineering. He develops systems for human-computer-environment interaction featured in his music. He invented the NOMADS telematic system, the MICE human-computer ensemble and orchestra, the Metasaxophone augmented instrument, and a number of ecoacoustic approaches.</p> <p> </p> <p class="font_8"><img data-attachment-id="71480" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/matthew-burtner-composer-portrait-ft-jocelyn-zelasko-soprano/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?fit=571%2C739&ssl=1" data-orig-size="571,739" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?fit=371%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?fit=571%2C739&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71480 alignleft" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?resize=365%2C472&ssl=1" alt="" width="365" height="472" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?w=571&ssl=1 571w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?resize=371%2C480&ssl=1 371w, https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a093fb_c7732abb5a7b426a826c329859f94047_mv2_d_2739_3544_s_4_2.jpg?resize=495%2C640&ssl=1 495w" sizes="(max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Detroit-based soprano, <strong>Jocelyn Zelasko</strong>, is a versatile musician who is celebrated as an insightful performer with a captivating stage presence. She has performed chamber music, opera, and art song in festivals and concerts throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. She is the vocalist for Detroit’s premiere ensemble, New Music Detroit, and a founding member of ensembles Juxtatonal and Whoopknox. Her career began in the classical realm, but a passion for making complex vocal music accessible to audiences through character development and authentic storytelling led her to pursue new music.</p> <p class="font_8">She has performed with the GRAMMY award-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird, Eastman Broadband Ensemble, Matt Ulery Trio, and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. She has also sung with many outstanding performers including Tony Arnold (International Contemporary Ensemble), Vicky Chow (Bang on a Can All-Stars), and Miles Brown (Alarm Will Sound), among many others. She has performed at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival (GLCMF), held residencies at the Wholehearted Musician and the Millay Colony for the Arts, was a fellow at [R]evolution Resonant Bodies and Eighth Blackbird’s Creative Lab, and was a featured performer at soundSCAPE and the Summer Institute of Contemporary Performance Practice (SICPP).</p> <p class="font_8">As an advocate for the creation of new works, Zelasko has commissioned a vast number of composers including Michelle McQuade Dewhirst, Marti Epstein, David Smooke, Daniel Felsenfeld, Leaha Maria Villarreal, Danny Clay, Griffin Candey, Emily Millard, and more. Her voice and cello duo, Juxtatonal (JUX), embarked on a large-scale commissioning project asking 14 composers for new works addressing relevance. The compositions deal with issues of vulnerability, self, privilege, gender, age, and culture, and include elements ranging from co-composition with 5th graders, new forms of musical notation, and choreography inspired by pop culture.</p> <p class="font_8">Additionally, she originated the title role of 100 year-old photographer, Pat Sturn, in the new-mixed media chamber opera, Pat & Emilia (Smallman/ Gervais/Sievers-Hunt) which toured extensively in Canada and the Great Lakes region from 2015 – 2018. Michigan Opera Theatre’s (MOT) principal cellist, Nadine Deleury, commissioned the opera and hand-selected the chamber ensemble utilizing talented colleagues of the MOT orchestra. Jeff Smallman composed the music specifically for Zelasko and Deleury’s chamber ensemble using lyrics by Windsor’s poet laureate, Marty Gervais, with Canadian-American writer, Tara Sievers-Hunt. While being interviewed for the Canadian Arts Productions documentary, Imagining Angels, Zelasko discussed her inspirations to play Pat Sturn feeling connected to Pat’s fierce independence, quest for perfection, and unwavering passion for art.</p> <p class="font_8">​Zelasko’s scholarly pursuits focus on fostering musical identity and embodying empathy through song. After her riveting lecture performance on Eleanor Smith’s social protest songs, she was invited to contribute a book chapter on her research, development, and embodiment of the social protestors in Smith’s Hull House Songs. The book and accompanied recordings were published in early 2019.</p> <p class="font_8">​Zelasko received bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and economics from Oakland University where she was also a scholarship athlete. Furthering her education, she received a master’s degree in music from the University of Iowa. She studied with acclaimed voice professors Dr. Edith Diggory and Dr. John Muriello, and voice scientist Dr. Ingo Titze. In addition to her work as a performer, Zelasko is a grant-award panelist for New Music USA, conducts master classes, lectures, maintains a thriving private voice studio, and enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, and golfing.</p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-matthew-burtner-composer-portrait-ft-jocelyn-zelasko-soprano-june-17/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-matthew-burtner-composer-portrait-ft-jocelyn-zelasko-soprano-june-17/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-06-17T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/matthew-burtner-composer-portrait-ft-jocelyn-zelasko-soprano/externalthumbnail;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?resize=425%2C283&ssl=1;425;283,medium;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?resize=425%2C283&ssl=1;425;283,large;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?resize=425%2C283&ssl=1;425;283,full;https://i0.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MatthewPlayingIceArctic_sm.jpeg?resize=425%2C283&ssl=1;425;283https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-matthew-burtner-composer-portrait-ft-jocelyn-zelasko-soprano-june-17/1ai1ec-71481@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZChaos Hands<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>chaos hands</h3> <p><strong>Special time – 2:00pm CT / 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT</strong></p> <p><img data-attachment-id="71835" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/chaos-hands/chaos-hands-caw-pic/" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1080,1080" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Chaos Hands CAW pic" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?fit=480%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?fit=720%2C720&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-71835 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=425%2C425&ssl=1" alt="" width="425" height="425" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=480%2C480&ssl=1 480w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1 900w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 32w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=440%2C440&ssl=1 440w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=45%2C45&ssl=1 45w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w" sizes="(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Chaos Hands is a genre-bending, cross-media, improv trio comprising of: Allison Wright (electronics, AU), Nicole Patrick (drums, USA) & Xuan (visuals, USA). Their work meets at the intersection of acoustic drums, synthesizers and visual projections which interweave the worlds of techno, visual story-telling, and improvisation. There are sometimes tender moments of soothing color and sounds which transform into abrasive strobe-like musical and visual explorations. They lean in to the inherent infiniteness of their mediums and continue to traverse new territories with each work they produce.