Text by Dawoud Kringle
Photo by Adam Bielawski
On January 10th, 2016, the world was saddened to learn of the death of one of the most iconic figures in the history of rock music; David Bowie.
It’s difficult to imagine a more chameleon-like figure. Unlike most popular musicians whose success depended on sustaining what propelled them to notoriety in the first place, Bowie’s success was defined by constant change.
Date: January 10, 2016
Venue: Drom (NY)
Review by Dawoud Kringle
Zikrayat, the Arab music and dance ensemble offered their first performance of 2016 at Drom, NYC. Led by violinist / composer / teacher Sami Abu Shumays, Zikrayat (the Arabic word for “memories”) presents the classical music and the dance traditions of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the greater Arab World. They also perform rare music from the “golden age” of Egyptian musical cinema (1940’s-60’s), traditional and standard pieces, and original compositions in these styles.
The sound at Drom on this night was quiet, by “club” standards. Zikrayat had no need to overwhelm the listener. They knew, not thought but knew, the music was beautiful on its own terms. There was no need or urge to prove anything. The set began with a varied exploration of the traditions to which Zikrayat is devoted.
Date: Monday, January 11 through Saturday, January 16 , 2016
Time: 7pm
Venue: Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center (107 Suffolk St, New York, New York 10002)
Tickets: $10
Genre: free jazz/improv
The Evolving Series has grown into a festival. The Music, Dance, Poetry and Art we make is important. It keeps us inspired and hopeful. It is our response to what is happening in the world. Evolving is great art in the context of social and spiritual responsibility. It is a shared experience and celebration of living art.
This is marks the Second year of the Artist Campaign. It is humbling to see the community of artists coming together to support each others visions.
SECOND WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday January 11th, 2016
7:00PM – 8:00PM – Karen Borca Band
Karen Borca – bassoon
Warren Smith – vibes
Hill Greene – bass
Jackson Krall – drums
8:00PM – 9:00PM – Jemeel Moondoc Group
Jemeel Moondoc – sax
Larry Roland – bass
Reggie Nicholson – drums
Artist: Church of Betty
Title: Swirled World
Label: Shop Fang Records
Genre: psychedelic rock / progressive world chamber rock
Review by Dawoud Kringle
Brooklyn’s Church of Betty, the brainchild of sitarist / guitarist Chris Rael, was, from its beginning, an interesting anomaly. Being a sitar player myself, I was intrigued by his concept. COB first hit the scene in 1998. An impressive list of musicians who performed and recorded with COB includes tabla master and Rael’s longtime collaborator, Deep Singh. Their live performances brought theatrics and dance to their live sound. Rael’s sitar style, far from orthodox classical raga, nonetheless used raga as a framework he built on a pop / rock / folk / psychedelic foundation.
Date: Monday, January 4 through Saturday , January 9 , 2016
Time: 7pm
Venue: Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center (107 Suffolk St, New York, New York 10002)
Tickets: $10
Genre: free jazz/improv
The Evolving Series has grown into a festival. The Music, Dance, Poetry and Art we make is important. It keeps us inspired and hopeful. It is our response to what is happening in the world. Evolving is great art in the context of social and spiritual responsibility. It is a shared experience and celebration of living art.
This is marks the Second year of the Artist Campaign. It is humbling to see the community of artists coming together to support each others visions.
FIRST WEEK SCHEDULE
