Ben Zucker mixes up creative codes and functions in acts of musical juxtaposition and speculation. As a composer, audiovisual artist, and multi-instrumentalist he has contributed to experimental music scenes of the Bay Area, Connecticut, London, Chicago, and beyond. He has been acclaimed as a “master of improvisation” (IMPOSE Magazine) and “more than a little bit remarkable” (Free Jazz Blog) for his solo albums combining brass, percussion, voice, and electronics into adventurous performances, in addition to a variety of composed works (concert and media) and frequent live shows. He currently studies music, performance, and philosophy as a doctoral student at Northwestern University.

Called a “thought provoker” by Boston Voyager, Julian Loida is a Boston-based percussionist, composer, and producer. Loida’s musical curiosity and open-mindedness has propelled him towards a wide-range of sounds, genres, and artistic endeavors. He’s performed jazz, folk, and classical, collaborating with dancers, visual artists, songwriters/composers, and musicians of all stripes. The thirst to participate in and experience this range of sounds is partly a product of Loida’s synesthesia. Music is a full-body experience for him, with sounds often invoking involuntary sensations of color, texture, or even taste.

Photos by Ilme Vysniauskaite and Derek Fitting