Pleiades is our monthly series that features womxn and non-binary musicians/improvisors and this month we’ll have two sets, but will not have the usual open jam. Starting the night out we’ll have a quintet led by Nicky Alonso featuring Hedra Rowan, Janna Lee, Tina Lefauve, and Issy Hung. We’ll then have a solo set from series curator Emily Beisel who will be also celebrating the release of their debut solo album for bass clarinet, voice and analog effects.  Beisel utilizes electronics, amplification, and feedback to augment their acoustic sounds, creating a sonic space that can at times be aggressive, dense, and massive, as well as subtle, spacious, and sensitive. The album, entitled Particle of Organs was mixed and mastered by Bill Harris and will be released on Amalgam. Let’s celebrate!

Artist Bios 

Emily Rach Beisel is a Chicago-based improvisor, composer, educator, curator and woodwind specialist. Beisel is known for visceral performances combining extended instrumental techniques with heavy amplification and timbral effects. Their solo work frequently explores the intersection between avant-garde art music and extreme metal genres. As a curator, Beisel seeks to increase the visibility and involvement of women and nonbinary artists in the creative music community. They founded the Pleiades Series at Elastic Arts, presenting monthly performances along with a community-based free improvisation jam for femme and nonbinary performers. Beisel is a member of the contemporary ensemble Fonema Consort, touring most recently in Brazil, Mexico, Minneapolis and New York and premiering works of living composers including James Dillon, Richard Barrett and Julio Estrada.  Beisel holds a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and is a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 10-208.

$15 - Tickets Available at the Door