Artist Statement
Improvised Music Series is excited to welcome the Sun Ra inspired collective 9th Gate Sonic Research Society (N.G.S.R.S.), and amazing performance artists Kezia to the series! We’ll kick things off at 8:30pm.
$15 / $10 w/ Student ID - Tickets Available at the Door
Artist Bios
9TH GATE SONIC RESEARCH SOCIETY N.G.S.R.S.
The 9th Gate Sonic Research Society is a collective of sonic explorers dedicated to furthering the groundbreaking work of Sun Ra in Chicago. After Sun Ra left Birmingham, he found a new home in Chicago where he formed his legendary band, the Arkestra. The Arkestra's name evolved over time, reflecting Sun Ra's ever-expanding vision of music and art.
Inspired by Sun Ra's innovative approach to music and performance, the NGSRS is committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. Through transmolecular isotope improvisation and a diverse range of artistic expressions, the society seeks to tap into the cosmic energy that fueled Sun Ra's creative genius.
The society's key project involves the exploration of the Pat Patrick(one of the original Arkestra musicians) special collection at Northwestern University, which houses a treasure trove of 66 sermons by Sun Ra. By delving into these rare typewritten sermons by Sun Ra, the NGSRS hope to uncover new insights into Sun Ra's cosmic philosophy and use them to inspire their own sonic experiments.
Join the 9th Gate Sonic Research Society as they journey to the outer reaches of sound and imagination Together, we will continue Sun Ra's legacy of musical exploration and transcendence.
KEZIA
Artist Statement
I would define myself as a Multidisciplinary Artist. Having been influenced by my Theatre Arts background I value the importance of storytelling and dialogue. I do not see dialogue as being limited to things that are audibly stated but what the work sounds like in between the pages of performance. My work leans heavily into sonic performance, I like the idea of deep listening for understanding, incorporating body and emotional intelligence as strong values. Things are repeated, chopped, elongated, reduced and expanded based on how I feel within the immediacy of a moment. Time Traveling is not only a subject matter in most of my work but a method of creation/ a praxis/ a pedagogy. I push against, overlap and reject syncopation often. Growing up in The Black Pentecostal Church traditions, despite my queerness, I think of my work as trying to find that which is holy, whole, holistic and/ or holds within Black and/or Queer functionality. I do this often through spiritual surrealism and traditional folkloric techniques.
-Kezia