Thu 2/20 @ 7PM
For so many artists in Cleveland and throughout the world, collaboration rests at the heart of their most profound and impactful achievements. In the case of founders Devin Hinzo and Justin Gunter’s Fresh Perspectives concert series, this rings especially true. In only its second year, the series has seen an increased budget, intensified ambitions, and inclusion of several other producers, curators, and artists from many walks of life.
While the progressively curated neo-classical, new music and avant-garde programming may at first seem scholarly or highbrow, I spoke with Hinzo about how they place great emphasis on changing the classical music concert paradigm by encouraging audience inclusion, socializing and networking at events, and diversity.
One major way the program distinguishes itself is its venue of choice, Snap House Studios, a 3,000-square-foot photography studio located in Cleveland’s historic Artcraft building. With gorgeous, unobstructed views of the downtown skyline, audiences are in for a mesmerizing and unique musical experience, no matter the bill.
On Thu 2/20, concertgoers will be immersed in guest producer Melanie Emig’s “Samples,” a show comprising eight singers of varying musical backgrounds performing both in tandem and independently of one another. A singer herself, Emig hoped to create a show that demonstrated the vocal stylings and talents of many people in relentlessly unique ways, utilizing space, lighting and playing to the acoustical tendencies of the venue. The singers will physically surround the audience, and what may start as a piece that resembles an argument may seamlessly blend into harmonic bliss, all the while reinforced with striking light direction. The audience may be encouraged to move around, occasionally standing near one singer, and moving to the next at their own pace.
Beyond any technical wonders or musical prowess, however, Emig hopes to use this production to emphasize the importance of hearing and considering all voices and messages. You can RSVP to the event at fpcreative.org/fresh-perspectives as well as find information on future programming.
Doors for the show are at 7pm, with music beginning at 7:45. Tickets are on a sliding scale of $0-15 and will be available the day of the event.
The performing singers will be:
Elena Mullins, medieval music
Case Bargé, alternative hip hop
Amanda Powell, folk & global music
Liz Bullock, blues & soul
Rayna, new classical & guided listening
Seyu, hip hop & r&b
Naomi Columna, new classical
Melanie Emig, new classical
[Written by Dylan Glover]
Cleveland, OH 44114