The Active Music Series is focused on presenting new creative jazz and improvised music across the Bay Area. It is dedicated to highlighting the work of artists that embrace experimentalism, are informed by traditions, and demonstrate the confidence to combine complex concepts into unified works. As a series that supports works of (but not limited to) experimental notation, electro-acoustic perfor
mance, conduction, compositions with improvisation, avant jazz, free improvisation, chamber music and electronic noise, the AMS is an active and supportive element for bay area musicians and community members. This opportunity breathes life and inspiration into performers, composers, and audience members. Since it’s inception Aram Shelton has curated the series and managed performances. In the past several months he has been joined by Jacob Felix Heule and Crystal Pascucci, in both administerial and curatorial roles. As active performers, Shelton, Pascucci and Heule are familiar with the performance practices of creative music in the Bay Area and see the AMS as working toward the development of the artistic community, providing opportunities for musicians to regularly present work. Over the course of the series, more than 100 local musicians have been given the opportunity to perform in acts ranging from 20 piece large groups to solo and duo performances. Notable artists who have performed include ROVA, the Oakland Active Orchestra, Lisa Mezzacappa’s Bait and Switch, Moe!kestra, James Fei Alto Quartet, Aaron Novik’s Thorny Brocky, and Phillip Greenlief’s Citta di Vitti. The Active Music Series continues at the Uptown Nightclub, a well known and centrally located venue that does not normally have creative music, as a way to give local performing musicians the opportunity to present new works to new listeners, while also fostering an environment focused on the social community as a way for musicians to meet other local musicians in hopes of spurring on further creative developments and collaborations. All concerts of the Active Music Series are supported through donations. Listings can be found on the Transbay Calendar and at bayimproviser.com.
