What is the strand that connects, animates, and amplifies the human experience? How is it manifested and intertwined with our interpersonal selves, our social lives, and our art-making? Where is this strand most prominent and how do we, as artists and agents of culture, come to understand and articulate our shared histories, strivings, tragedies, and triumphs?

Mélange: Variation on a Theme is a new, visionary suite that interprets the intersected historical experiences, modalities, and musings emerging from thought, sound, movement, and fusion. The presentation centers authentic and dynamic explorations of community, connection, and social cohesion. We invite both seasoned arts patrons and the next generation of art lovers to engage with spoken word, live music, visual & performing art in ways that challenge our notion of creative exploration, improvisation, and craft. This event features live music, original spoken word poetry, dance, singing, storytelling, and visual artmaking. The presentations are connected by the dynamic arc of cultural experiences, sociopolitical tensions, and aesthetic contours framing and fueling the lives and narratives of a people.

This new suite is conceptualized by Lasana D. Kazembe and Rob Dixon and interpreted by a fearless cohort of creative improvisers.

Featuring:

Lasana D.
Kazembe (spoken word poetry; narration)
Rob Dixon (saxophone,music director)
Brandon Meeks (bass)
Kenny Phelps (drums)
Darnell Perkins (percussion)