"5 by 5" Saturday, Jan. 19 in Chicago

[Eric Leonardson <eleon@ripco.com>]

Hello,

This event will feature invented instruments in an experimental
improvised music context. There'll be a couple Echoplexs in use, perhaps
some software looping, mixed with other forms of electronic and
electroacoustic processing, and so this Saturday evening may be the
closest thing to a "Midwest Loop Fest" at this time, at least for the
start of 2002... 

"5 by 5" An evening of electroacoustic music performed on new and
unusual instruments...

Grant Strombeck (electronic pick-up sticks on drums and cymbals)
Eric Leonardson (Springboard, electronics)
Greg O'Drobinak (Number 4 instrument)
Nick Sondy (bass, electronics)
Bob Falesch (laptop)

9:30 p.m. Saturday January 19th, at The Nervous Center, 4612 N.
Lincoln Ave., Chicago (773) 728-5010). The evening begins with five
consecutive 15-minute solos, concluding with one piece by the entire
group. Oh, and the tickets are real real cheap...

About the artists...

Born (1938) in Chicago, Illinois, Grant Strombeck has a wide background
in jazz and performs regularly on drum-set, homemade invented
instruments, marimba and electronics. He has constructed homemade
instruments and has modified instruments to suit a timbre-favored
penchant for unfixed musical themes. He was an invited artist to Sound
Symposium 2000 in St. Johns, Newfoundland and has performed locally in
clubs, galleries and on national radio. Strombeck also performs works
using mixed-means. In his "Suite for Sonic and Lumens" he combines
computer generated rotary machines and lights with live sounds.

Greg O'Drobinak is an instrument inventor, improvisor and electronics
engineer. He has played in the FROG Gamelan Ensemble at the University
of Chicago for the past fourteen years and has improvised with a variety
of groups including the ESS Big Band, the Garage Orchestra and ensembles
led by David Hunter and Tom Paynter. Over the past eleven years Greg has
built and performed with a number of unique electro-acoustic instruments
which include the Trapazaws, the Arc of the Oven and the Toaster Tower.
He has also designed and constructed a number of custom sound processing
devices for other artists and his own personal use. His current projects
include the recording and processing of various natural and artificial
soundscapes, the design of new electro-acoustic instruments, performance
controllers and computer controlled signal processors.

Nick Sondy is an improvisor, bass player and a composer of analog tape
compositions. He plays regularly with the Sacred Baboons. He has
performed and recorded with Jack Wright and Grant Strombeck. Nick's work
was recently featured on a CD/zine compilation produced by
Pittsburgh-based IBOL Records: http://www.geocities.com/IBOLrecords/

Bob Falesch <http://homepage.interaccess.com/~raf/zeggz/index.html> has
been an active performer and producer in Chicago's new music scene for
many years. His work with computer and electronics can be heard on
releases with Chris Heenan, Bob Marsh, Sue Wolf, Jack Wright, and
Michael Zerang.  

Thank you and...
Best regards,
Eric
--
Eric Leonardson: http://pages.ripco.net/~eleon

Upcoming Performances:

Saturday January 19, 9:30 pm. "5 by 5" at The Nervous Center, 4612 N.
Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Grant Strombeck (electronic pick-up sticks on
drums & cymbals); Eric Leonardson (Springboard & electronics); Greg
O'Drobinak (Number 4 instrument); Nick Sondy (bass & electronics); Bob
Falesch (laptop). The Nervous Center phone: (773) 728-5010.

Opening February 23, 2002: Plasticene's "And So I May Return" at the
Viaduct, 3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago. For more info call (312) 409-0400.