Tonight's installment (see here) of what has come to be known as the Tuesday Series is one in a succession of performances put together by a loose community of Twin Cities improvisers and experimentalists that has grown in number and influence over the years. I recently had an opportunity to ask present series curator, maker of awesome fliers and sometimes series performer Casey Deming for the details about the long-running and prestigious Tuesday Series.
What is your series called?
Tuesday Series (previously known as "Tuesday Series for Improvisation and Experimentation" - mouthful) http://tuesdayseries.com/ ---- join the e-mail list - tuesday.series@gmail.com.
How often and where does your series take place?
Approximately every other Tuesday (sometimes the schedule moves around).
bryce beverlin II live improvisation february 2 2010 from brycebeverlinII on Vimeo.
How long have you been doing your series?
I've been curating it now for 2+ years with the help of Art of This' John Marks.
Before that I was helping host the series when it was still housed at the old Acadia Cafe spot on Franklin Ave and Nicollet. The Series has been running for over a decade now, originally started by Davu Seru, later organized by Andrew Lafkas, Nathan Philips, and Bryce Beverlin II. Previous homes include Gus Lucky's Cafe, Acadia Cafe, Art of This Gallery, and currently we're at Madame of the Arts (3401 Chicago Ave S) though we are still co-produced and presented by Art of This.
What compelled you to start your series?
Though I wasn't around at the beginning stages, I was compelled to get involved and later curate for the series because I find its place in the community very important, insofar as it offers a space for musicians to grow, experiment, and collaborate with other local and international artists.
What is unique about your series?
I think it's unique because of its structure (open and intimate atmosphere) and who comprises the audience (often other musicians / artists). Each night presents a digestible amount of music, we start and end early (8pm-11pm), always important that it be all ages, and it's cheap (suggested donation $3-5).
How does your series contribute to the good of the community?
We offer a place to attentively listen to what is being presented, where the audience can critique and actively engage in the process of listening, whereas most folks experience live music at a loud bar or in an otherwise socialized setting (meaning that the music is not the main focus of attention). I don't want to make it sound like we are boring and "academic" - we too enjoy socializing, drinking some wine or beer - it's just that we hope that the performers get the attention that they deserve while they are improvising.
What have some of the highlights been for you so far?
It's been great to host a smattering of touring artists (Audrey Chen, Luca Marini, Seeded Plain, C. Spencer Yeh, Sissy Spacek, Jon Mueller, Andrei Kivu, Jozef Van Wissem, Che Chen, Robbie Lee, Carol Genetti, Jacob Wick, Aaron Zarzutzki, Wilson Shook, Rafael Toral (among others)), as well as getting local musicians to forge new collaborative efforts.
What are your thoughts on music in the Twin Cities?
There's something for everyone. I'm happy that we have so many non-legit venues and DIY spaces. Of course, that also posses problems of accessibility and the formation of insular communities, so it's important to spread one's involvement in the various outlets throughout the city.
What would your utopia be like?
endless amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, friends, sunshine, books
