February 5-7, 8pm
Chapel Performance Space
4649 Sunnyside Ave N (Fourth Floor)

The 30th Seattle Improvised Music Festival will feature artists from the beginning points of Seattle’s creative improvised music. The historic Seattle points: Stuart Dempster and William O. Smith, the elder statesmen, are a tradition of playing, teaching and inspiring. Sue Ann Harkey and Greg Powers bring improvisation to Seattle’s rock environment in the early 80s (pre-grunge). Wally Shoup relocates to Seattle in the mid-80s and becomes one of the originators of the festival (creating an environment for Seattle improvised music). Lori Goldston begins her Seattle music life at the initial festival (1986). These performers, and trajectory, highlight the growth and expansion of creative improvised music in Seattle, substantiated by the quality and devotion of all the Seattle folk playing as part of the festival.

Further, the festival continues to bring musicians from afar to join in the music: Mazen Kerbaj, Bill Nace and Matthew Ostrowski bring other voices to Seattle. 

Trumpeter and artist Mazen Kerbaj (Beirut, Lebanon) searched for this Seattle festival. One of the founders of the Lebanese free improvisation scene, both as a trumpet player and as a member in the MILL association that organizes the annual Irtijal festival (www.irtijal.org), his remarkable approach to trumpet sound is known throughout the world. Born in 1975, Kerbaj lives and works in Beirut. He’s published more than 15 books and many short stories and drawings in anthologies, newspapers and magazines in Lebanon, Europe, and the USA, and exhibited his work both in solo and in collective exhibitions around the world. He’s the founder of record labels Al Maslakh and Johnny Kafta’s Kids Menu, and has performed solo and with various groups in the Middle East, Europe and the USA. Regular and occasional partners include Sharif Sehnaoui, Christine Abdelnour, Raed Yassin, Franz Hautzinger, Lê Quan Ninh, Stéphane Rives, Mats Gustaffson, The Scrambled Eggs, Guillermo Gregorio, Gene Coleman, Michael Zerang, Jim Baker, Jack Wright, Michael Bullock, Vic Rawlings, David Stäckenas, Martin Küchen, Axel Dörner, Ricardo Arias, Jason Khan, The Ex, Thomas Lehn, Joe McPhee, Raymond Boni, John Butcher, Martin Blume, Tony Buck, Magda Mayas, Peter Evans, Nate Wooley.

Guitarist Bill Nace (Northampton, Mass.) is one of the definitive guitar improvisers of North America. His range defies what is thought of as the electric guitar. Paul Flaherty (tenor saxophone) and Chris Corsano (drums) are two of many New England musicians Nace works around. He is also known for his duo with Kim Gordon: Body/Head. 

Electronic musician Matthew Ostrowski (Brooklyn) is a pioneer in the world of live electronics. One of the founders of a weekly, improvised music series in New York City (late 80s), his explorations of micro-events and sudden change possess an improvisatory foundation. Current focus includes duo with bass and trio with video improvisers. 

Any attempt to describe the sounds – the ranges, the fluxes, the densities – which one will hear in February is a bit foolish. Yet, to suggest that it is random they-make-it-up-as-they-go chaos is to disregard the extensive workings of these intrepid artists. Spontaneous composition might be a way to put it.

The music may be familiar in places, may be unheard-of in others. The festival pairs similar instrument ensembles (string trio, horn quartet) as well as the most different. Yet, in all, the 30th festival celebrates creative music in its immediacy. 

30th Seattle Improvised Music Festival Schedule

Chapel Performance Space
4649 Sunnyside Ave N (Fourth Floor)
$5-$15, sliding scale
Presented by Nonsequitur

Thursday, February 5, 8pm

Matthew Ostrowski (electronics), Paul Hoskin (contrabass clarinet)

Mazen Kerjab (trumpet), Angelina Baldoz (trumpet), Greg Powers (trombone), Stuart Dempster (trombone)

Bill Nace (electric guitar), Dave Knott (guitar), Alex Guy (viola, violin)

Friday, February 6, 8pm

Mazen Kerjab (trumpet), Christian Pincock (trombone), Chris Icasiano (drums)


Bill Nace (electric guitar), Wally Shoup (alto saxophone), Greg Kelley (trumpet)


Matthew Ostrowski (electronics), Susie Kozawa (found objects), Jessika Kenney (voice)

Saturday February 7, 8pm

Neil Welch (tenor saxophone), Monica Schley (harp), Carol Levin (harp)


Lori Goldston (cello), Sue Ann Harkey (electric guitar), Greg Campbell (drums)


Mazen Kerjab (trumpet), Bill Nace (electric guitar), Matthew Ostrowski (electronics) + special guests

Encore performance with Mazen Kerjab + Seattle 4 at the Royal Room, February 10.