"Heard Tell" and Experimental Listening

This month's newsletter highlights new connections and friendships in two very different worlds: Appalachian art and culture, and experimental music. I'm also continuing a section called "From the Archives," which revisits highlights from older projects. My best, Brian

"Heard Tell": Part of the Looking at Appalachia Project

I'm happy to play a part in the launch of "Heard Tell," a new feature to the Looking At Appalachia project.

Designed and directed by Roger May, "Heard Tell" brings together audio recordings that either reflect on images and words on the website, or are stand alone recordings about Appalachia. 

A few years ago, I recorded the Moonshine Festival in New Straitsville, Ohio. When I saw the above image in Looking at

Appalachia by Dennis Savage, I immediately recognized it. I also wrote about my experiences there, about what I heard, and how listening transformed me and the way I understand place, the past, and the present. Find the image, audio recording, and my writing on the Moonshine Festival here.

Plus, also: see the "From the Archives" section below for more information on "Moonshine Parade," a sound installation based on the same materials.

Experimental Listening and Music Sessions in Boston

I'm excited to be a part of the Experimental Music and Listening Sessions (ELMS) taking place in Boston next month. I'll be joining seven other composers and performers for a weekend of discussions, listening (obvs.), presentations, and concerts. The public concert is August 5, 2018, 2:00pm, at Third Life Studio in Somerville. I'll have some simple piano pieces for several hands, on hand.

Explore the ELMS blog here, and see the concert invitation here.

From the Archives: Moonshine Parade

Originally recorded in 2012 and first presented in 2014, Moonshine Parade is a 6-channel, 30-minute sound installation that explores a day in the life of the New Straitsville Moonshine Festival in Ohio.

As you walk into the installation, you hear bits and pieces of conversation alongside country music and street vendors. Soon, a parade begins and you hear the announcer introduce each car and float and festival queen that passes by. Slowly, the sounds of festival rides take over, kids beg to go on the rides, and carnies promise big winnings if you only just step up to play. These sounds all come together to evoke and celebrate the festival and the people attending. 

"Moonshine Parade" was originally part of the “Spatial Topologies” group show at Majestic Galleries in Nelsonville, Ohio (February 28 - March 23, 2014). It was also installed as a solo show at the It Looks Like It's Open Gallery in Columbus, Ohio (May 17-31, 2014), and was part of the "Sound" group show at Austin Peay State University, Tennessee (January 20-February 16, 2015), the "Still Life" group show at Middle Tennessee State University (August 27-September 10, 2015), and the "Sound" group show at the Crisp-Ellert Museum at Flagler College (October-November 2016).

Photos: Josh Ottum (top left) and Jon Johnson