February 22, 2008
Austinist Show Preview: Toneburst 6
Arson may have damaged the studio that housed 91.7’s KOOP Radio, but they, and the Austin community at large, will be damned if they let the station go without a fight. Another benefit is happening this Saturday, presented by Church of the Friendly Ghost and Commercial Suicide, and taking the shape of Rick Reed’s 6th installment of the Toneburst series. Begun about two years ago, Toneburst is billed as “new and unusual experimental music from Austin and beyond...” and this will be its first show in The Salvage Vanguard Theater.
The event will feature a variety of acts, and a few special guests to be announced. It’s an eight dollar minimum to get in, but don’t fear your inner philanthropist – ALL proceeds are going toward rebuilding KOOP. Participant Travis Weller’s website also points out that the event will feature “refreshments, a fundraising raffle of artwork, musical equipment, CDs and other items of interest,” all to help booster the funds KOOP needs.
Playing the benefit are a hodge-podge of divergent experimental outfits. As this is Rick Reed’s shindig to begin with the electronic artist, whose work has appeared on labels including Ecstatic Peace, will of course bring out his best synthesizers and pedals to call forth sounds like no other. Thomas Fang, part of the Artificial Music Machine label, will also be performing, as will Alex Keller, an expert in field recordings and sound design inspired by “Jorge Luis Borges' references to imaginary worlds that are as complicated and nonsensical as ours,” ”the passion of Diamanda Galas,” and “Alvin Lucier's replication and recursion of ideas.” You know, the usual.
The Weird Weeds are splintering to give you more bang for your buck, with Nick Hennies playing solo, and Aaron Russell with Sandy Ewen carrying on without him with their own set of music. Travis Weller will be playing the “Maritime Suite” with his ensemble, which this week will include Sarah Norris, Seetha Shivaswamy, and Henna Chou. Norris, a startlingly good musician who also plays vibraphone with Benko, will take the stage with Brent Fariss to perform their composition “Bliss” at some point in the evening as well.
Toneburst: [website]
Travis Weller: [website]
Rick Reed: [myspace]
Thomas Fang: [website]
Alex Keller: [website]
The Weird Weeds: [website] [myspace]
Nick Hennies: [website]
Church of the Friendly Ghost: [myspace]
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