</p> <p>—</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes it’s nice to lean on “How To” guides to trust we will learn necessary coping skills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For instance,</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Know How Tall You Are:</span></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Do you look up to people?</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Can you hear others when they share?</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Have you noticed the sun today?</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Or</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Know What Kind of Fish You Are:</span></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> When swimming upstream, what speed do you swim in relation to your other fish friends?</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Do you move closer or farther from the surface when a wave comes your way?</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Can you recall where you found food yesterday?</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If we had a “How To” guide for this last year, we may have learned how to capture, how to acknowledge, how to process what’s been going on. We sometimes wish that was the case.  We’ve come together as Chaos Hands, guide-less, to create a work that exposes our isolation so we can acknowledge where we are.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We invite you to join our sharing of a new concept we are working on: a film driven by a long form poem, written by Nicole Patrick. The film depicts our current separation and isolation. It is accompanied by music that recalls early synthesizer aesthetics of the late 80s and 90s.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the world premiere of this exclusive preview.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.xuanfilms.com/work#/chaoshands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.xuanfilms.com/work#/chaoshands/</a></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-chaos-hands-june-26/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-chaos-hands-june-26/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-06-26T14:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/chaos-hands/externalthumbnail;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=425%2C425&ssl=1;425;425,medium;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=425%2C425&ssl=1;425;425,large;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=425%2C425&ssl=1;425;425,full;https://i2.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Chaos-Hands-CAW-pic.png?resize=425%2C425&ssl=1;425;425https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-chaos-hands-june-26/1ai1ec-71367@www.eighthblackbird.org2021-06-12T23:43:08ZAyanna Woods<h2>Chicago Artists Workshop Presents</h2> <h3>Ayanna Woods</h3> <p><b><img data-attachment-id="71368" data-permalink="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/ayanna-woods/yy-2020-10/" data-orig-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?fit=1080%2C1350&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1080,1350" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="yy 2020-10" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?fit=384%2C480&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?fit=720%2C900&ssl=1" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-71368 alignleft" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=414%2C518&ssl=1" alt="" width="414" height="518" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=384%2C480&ssl=1 384w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=720%2C900&ssl=1 720w, https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=512%2C640&ssl=1 512w" sizes="(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px" data-recalc-dims="1" />AYANNA WOODS</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a composer, performer and bandleader from Chicago. Her music explores the spaces between acoustic and electronic, traditional and esoteric, wildly improvisational and mathematically rigorous. A collaborator across genres and forms, her work spans new music, theater, film scoring, arranging, songwriting, and improvisation. She earned her B.A. in music from Yale University.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Woods’ chamber works have been performed by Third Coast Percussion, Wet Ink Ensemble, Fifth House Ensemble, among others. Her work has premiered at Fresh Inc. Festival, Walden CMR, the Loretto Project, and Close to There<>Perto de Lá, a cross-cultural residency in Salvador, Brazil.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She is a frequent collaborator with the Chicago Children’s Choir, of which she’s an alumna. Her arrangements for the choir have been performed all over Chicago, notably at CCC’s </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paint the Town Red </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">in Millenium Park (2016), Chance the Rapper’s </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Magnificent Coloring Day</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at Guaranteed Rate Field (2016), and Jamila Woods’ </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heavn Here </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">at Harold Washington Cultural Center (2018).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2018, she originated her role as a vocalist in </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place,</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">a new oratorio about gentrification and displacement co-conceived by Pulitzer finalist Ted Hearne, director Patricia McGregor and poet/librettist Saul Williams.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her music appears in a range of film and theater projects. Two of her songs are featured in the Emmy-nominated web series </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brown Girls</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. In 2017, she composed the score for </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks,</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a live film created by writers Eve Ewing, Nate Marshall, and Emmy-winning performance collective Manual Cinema. She continues to tour the U.S. and Canada with Manual Cinema</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">as a bassist and music director.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a gigging musician, she is a sought-after bassist and improvisor in Chicago. As the bassist for TASHA, she toured the west coast and performed at Pitchfork Music Festival in 2019. Woods is currently recording a debut solo album with her own band, Yadda Yadda.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Woods is a recipient of Third Coast Percussion’s 2017 Emerging Composers Partnership, a 2017 3Arts Make A Wave grant, and a 2020 DCASE Individual Artist Program grant</span></p><p>Tickets: <a class="ai1ec-ticket-url-exported" href="https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-ayanna-woods-april-15/">https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-ayanna-woods-april-15/</a>.</p>America/Chicago2021-06-30T19:00:00en-USCAW0https://www.eighthblackbird.org/event/ayanna-woods/externalthumbnail;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=414%2C518&ssl=1;414;518,medium;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=414%2C518&ssl=1;414;518,large;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=414%2C518&ssl=1;414;518,full;https://i1.wp.com/www.eighthblackbird.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/yy-2020-10.jpg?resize=414%2C518&ssl=1;414;518https://www.eighthblackbird.org/product/chicago-artists-workshop-ayanna-woods-april-15/1