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New Music from Mary Lattimore & Jeff Ziegler

4 Sep 2014

Ballroom friends Mary Lattimore and Jeff Ziegler are releasing their first collaborative record this month! Read all about it- and their work in Marfa- in this interview with Bomb Magazine:

JZ: When we did the film scoring stuff in Marfa—we wrote a score to Philippe Garrel’s 1968 film Le révélateur—that actually changed things a lot, in terms of how we’d approach writing and improvising, too…

ML: Before, when we were playing together we’d do sets that were just making a lot of noise, and were very loud and abrasive. Focusing on making cool sounds rather than on melodic lines. Now we’re focusing less on purely cool sounds and are trying to incorporate that unhinged weirdness into something melodic and beautiful.

Slant of Light comes out September 23rd!

Upon hearing Jordan remarks, La Russa fired back, accusing Jordan of questioning the integrity of the Cardinal approach, and denying he did anything to put McGwire ahead of the team Pour en savoir plus. Internet Explorer graph is a little harder to interpret, but it looks like it might have finally turned the corner and stopped hemorrhaging market share. Dr Wilson says spots like Queens Road in “fringe inner city urban areas” have a growing cachet. Keeping fond memories of the Likneses is important, and Ellerby asked attendees to not grieve without hope. I would love to offer a flow chart here that would explain how to do this in a way that will be painless for your child, but the reality is that it may be anxiety producing. The article was evidence that John Coleman2 had left a will, although his will has since been lost as were so many other Gloucester Co. He started in radio in high school,

Preview the New Mary Lattimore and Jeff Zeigler Record

7 Aug 2014

Last year we were honored to host renowned Philadelphia producer Jeff Zeigler and harpist Mary Lattimore for our New Year’s film program. The two have joined together for a new album, Slant of Light, out September 22 on Thrill Jockey. Preview the track “The White Ballroon” above (courtesy of the Quietus).

Be sure to check out Mary’s solo record, The Withdawing Room, heard late one night on Marfa Public Radio while driving home from El Paso, and the inspiration for her performance in Marfa.

Photos from Vidas Perfectas

4 Aug 2014

Vidas Perfectas, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

While we’re catching our breath after this past weekend’s Marfa Dialogues/St. Louis, we thought we’d share photos from the stunning performances of Vidas Perfectas, Alex Waterman’s Spanish-language production of Robert Ashley’s groundbreaking work Perfect Lives (1983). Thanks to everyone who helped make Vidas Perfectas happen. See the full list of thanks and acknowledgements here.

All photos by Alex Marks,
July 18 and 19,2014.

 

Jane Crockett, Rocky Barnette, and Bob Crockett, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Rob Crowley and Alex Waterman, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Fairfax Dorn and Alex Waterman, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Music Producer Peter Gordon, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Vidas Perfectas, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Elisa Santiago, Ned Sublette, and Elio Villafranca, Vidas Perfectas, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

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Elisa Santiago, Ned Sublette, and Raul de Nieves, Vidas Perfectas, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Vidas Perfectas, July 18, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

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Raul de Nieves, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

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Peter Gordon, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Elio Villafranca, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Raul de Nieves, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Elisa Santiago and Elio Villafranca, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Scott Kiernan, Victoria Keddie, Alex Waterman, Ned Sublette, Elisa Santiago, Elio Villafranca, Raul de Nieves, and Peter Gordon, Vidas Perfectas, July 19, 2014. Photo by Alex Marks.

Photos from Bonnie “Prince” Billy

18 Jul 2014

Bonnie "Prince" Billy at the Crowley Theater, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

While we’re gearing up for Vidas Perfectas this weekend, we thought we’d share some photos from the stunning performances by Bonnie “Prince” Billy, David Ferguson and Matt Sweeney last weekend at Crowley Theater. A wonderful night with some wonderful folks.

All photos by Lesley Brown,

The audience at Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Music director Nicki Ittner and executive director Fairfax Dorn, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

David Ferguson, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

David Ferguson, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

David Ferguson and Matt Sweeney, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

David Ferguson and Matt Sweeney, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

David Ferguson, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and Matt Sweeney, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

David Ferguson, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and Matt Sweeney, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

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Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy, July 12, 2014. Photo by Lesley Brown.

Vidas Perfectas on Vimeo

2 Jul 2014

If you’re unable to attend the West Texas and Mexico performances of Vidas Perfectas, or just want a sample of what’s coming up, check out all seven episodes of the work on Vimeo (recorded in front of a live audience during the Whitney Biennial).

El Parque (The Park):

Vidas Perfectas – El Parque (17 Apr 2014 @ 4:30pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

El Supermercado (The Supermarket):

Vidas Perfectas – El Supermercado (19 Apr 2014 @ 12pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

El Banco (The Bank):

Vidas Perfectas – El Banco (18 Apr 2014 @ 1:30pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

El Bar (The Bar):

Vidas Perfectas – El Bar (19 Apr 2014 @ 4:30pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

El Salon (The Living Room):

Vidas Perfectas – El Salon (18 Apr 2014 @ 1:30pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

La Iglesia (The Church):

Vidas Perfectas – La Iglesia (17 Apr 2014 @ 1:30pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

El Patio De Atras (The Backyard):

Vidas Perfectas – El Patio De Atras (19 Apr 2014 @ 4:30pm) from Alex Waterman on Vimeo.

