Substrata Festival continues with works of great variance and diversity that defy simple classification, yet loosely ascribe to ambient or neoclassical in their approaches to instrumentation and composition. Legendary Norwegian ambient-techno pioneer BIOSPHERE presents his latest works. Germany’s NILS FRAHM makes a rare appearance to perform selections from his critically-acclaimed albums “Wintermusik” & “The Bells”. Kranky recording artist BENOÎT PIOULARD debuts new drone-ambient material. Also performing will be Seattle’s own I3O.

The first Substrata Festival explores varying perspectives of scale though the use of sound, composition, and visuals. Opening night focuses on non-traditional approaches to the electric guitar: Australia’s OREN AMBARCHI presents his brand of immersive, experimental drone-ambient music. ELUVIUM performs new compositions for piano and drone guitar. Portland’s MARCUS FISCHER showcases his audiovisual works. Canadian sound artist CRYS COLE opens the showcase, performing with contact microphones, minimal signal processing and no-input mixing board.

Presented by Earshot Jazz. In the summer of 2006, Earshot began a comprehensive project entitled “Jazz: The Second Century”. This concert series seeks to address jazz’s progressive transition into the future, bringing the discussion into creative motion where it matters most – on the stage, with an attentive audience. The July 14 concert will feature Dave Anderson’s Trio Real with Anderson on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, Jon Hamar on bass, and Brad Boal on drums. Opening are Hexaphonic 3, with Bruce Greeley on bass clarinet, Mike Sentkewitz on bass, and Ryan Burt on drums.

The Monktail Creative Music Concern has created an indoor series at the Chapel Performance Space, highlighting the works of its members. Each event features a stellar line-up of Monktail composers, with numerous performers of note participating in each concert. Vol. 5 will feature music for solo piano performed by Stephen Fandrich, as well as improvised duets presented by Amy Denio & Beth Fleenor. This series is a fundraiser for Sounds Outside 2011.

Presented by Earshot Jazz. Earshot’s “Jazz: The Second Century” is intended to address jazz’s progressive transition into the future, bringing the discussion into creative motion where it matters most – on the stage, with an attentive audience. The series enters its fifth year, presenting eight resident ensembles over four evenings in July. Tonight’s concert features trombonist Andy Clausen’s Wishbone Ensemble with Ivan Arteaga on clarinet, Aaron Otheim on accordion, Gus Carnes on piano, and Chris Icasiano on drums. Opening: Drummer Chris Icasiano and saxophonist Neil Welch continue to develop a unique musical voice together as the duo Bad Luck.

Presented by Earshot Jazz. Vancouver pianist Kris Davis teams up with New Jersey drummer/trombonist Tyshawn Sorey and German-born saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock. The trio’s first album, Paradoxical Frog, was released last July on the Lisbon-based Clean Feed label.

The Seattle Composers’ Salon fosters the development, performance and appreciation of new music by regional composers and performers. At bi-monthly, informal presentations, the Salon features finished works, previews, and works in progress. Composers, performers, and audience members gather in a casual setting that allows for experimentation and discussion. Everyone is welcome! Join us this month for an evening of music and discussion with Seattle composers Jeffrey Izzo, Stuart Wheeler and Tom Baker.

The Seattle Pianist Collective (Stephen Fandrich, Brian Kinsella, Peter Vukmirovic Stevens, Adrienne Varner and Kelly Wyse) is a modern piano and chamber music group that performs eclectic programs throughout the year, including electronic and experimental music, and often debuting new works from around the world. We are excited to present an eclectic and dynamic program featuring works by local composers Nat Evans, Jessika Kenney, Mark Ostrowski, Stephen Parris, Jarrad Powell, Jim Knapp, and others.

For this new interactive piece, Scribe, Send, Sound, Paul Rucker invites audience members to send stories, poems, and other writing to the band (Paul Rucker: cello, double bass; Hans Teuber: saxophone; Eric Eagle: drums) before and during the show. New compositions will be created based on the messages received. Writers will also be invited to bring laptops and other mobile devices and write during the performance.

Presented by WA Composers Forum. Seattle composer Brad Sherman and University of Iowa composer Christopher Gainey present a concert of some of their latest solo and chamber music, including two world premieres written specifically for this event.