Arts Planner: Making music with computers and ... cacti?
Southern Exposure New Music Series
The latest concert in a University of South Carolina School of Music series has faculty and guest artists creating sounds with the help of technology and one particular prickly plant.
The Southern Exposure New Music Series explores contemporary, classical and world music written in the past 30 years. Friday’s free concert, titled “Exposed Wiring V,” is the fifth installment within the series to focus on computer-assisted live performances.
“We are so surrounded by technology these days, but it's still a little unusual to hear pieces that weave technology into them in such an overt way,” artistic director Mike Harley said. “We get to devote an entire evening to works that live in that arena.”
The show is curated in part by USC composer and computer music whiz Reginald Bain, with performances by Pittsburgh quintet C Street Brass; percussionist and USC grad Cameron Britt; and soprano/guitar duo Sharon Harms and Kenneth Meyer. Seven USC faculty musicians also will perform.
The works primarily manipulate music using technology or computer programs that help process sounds and change them live, Harley said. For some pieces that includes a vibraphone and tape, speakers and laptops.
Four works were created specifically for the show and will be heard for the first time Friday.
Now, about that cactus.
Harley wouldn’t give too much away, but he did say that there is a cactus involved in music making. “People will leave with a whole new idea about what a cactus can do.”
7:30 p.m. Friday at the USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. Free. http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/music/
OTHER ARTS EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Arlo Guthrie
Guthrie’s folk-singing career exploded with the 18-minute “Alice’s Restaurant” in 1967 and continued with other hits including “Coming into Los Angeles” and “City of New Orleans.” Guthrie is the son of folk great Woody Guthrie.
8 p.m. Wednesday at Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. $69. www.newberryoperahouse.com/
Chamber Music on Main
The popular chamber music series returns with works of Beethoven, Chopin, Bernstein and Piazzolla performed by pianist Jeewon Park, cellist Edward Arron and clarinet player Romie de Guise-Langlois.
7 p.m. Friday at Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. $35, $28 for members, $5 for students. www.columbiamuseum.org
‘Aladdin’ at Koger Center
Columbia City Ballet presents its dance adaptation of a Walt Disney Animated classic: “Aladdin.” Join Aladdin on a magic carpet ride for adventure and romance.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Koger Center, 1051 Greene St. $20-$45. (803) 777-7500, www.kogercenterforthearts.com/
Battle for St. Pat’s
St. Pat’s is now accepting submissions from local bands interested in competing in the 9th Annual Battle for St. Pat’s. The six gnarliest, blarniest entries will battle it out for the opportunity to play on the big stage at the 34th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points festival on March 19.
Submissions should be sent to battleforstpats@yahoo.com and must include a bio, contact information, three or more songs (including one YouTube video) and a photo. Submissions are due Feb. 19.
Preservation Awards
Historic Columbia is now accepting nominations for its 2016 Preservation Awards. Help Historic Columbia recognize the commendable efforts of citizens of Columbia and Richland County by nominating projects that fall into one of four categories: Preservation/Restoration, Adaptive Use, New Construction in an Historic Context and Preservation Leadership. Nominations should be limited to projects completed within the past five years and located in Columbia and Richland County.
Nomination forms are available at historiccolumbia.org or by contacting Grace Ann Roberts at groberts@historiccolumbia.org. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 11.
This story was originally published January 23, 2016 at 6:00 AM.