Colvin Concerts: Ben Zucker’s Fifth Season

Ben Zucker has been called a “master of improvisation” (IMPOSE Magazine), “more than a little bit remarkable” (Free Jazz Blog), and “one of those annoying people who can do lots of things really well” (We Need No Swords). He thrives in creative multiplicity as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and cultural worker—on any given day, they are working on commissions for ensembles such as the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet and Chicago Composer’s Orchestra; producing albums released on labels including Whitelabelrecs, Fallen Moon Recordings, and Amalgam; creating scores for productions shown at the New York Fringe Festival, Links Hall, DOCNYC, and BlowUp Arthouse Filmfest; teaching and facilitating new music productions with Northwestern University, New Music Chicago, and the Indeterminacy Festival; or onstage with musicians ranging from Anthony Braxton to The Crossing to Efterklang.

Fifth Season is one of Zucker’s own ensembles and the chief showcase for his skills as a vibraphonist and composition-improvisation hybridizer. For years, they have been refining work with prose-based scores, indicating broad gestural material and transformations instead of any specific harmonic or rhythmic material. The results are pieces with clear compelling structures while allowing a great degree of creative flexibility in real-time. There is influence in these pieces from past and present avant-gardes, such as Wandelweiser and the AACM, and even musical invocations of conceptual problems posed by language philosophers such as Wittgenstein. But these pieces, in the end, are grounded in the lived experience of Zucker’s breadth of musical work, frequently returning to the contemplation and power of improvisation.

Band: Ben Zucker, vibraphone & compositions; Mabel Kwan, piano; Adam Shead, drums/percussion; Andrew Scott Young, bass.

Check out their Instagram.

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While RSVP is free, there is a suggested donation in place of a ticket price at the door so that Colvin House can pay their talented, local artists and continue supporting the performing arts. They ask that you contribute $20 or $15/person toward paying the musicians and staff for their efforts in producing these community concerts at the Colvin House.

Colvin House cannot make change so please bring the exact amount you plan on donating. While they also accept Zelle & PayPal, they do prefer cash donations. Thank you!

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They are thrilled to partner with their neighbor, Rewired Cafe, for Colvin Concerts! Using QR codes, guests will be able to order right from their seats and have food delivered.

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Helpful Info:

Colvin House cannot provide parking on-site for this event. The first 20 cars can park free at George B. Swift Elementary school, just a block west of Colvin House. Please pull up to Colvin House's driveway gate (Thorndale Ave.) first to receive a parking permit which will provide further instructions.

For $20, valet parking is also available at the Malibu Condominiums (6007 N. Sheridan Rd.) public garage, just across the street, north of Colvin House. This parking can be validated by Colvin House for $2 off.

Colvin House recommends arriving early if you need to park.

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+ Please only RSVP if you are able to attend. This helps the staff to prepare.

+  They recommend reserving tickets as a group so that the staff can plan to seat your party together.

+  Bring-Your-Own-Refreshment! You are welcome to enjoy your own beverages and food at your table. 

+ Keep an eye on this link as well as your inbox for any announcements in the case of a postponement.