6 pm | MATT BRUBECK & CAYLIE STAPLES
Cellist Matt Brubeck and singer Caylie Staples perform completely improvised songs. As the duo creates the music, Caylie makes up all of the words live on stage. Over the years they have developed a remarkable improvisational compatibility in this unique form of spontaneous song creation. Eschewing pre-existing lyrics, melodies, or traditional song forms, their music is a celebration of serendipity, whimsy, and the creative potency of any given moment. Each performance is like a musical trust exercise; going with what the other is giving and committing to keep the balloon up! Their first album of improvised songs,“The Lily”, was released in 2021 to positive reviews.
“Both have impeccable instincts and exercise insight and restraint here as they uncover these vignettes.” – Nick Storring, Riparian Acoustics Newsletter
7 pm | OPEN THREAD
This innovative Melbourne based ensemble is composed of players with great chemistry, including cellist Peggy Lee, saxophonist Julien Wilson, guitarist Theo Carbo, and drummer Dylan van der Schyff. Their recent album weaves together anthemic melodies, diverse rhythmic structures, and a broad range of improvised soundscapes, delivering a unique blend that is both idiosyncratic and reflective of their wide-ranging musical influences. The project showcases each member’s original compositions alongside improvisations to create a unified group sound.
"This band is about the creation of a group sonic palette from which compositional and improvisational ideas can play and flourish," says Dylan van der Schyff. The inception of Open Thread was sparked by Peggy Lee's move to Melbourne and her desire to connect with local musicians. This led to a magical gathering of talents, culminating in an improvised performance at Bar 303 in Melbourne, that hinted at the rich possibilities of their collective sound.
"The joy we have had in making this music is something we hope listeners will feel, finding it both challenging and rewarding upon repeat listens, " explains Lee. "Each musician's deep vocabulary of extended techniques on their instrument, combined with a shared love of melody and song forms, creates an intriguing juxtaposition," explains van der Schyff.
Peggy Lee is an improvising cellist and composer who leads and collaborates across numerous ensembles including her own groups – The Peggy Lee Band, Film in Music, and Echo Painting – and collective projects such as Waxwing, Handmade Blade, and Beatings Are in The Body. Peggy also collaborates with Australian musicians Paul Williamson, Niran Dasika, and Andrea Keller, and co-leads the Australian improvising quartet Open Thread (with Julien Wilson, Theo Carbo, and Dylan van der Schyff). Peggy has toured and recorded with many leading artists including Wayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Darius Jones, and Dave Douglas.
Theo Carbo is a prodigious guitarist, composer, engineer, and producer who collaborates with leading Australian musicians and ensembles, including Barney McAll, Andrea Keller, Sam Anning, Gian Slater, Chris Hale, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and Speak Percussion. He has also developed projects in Reykjavik, Trondheim, and Jogjakarta. In 2023, Theo was commissioned to collaborate with his sister, Flora Carbo, in new work for the Canberra International Music Festival. He is currently working on a studio album by his band Dragonfruit, which explores experimental practices within a pop-music architecture.
Dylan van der Schyff is an improvising percussionist based in Melbourne, Australia. He collaborates regularly with Australian artists such as Helen Svoboda and Andrew Saragossi (Looseleaf), Paul Williamson, and Jess Green (Strange Attractors). Dylan has toured extensively in North America and Europe, performing and recording with George Lewis, John Butcher, Paul Rutherford, Dave Douglas, Ken Vandermark, Robin Holcomb, Torsten Muller, Wayne Horvitz, Rob Mazurek, Marilyn Crispell, Joelle Leandre, Peggy Lee, Evan Parker, and John Zorn among many others. He teaches at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where he heads the honours and graduate programs in improvisation.
Julien Wilson has been an exciting and integral member of the Australian Jazz Scene for nearly three decades. His tenor saxophone style can cover an incredibly broad stylistic and emotional range and is featured on over 80 albums. He has received several prestigious awards, both personally and as an integral member of a variety of critically acclaimed co-operative bands. In 2013 he formed Lionsharecords to release and distribute his own recordings. Julien’s work with the label was recognised by the 2015 APRA Art Music Award for Excellence in Jazz.
Friday Early Show Ticket:
$25 advance / $30 door (1 event, 2 sets)
Friday Evening Pass:
$38 advance / $45 door (6:00 + 8:30 pm shows, 2 events/4 sets)
Festival Weekend Pass:
$100 (7 ticketed events, 16 sets, up to $235 value)
Discounted Advance Tickets & Passes:
E-transfer (no fee) tix@zulapresents.org or EVENTBRITE (+fee)
Students, Seniors, Underwaged at the Door (cash/e-transfer):
$20/event, $30 day passes, $80 festival pass, in person w/ID
No one will be refused admission for lack of funds
2025 Something Else! Festival at-a-glance
Friday, June 20, 2025 events
IIn our 12th year of operation, as Zula Presents Something Else!, we are most grateful to Canada Council for the Arts, Department of Canadian Heritage, and The City of Hamilton for their financial support to make these festival events possible. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our partners Hamilton Public Library and Open Streets for their kind support and enthusiasm. As well, much gratitude goes to our diligent media partners Musicworks, Music Buddy, and CFMU.