Artist of the Week
The Jack Straw Artist of the Week Podcast highlights work created through the Artist Residency Programs at Jack Straw Cultural Center.-
Tom Varner - Sound Vespers Ensemble
An excerpt from a live improvisation by Tom Varner‘s Sound Vespers Ensemble, recorded at Jack Straw Cultural Center as part of the Artist Support Program. You can hear the full set via the Wayward In Limbo Music Series. Samantha Boshnack & Greg Kelley, trumpet; Ray Larsen, cornet; Jim Knodle, flugelhorn; Haley Freedlund, trombone; Tom Varner, French horn; Greg Campbell, percussion and tuba; Steve Barsotti & Steve Peters, field recordings/electronics.
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Kitty Junk - Wetch
Jack Straw Artists Kitty Junk just released their new single “Wetch,” produced through the Jack Straw Artist Support Program. They’ll be returning to the studio at Jack Straw soon to continue work on a full-length album.
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Etsuko Ichikawa - Traveling Clouds Podcast Episode 1
Jack Straw Artist Etsuko Ichikawa has launched her new podcast Traveling Clouds, produced in part through the Jack Straw Artist Support Program. The first episode is about Tutu Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire and the creator of the Hawaiian islands. Learn more and subscribe to Traveling Clouds at anchor.fm/etsuko-ichikawa9.
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SassyBlack - I Am Enough (ft. J Ivy)
“I Am Enough (ft. J Ivy) is from SassyBlack‘s new EP BLK, produced in part through the Jack Straw Artist Support Program. Check out the whole release on Bandcamp.
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Peter Christenson New Media Gallery Interview
Alyssa Keene interviews New Media Gallery artist Peter Christenson about his installation F40.298: Generalized Opus Foramina.
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Kaley Lane Eaton - dido on fire
Kaley Lane Eaton‘s album Cedar, produced in part through the Jack Straw Artist Support Program, will be released on February 18th by Bright Shiny Things. “dido on fire,” the first single from the album, is out now. Visit brightshiny.ninja for more information or to purchase the album.
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Andrew Fallat New Media Gallery Interview
Alyssa Keene interviews New Media Gallery artist Andrew Fallat about his Jack Straw New Media Gallery Installation Timbre.
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Ebo Barton - On Drinking
“On Drinking” is an excerpt from Ebo Barton‘s audio version of his collection Insubordinate. This audio book was produced through the Artist Support Program and is available now on most music streaming platforms.
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Vania C. Bynum and Owuor Arunga - The Middle Passage
In this excerpt from the 2020 event “Humanity: An Evolving Perspective,” Vania C. Bynum performs “The Middle Passage,” a poem by Vernet Nettles, with music by Owuor Arunga.
This Saturday, December 18, for the second year in a row, VC Bynum Arts and Education presents a virtual performance and fundraiser as part of their project We Inspire Humanity, produced with support from the Jack Straw Artist Support Program. Funds raised will go to Special Moments 4 Kids to distribute gifts to foster families and other families in need, and to an individual artist in the community who is battling cancer.
Humanity: An Evolving Perspective
Saturday, December 18, 4pm
Streaming event, registration required -
A Bridge Home: Nature Boyz – E Le Lei O Mea Uma
In 1997, Byron Au Yong produced the compilation A Bridge Home: Music in the Lives of Asian Pacific Americans, in partnership with the Wing Luke Asian Museum and Jack Straw Cultural Center. The collection featured selections from a wide range of artists, including the Samoan vocal group Nature Boyz, featured here.
From the CD liner notes:
“We appreciate music mostly for singing. That I think comes from Samoan life. Mellow. With feeling. Whatever we sing, it comes out with good feelings. It’s made to be heard with your heart.”
-Neemia “Nemo” MoseFrom their love of singing in the church choir, five 20- to 30-year-old brothers and first cousins formed the Nature Boyz in the late 1970s. Younger family members have replaced older members and refined their blend of top 40, rhythm and blues and Samoan church harmonies. “E Le Lei O Mea Uma” is one such modified church song about the beauty of creation.
