XFest 2019, February 22–24, Worcester MA
xfestma.com
For address, email [email protected]
What is it about Boston and improvisation? Even though there’s a far-reaching DIY scene amid the classical, jazz, and formal musical schools, some days it can seem a bit lonely and sparse, and winter isn’t doing anyone any favors. It wasn’t until I started touring, and performing in classical jazz circles, that I learned that some musicians don’t have the warm affinity to improvisation that I do. For some it’s too academic, for some too unstructured and intimidating, and anyway, how do you “break in to it?” I had the good luck to be mentored and encouraged by the many people I’ve met, and I’m happy to be part of this annual fest that is devoted to challenge improvisation with a particularly Bostonian feel; get yr gear & get in to it.
Participants are placed in randomized groupings where they quickly need to assess others’ tonal qualities and adapt their own output to create a cohesive sonic experience. Wherever it’s going to go—achromatic, tonal, ambient, minimal, psych—the performers have to listen to each other as they play louder/softer, faster/slower, more space/in unison. Dancers and videographers round out the mix, responding and layering their work on top of the musicians. The collaborations at XFest have run from cathartic to corny, ethereal to exuberant. Things have been beautiful, things have been challenging, sometimes someone is drowned out, or struggles to contribute. It’s improvisation: failure is an acceptable outcome. It helps you become a better musician—and daresay a better audience—when you understand it’s ok to take risks, to experiment… to play.
—Dei Xhrist