In Situ:
Esopus: Close Calls
About this Event
Wednesday, June 8th 8pm
Each issue of ESOPUS features an audio CD with brand-new music inspired by a particular theme. The CD compilation in Esopus 23 (now on newsstands) explores the subject of “Close Calls”. For it, Esopus invited 13 musical acts to pick a close-call moment from their lives — ranging from near-death experiences to romantic misfires — that they’ve never been able to shake, then write a song inspired by the experience. Four of the contributors to the CD—The Big Bright, Gabriel Birnbaum, Jo Lawry, and Darren Solomon—will participate in this event, which will be hosted by actor/comedian Jeff Hiller (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend).
About The Artists
The Big Bright
A collaboration between Brooklyn-based musicians Glenn Patscha, Fiona McBain, and Liz Tormes. The band is best known for its atmospheric covers of vintage New Wave and ’80s Brit-pop hits, featured most recently on its 2013 release I Slept Thru the 80’s.
Gabriel Birnbaum
A multi-instrumentalist and composer living in Brooklyn. He has performed onstage and recorded with such artists as Sharon Van Etten, Jens Lekman, and DeVotchKa, and he is a full-time member of the Ethiopian pop ensemble Debo Band, whose Sub Pop debut was named one of the 50 best albums of 2012 by National Public Radio.
Jeff Hiller (host)
An actor and comedian often seen at the UCB Theatre and hosting LA Moth StorySlams. His New York theater credits include Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (Broadway), Love’s Labours Lost (Shakespeare in the Park), Lady, Be Good! (City Center Encores), and Baby Wants Candy (Off Broadway). His television work includes appearances on The McCarthys, 30 Rock, Community, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Jo Lawry
Australian-born and Brooklyn-based Jo Lawry received a Fulbright scholarship for study in the United States to earn her master’s degree in jazz performance in 2003, and she is currently completing her Ph.D. at the New England Conservatory. Lawry, who tours and records regularly with Sting, released her acclaimed debut album, I Want to Be Happy, in 2008, and Taking Pictures in 2015.
Darren Solomon
Based in Brooklyn, Darren Solomon is a composer, bassist, and keyboard player who began his career as a teenager touring with Ray Charles. He has written the music for hundreds of TV commercials, winning both Clio and Cannes Gold Lion awards for his efforts. Solomon records electronic music and remixes under the name Science for Girls.
Hear the Preview
Other Darren Solomon Events
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Ableton Live is a powerful and flexible piece of software popular with dance music producers, remixers and new music artists alike. Hear five live performances from different artists, each highlighting their unique take on making music with this creative tool.
Darren Solomon Presents: Jean Rohe | Songs from “The Odysseus Agreement”
Darren Solomon Presents: Come Wander With Me
A hybrid DJ set/live instrumental performance piece by NS curator Darren Solomon, featuring choreography by Jennifer McQuiston Lott and video projections by Owen O'Neill, incorporating the repurposed & transformed music of Charles Ives, Beethoven, Kelly Clarkson, and Kanye West, among others, through improvisation, spoken word, minimalism & electronic ambient music.
