Mr. Chair & Leslie Damaso

press release: Mr. Chair (Ben Ferris, Mark Hetzler, Mike Koszewski, Jason Kutz) is a multi-genre group from Madison. Their experience is rooted in the classical and jazz traditions but one can also hear influences of rock, modern and contemporary improv-based styles; it is a celebratory mélange enhanced by electronics. Besides the re-imagining of iconic classical works such as Stravinky’s Pulcinella, their explorations include serving as the “house band” for university lectures on cosmology and collaboration with dancers, visual artists and hip-hop/spoken word artists.

Now, they are bringing their futuristic multi-genre twist to 19th century music of the Philippines with vocalist Leslie Damaso at the Mineral Point Opera House on May 31st. Damaso and Kutz recorded and released an album of kundiman last year called “May Laya” which is Tagalog for “there is freedom”. It was recently awarded the best world album by the Madison Area Music Association.

The program will consist of the re-imagined kundiman plus originals by the band from their upcoming debut album called “Nebulebula”. The album will be available for sale, pre-release, for those who will attend.

Tickets: $15 Student, $20 Adult

For more information:

www.mrchairmusic.com

www.lesliedamasomusic.com