Outset Series: January Schedule

Creative Music Guild presents Outset Series Programming January 2015 at its new location: Turn Turn Turn 8 NE Killingsworth All shows begin 8 PM (ends by 10) Sliding Scale $5-$15. All ages. January 7 - Brandon Conway & ALTO! January 21 - Brogan Woodburn & The Crenshaw Performer Bios: Brandon Conway Brandon Conway plays guitar and feedback/no-input mixer and occasionally writes for ensembles. Brandon strives to create compelling sounds using the essential resources of the guitar and idiosyncratic systems design. Among other things, Brandon likes modal melodies, harsh noise, Gene Kelly, saxophones, and Seth Brown. Brandon currently plays with Alma Freer and Halfbird. He lives with his wife and two sons in Portland, makes web apps for a day job, and is a board member of the Creative Music Guild. In this solo set at the Outset series, Conway will be exploring a balance of structured improvisation and composed sections in an intimate piece for nylon-string guitar. ALTO! ALTO! is a Portland-based band consisting of Kyle Emory (drums, electronics), Steven T. Stone (drums, electronics) and Derek Monypeny (guitar). ALTO! is a strongly rhythm-oriented band; dual drummers vary between synched-up pounding and subtly shifiting polyrhythms, while the guitar often functions as another percussion instrument. ALTO! draws strong inspiration from Congotronics bands such as Konono #1, the psychedelic explorations of later-period Boredoms, and avant-garde rock bands such as Sun City Girls. Brogan Woodburn Brogan Woodburn is a Portland-grown improvising guitar player who has studied under experimental guitarist David Tronzo and recently returned home from playing on a tour of a Broadway show. His influences include Gamelan music, Shostakovich, Meshuggah, Bill Frisell, Final Fanstasy music, Brian Eno, and Porcupine Tree, all of which make occasional appearances in his sounds. However, Brogan has a theory that all he really does is synthesize echoes of the earliest music he can recall, which are: distorted guitar on the radio and the soundtrack to Nightmare Before Christmas. He thanks his parents for getting him off to a good start. Brogan has played with: Robbie Robertson, Tim Allen, Elliot Sharp, Shin Hyunsik, Gamin, Ryan A. Miller, John Blackwell, Julian Lage and others. (http://www.broganwoodburn.com) The Crenshaw The Crenshaw is Andrew Jones (voice, double bass, electronics) and Christopher Johnedis (drums). Off-kilter voice/bass/beats counterpoint + free jazz and ambient elements. (https://soundcloud.com/thecrenshaw) Outset Series Goals Support and Grow the Portland Improvising Music Scene The Outset Series provides an opportunity for local improvising musicians to get in front of an audience in a non-commercial venue with a completely attentive audience that is dedicated to creative, improvised music. This is the only regular series in Portland that features experimental, improvised music in front a live audience. Pay Musicians for Their Work The vast majority of the money collected at the door is given to the musicians. Revival Drum Shop isn’t taking a cut from the door and the CMG only takes a cut on donation over $5 as both are committed to paying musicians fairly for their art. The Outset Series is one of the few opportunities for musicians who play non-commercial music to receive fair compensation. Too often musicians, especially those performing at the cutting edge, are expected to play for free or get paid after the venue has taken its cut. Provide a Reliable Space for Fans of Creative, Improvised Music Listen to the Music They Love Often fans of experimental music have to travel to out-of-the-way venues, cram into house basements or strain to hear the music over the sounds of the bar. Sometimes this can add to the experience of a show but often it is a distraction. The Outset Series provides a regular opportunity in a comfortable setting at an affordable price for creative music fans to hear the music they love. More information, videos, etc: www.creativemusicguild.org www.facebook.com/creativemusicguild http://twitter.com/pdxcmg