Matthew Welch’s work, at its core, is about experimental musical hybridity between traditional and innovative forms of Western music and World music. Drawing from over two decades of research and performance interests in diverse musical systems — Western classical and experimental music, jazz and improvisation, Scottish bagpipes, Indonesian gamelan, and music of the Philippine Cordillera — he creates new compositional connections, and develops catalysts for dialogue between seemingly disparate musical forms.
Broken Crow is a Portland trio made up of Caspar Sonnet, Joel Nelson, and Sam Klapper. Their work ranges from open improvisation to tape loop material. The range of compositional form and sound design from the group is a breath of fresh air in experimental scene.
Local acts supporting the out of town groups are Tarsier Eyes and a duo between dancer Hannah Rice and drummer Casey Adams.