FIRST EXCURSION

Uneasy Listening proudly presents our first community-building outing of the year: the Dave Rempis Percussion Quartet at Elastic on September 20th at 10:00pm.

Despite this ensemble's name, the Rempis Percussion Quartet is hardly a drum circle. The group consists of saxophonist Rempis (playing alto, tenor, and baritone -- not all at once), bassist Anton Hatwich, and drummers Tim Daisy and Frank Rosaly. The name alludes to the ensemble's emphasis on rhythm, Rempis being the only musician to take up melodic duties on a regular basis. Grooves will be set up, attacked, reversed, pummeled, left for dead, and exhumed for what they can yield. Much of the quartet's music is wholly improvised. The energy generated can be intense; those looking for cocktail-hour jazz may not be interested in this particular outing.

The location, Elastic Arts, deserves comment in itself. Located above the Friendship Chinese Restaurant just north of Logan Square on Milwaukee Ave., Elastic operates as a multi-functional space, generally exhibiting visual art as well as hosting musical performances. The space is small, with a host of folding chairs that generally accommodate an audience of about fifty at the absolute most. Elastic does not serve anything (although bottles of water are usually available for $1). Those interested in drinks are advised that there is a liquor store across the street, purchases from which may be consumed within Elastic (the arrangement generally known as BYO).

Unfortunately the set-up at Elastic does not allow for much in the way of conversation during performances. I plan to wait outside to meet with attendees from Northwestern just to identify myself (and arrange to pay your admission, of course). After the show we will be able to share our reactions here, and if we can tolerate each other in person perhaps at a non-musical outing at the Celtic Knot (or somewheres).

If you have plans to attend this performance please leave a comment below. As noted above, the space at Elastic is not large and I'd like to have an idea how many people we plan to bring so as to avoid any "scenes" at the venue. As always, email me at b-mix@northwestern.edu with any comments or questions.