Sonic Sandbox and guitarist Ben Miller

Friday, November 5, 8:00

Cultivating his technique since 1982, Ben Miller/degeneration presents a sonic tapestry that defies standard guitar playing. By using several pickups outputted separately through two chain of effects, Miller produces a texturous, multiphonic soundscape. With the addition of a wide variety of preparations, radio and analog tape, it is difficult to discern where any one sound originates or where it is headed.
Sonic Sandbox, an improvisational trio consisting of composer and electronic musician Forrest Larsen, percussionist and Didgeridoo player David Brown and clarinetist Todd Brunel will be performing in support of their latest release, "Turbulence."

Meltdown Incentive

8:00 Friday October 1, Outpost 186, Cambridge, MA.
The Meltdown Incentive is the brainchild of composer Delvyn Case, who will be featured on piano with Sara Bielanski vocalizations, Ed Broms on fixed electric bass, various percussion instruments, Rob Bethel on cello and Todd Brunel on clarinets. The improvisational troupe will experiment with poetry, recipes, personal ads and abstract sounds painting.
Here is a youtube video that features Sara and ensemble with
a very deadpan version of the classic frat anthem, "The Beer Prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TLDz8ql_Qw

There will also be a performance by composer, saxophonist Michael Dobiel, who will be collaborating with Erich Hochstrasser, a sound design/synthesis artist. Learn more about Michael Dobiel and his exciting work here:
http://www.myspace.com/michaeldobiel

Palimpest Friday

Friday 3 September @ Outpost, 8pm $10 or b/o
Vortex presents
Dennis Shafer - solo saxophone, performing:
Tadj for Solo Soprano Saxophone by Christian Lauba
Melodique etude based upon three modes and varied attacks


+The Ara Sarkissian Palimpest Ensemble
Ara Sarkissian – piano / Julee Avalone – flutes /Todd Brunel – clarinets / Kit Demos – bass / John Mclellan - drumset

The Palimpsest Ensemble, led by Ara Sarkissian, combines the art of group improvisation with a strict adherence to musical form. Thus, unlike many other musical situations in which we as players use the technique of improvisation in an open form setting, this ensemble requires the application of improvisatory techniques within strict rules pertaining to form, texture, motivic development, dynamics and other elements.

Vortex Friday and New McLellans

We are really excited about Friday night's show that will feature saxophonist Tom Hall playing with us Vortex Dimensionites. All of us, except drummer John McLellan, because he will be with his family. That's all I'm going to say about it! Alright John, God be with you two, we are really looking forward to the news!!!!

FRIDAY 6 AUGUST @ 8PM

Tom Hall and the Vortex Other Dimension Ensemble!

VOD Fest

Thank you to everyone who participated in one of the most truly inspirational days in memory.

Boston Phoenix 'Bos Picks'

VOD Fest July 22, 2010
If you frequent the tiny avant-improv bunker Outpost 186, then you're familiar with clarinettist Todd Brunel's Vortex Series, which features some of the city's finest jazz musicians and free-improvisers of all stripes. Today Brunel launches his VOD Festival (as in, Vortex Other Dimension). Festivities include a full day of master classes and workshops for all levels of "jazz, blues, microtonal improvisation, music concrète, world music, and avant-garde improvisation on your instrument of choice." The day concludes with a concert by VOD faculty: saxophonist Tom Hall, the Jeff Platz Group, the Vortex Other Dimension Ensemble, pianist David Maxwell, and guitarist Kevin Frenette. It's all at the Cambridge Family YMCA, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge | 10 am-6:45 pm workshops; 7-10 pm concert | $75 full day; $12 evening concert; $10 students | clarinetconspiracy.com. Filed under: MUSIC