ALIEN RADIO

Alien Radio is the Canadian creative music power trio of clarinetist François Houle, bassist James Meger, and percussionist Joe Sorbara. These stalwart sonic adventurers come together as often as the universe allows to breathe life into a diverse book of compositions penned by Houle and Sorbara as well as free jazz and experimental music luminaries such as Anthony Braxton, John Carter, and Steve Lacy. In November 2019, Toronto-based saxophonist and clarinetist, Ted Crosby, filled in for François on a short tour of Québec and Southern Ontario that included a beautiful night at Zula House in Hamilton. On this occasion, as a special present to Hamilton, we get to hear them as a quartet for the first time ever.

MARCUS ROJAS

Best known for his work in jazz, as a tubaist, brass specialist, Marcus Rojas is a longtime member of Spanish Fly and has played on over 300 recordings. He has performed and/or recorded with a wide range of musicians, including They Might Be Giants, John Zorn, Henry Threadgill, Sly & Robbie and Foetus.

SILVERVEST

The unique Montreal duo of double bassist Nicolas Caloia and vocalist Kim Zombik offer an elegant, skeletal take on song. Sitting between the carefully mapped-out and daringly freeform, between popular sensibilities and avant garde restlessness, Silvervest’s sonic identity is clear and palpably melodic.

HOLCOMB/MÜLLER/VAN DER SCHYFF

(Seattle/Vancouver/Melbourne)
Festival Curated Ensemble
Robin Holcomb piano, vocals
Torsten Müller double bass
Dylan van der Schyff drums

SICK BOSS

(BC)
Peggy Lee · cello
Josh Zubot · violin
JP Carter · trumpet
Dan Gaucher · drums
James Meger · bass
Cole Schmidt · guitar
Sick Boss is an improvising chamber jazz ensemble with inspirations ranging from experimental, improvised, avant-garde and jazz to rock, punk and electronic music. Sick Boss has established an immediately recognizable sound as the band explores episodic compositions that are continually on the move.

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Friday, June 17 Eve at Cotton Factory

• $25 advance tickets via Eventbrite

• $30 at the door for students, seniors, artworkers, un(der)employed

• $35 at the door regular

• $130 festival passes to all 7 ticketed core weekend events + Balkan vocal workshop (up to $255 value at the door)

  No one will be refused admission for lack of funds, provided there’s space
  Food and beverages available at venue

  Limited capacity, masks, social distancing and vaccine passports may be required.

  These concerts are made possible by kind support from Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, City of Hamilton, and Ontario Trillium Foundation. Big thanks to these funders for believing in what we aim to do.

  Also a big thanks to The Cotton Factory, Bayfront Park, Bridgeworks and the Hamilton Public Library (for partnering with us and) for opening their doors to us …the Hamilton Spectator for their support.