And if you’re really in a Robert-Ashley frame of mind, treat yourself to watching the original Perfect Lives: An Opera for Television, four episodes of which are available on YouTube.

The Park (Privacy Rules):

The Supermarket (Famous People):

The Bank (Victimless Crime):

The Bar (Differences):

And if you still can’t get enough,

Making the World Strange Through Opera: An Introduction to Vidas Perfectas

1 Jul 2014

Vidas_Perfectas_Twitter_Header

Sigue leyendo en español

Before the Texas/Mexico premieres of Vidas Perfectas – an all new Spanish-language version of Robert Ashley’s Perfect Lives – in El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and Marfa, we wanted to present you with a quick primer on some of the important aspects of the piece. The new work, directed by Alex Waterman, has been in development since 2009 and replaces not only the language but the location of the original work, moving from the American Midwest to the Far West Texas desert.

Vidas Perfectas is presented by Ballroom Marfa in conjunction with the El Paso Opera, Whitney Museum of American Art, ISSUE Project Room and Irondale Brooklyn.

Vidas is the realization of years of hard work, rehearsal, and research by the cast and crew, and will be an exciting tribute to Ashley, who passed away earlier this year.

Waterman, who is a founding member of the Plus Minus Ensemble and performs with the Either/Or Ensemble, has been engaging with Ashley and his work for over a decade. He is currently co-writing a book on the composer’s notational scores entitled Robert Ashley: Yes, But is it Edible? and working on his PhD in musicology.

Vidas Perfectas will premiere in El Paso on July 12 and then move to Juaréz (July 13) and Marfa (July 18-19). All the details are on the Vidas Perfectas page.

Who was Robert Ashley?

Photos from the first two days of “Music Moves U”

18 Jun 2014

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Students making a thumb piano. All photographs by Suzy Simon.

As part of MISD‘s Summer Shakeup program, Ballroom Marfa is hosting Music Moves U, a workshop led by Dr. Kahil El’Zabar and his band, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Led by Dr. El’Zabar, students build homemade instruments and then practice playing and improvising on these instruments. After practicing, the group has a dress rehearsal and performs a final show with the band. Students will investigate the properties of rhythm, ensemble performance, melodic and harmonic sensibilities, and improvisation, while learning about the history of music, team building, and personal expression.

Here are some of the images from the first two days of the program, including some of the kids’ finished instruments.

And don’t forget to come to the final show on June 19th at 7pm at the Crowley Theater!

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Decorating some thumb pianos.

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Shayleigh’s gorgeous zither

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Beginning the instruments

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Showing them how it’s done

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Nia’s glam thumb piano

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Lesly’s awesome zither

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Dr.

“The New Yorker” on Bonnie “Prince” Billy

5 Jun 2014

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Photograph by Steve Gullick

If you (like us) are counting down the days until our July 12th Bonnie “Prince” Billy concert, then be sure to read this New Yorker article from 2009,
helpfully forwarded to us by friend of Ballroom and board of trustees member, Vance Knowles. Although Oldham is described as “a recluse and an enigma” who rarely offers interviews, Kalefa Sanneh was able to meet with Oldham in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky as he geared up for an Idyllic and pastoral outdoor concert.

An excerpt:

By way of rehearsal, Oldham and the band had spent the week giving brief, unannounced performances at local bars. On Thursday night, he had called up Joe’s Palm Room, a venerable and predominantly African-American establishment, and asked, “Do y’all have music tonight?”

The answer was no.

“Do you want some?”

No.

“So if we came down there with some instruments and played some music, would you like that?”

No.

“For free?”

Eventually, the staff had consented to let Oldham and his band play, or, at any rate, consented not to stop them from playing. A few fans managed to track him down, but many of the people in the audience had no idea that they were watching one of Louisville’s most celebrated residents, and Oldham seemed proud to have won over a few skeptics. His favorite review came from a regular patron who had been moved to shout, “Sing that shit!”

To continue reading, head over to The New Yorker.

Although online tickets for the concert are sold out, tickets are still available for purchase in the gallery. Additionally,

The Gene Clark No Other Band at Music Hall of Williamsburg

23 May 2014

Via Pitchfork:

Back in January, Beach House assembled an all-star band to perform No Other, the 1974 cult album by founding Byrds member Gene Clark. The band included Beach House’s Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen, the Walkmen’s Hamilton Leithauser, Iain Matthews of Plainsong/Fairport Convention, Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner, plus members of Lower Dens, Cass McCombs’ band, Celebration, and Mt. Royal. The Gene Clark No Other Band embarked on a short East Coast tour that included a performance at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Pitchfork.tv filmed that performance, and video of the whole show is now available.

Featuring Ballroom alums Beach House, Jen Wasner of Wye Oak, Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear, and members of the Cass McCombs Band. A fitting way to ring in the weekend.