Jazz boundaries can’t contain this trio
Kelowna’s international arts festival Living Things and The Skin And Bones Music Series join forces to present in concert with the internationally acclaimed ensemble MGB, Jan. 25 at the Black Box Theatre in downtown Kelowna.
The MGB trio features Vancouver’s Juno award-winning guitarist Gordon Grdina with New York musicians Matt Mitchell on piano and Jim Black on drums.
Grdina is known for his versatility and ability to bring an edgy and virtuosic vibe to any ensemble, including The Thing Dan Mangan+ Blacksmith, and his own eponymous trio/quartet.
Grdina will lead MGB through a performance of his own compositions firmly rooted in introspective 20th century classical, fiery free jazz, third stream avant-garde and blistering rock.
For more than 25 years, drummer Black has been at the forefront of musicians bringing jazz into the 21st century. Black is a member of some of the most progressive jazz bands on the planet such as Human Feel, Endangered Blood, and has worked with Nels Cline, Dave Liebman, Laurie Anderson and others.
Pianist Mitchell’s playing intersects the various strains of acoustic, electric, composed, and improvised new music.
A mainstay on the New York jazz scene, Mitchell performs with many world renowned ensembles like the Dave Douglas Quintet, John Hollenbeck’s Large Ensemble, and Tim Berne’s Snakeoil.
This concert is the 25th instalment of the Skin And Bones Music Series. Now in its third year of production, Skin And Bones is dedicated to the presentation of experimental music in the Okanagan, produced through the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art.
The Living Things International Arts Festival brings Kelowna’s arts communities together once a year for a winter festival with live performances from regional, national, and international artists. Founded in 2017 by artistic director Neil Cadger, the festival presents contemporary artists employing a wide range of storytelling technologies involving puppets, masks and performing objects.
MGB performs at the Black Box Theatre, behind the Kelowna Community Theatre at 8 p.m. The Black Box is located at 1375 Water St. Admission is $20 for the public and $15 for students and Alternator members.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Milkcrate Records on Ellis Street or the Alternator gallery inside the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
Membership discount passes for Skin And Bones can also be purchased at the Alternator or online at alternatorcentre.com.