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Scratch Night
Thursday, December 12
Scratch Night is a multidisciplinary salon of works-in-progress from Kansas City’s most exciting generative performing artists. Help shape what’s new and what’s next on Kansas City’s stages by participating in our unique audience feedback framework.
Help us continue to make Scratch Night a reality by adding your thoughts to the following. Please consider answers to the following questions in addition to artists' own:
What are venues/spaces where Scratch might be a good fit?
Who are partners and/or funders that might help us continue our work?
Do you have other offerings, ideas, volunteership or contacts that could help this series continue?
You can also join our email list here, and follow us on Instagram.
Help us continue to make Scratch Night a reality by adding your thoughts to the following. Please consider answers to the following questions in addition to artists' own:
What are venues/spaces where Scratch might be a good fit?
Who are partners and/or funders that might help us continue our work?
Do you have other offerings, ideas, volunteership or contacts that could help this series continue?
You can also join our email list here, and follow us on Instagram.
TONIGHT'S LINEUP |
Movement House Run time: approximately 15 minutes followed by an audience feedback interlude "Authari" Alberto Racanati, Seth Andrew Davis, Ian O’Neill Run time: approximately 20 minutes followed by an audience feedback interlude Kelley Gant with Mark Lowrey Run time: approximately 20 minutes followed by an audience feedback interlude |
Movement House (Kennedy Banks & Malik Battle)
About the piece: The eye of the storm is one of the calmest and most beautiful parts of a storm. It’s eerie, quiet, and almost feels too good to be true. This peace seems unattainable and also quite dangerous. We are able to see through the eye and although there is promise of danger and chaos, we can take solace in it only being temporary.
Kennedy Banks (choreographer) was born and raised in Chicago, IL, began her training at The Chicago High School for the Arts and received her BFA in Performance and Choreography at The University of Missouri-Kansas City (2021). During her time at UMKC she worked with numerous world-renowned choreographers and instructors. Kennedy has choreographed works for festivals throughout the country, as well as collaborated with multiple artists and composers for a few works. She is currently based in Kansas City, MO as a freelance choreographer/performer, full-time teaching artist with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey and a studio resident at Charlotte Street Foundation. Malik Battle: Animator and illustrator trained at the Kansas City Art Institute All that I’ve created is infused with the elegant and visceral sensibilities of Japanese animation and manga. Comical, lighthearted, Disturbing, Poetic, and Existential, all themes and emotions translated through ink and motion. All that I create as a vessel for exploration; exploration of the Self - reaching up to my highest peaks to feel the warmth of the suns glow; Exploration of the Shadow - embracing the raging chaos within my heart; To allow my self to the freedom to be myself in all of my splendor. exploration of technique in motion asthenic, filmmaking, and visual storytelling.
Malik Battle (animation/projections): Animator and illustrator trained at the Kansas City Art Institute. All that I’ve created is infused with the elegant and visceral sensibilities of Japanese animation and manga. Comical, lighthearted, Disturbing, Poetic, and Existential, all themes and emotions translated through ink and motion. All that I create as a vessel for exploration; exploration of the Self - reaching up to my highest peaks to feel the warmth of the suns glow; Exploration of the Shadow - embracing the raging chaos within my heart; To allow my self to the freedom to be myself in all of my splendor. exploration of technique in motion asthenic, filmmaking, and visual storytelling.
Sydney Shearer (featured dancer): born and raised on the south side of Chicago attends Howard University as a marketing major. She comes from a complex dance background and finds peace in the arts.
Kennedy Banks (choreographer) was born and raised in Chicago, IL, began her training at The Chicago High School for the Arts and received her BFA in Performance and Choreography at The University of Missouri-Kansas City (2021). During her time at UMKC she worked with numerous world-renowned choreographers and instructors. Kennedy has choreographed works for festivals throughout the country, as well as collaborated with multiple artists and composers for a few works. She is currently based in Kansas City, MO as a freelance choreographer/performer, full-time teaching artist with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey and a studio resident at Charlotte Street Foundation. Malik Battle: Animator and illustrator trained at the Kansas City Art Institute All that I’ve created is infused with the elegant and visceral sensibilities of Japanese animation and manga. Comical, lighthearted, Disturbing, Poetic, and Existential, all themes and emotions translated through ink and motion. All that I create as a vessel for exploration; exploration of the Self - reaching up to my highest peaks to feel the warmth of the suns glow; Exploration of the Shadow - embracing the raging chaos within my heart; To allow my self to the freedom to be myself in all of my splendor. exploration of technique in motion asthenic, filmmaking, and visual storytelling.
Malik Battle (animation/projections): Animator and illustrator trained at the Kansas City Art Institute. All that I’ve created is infused with the elegant and visceral sensibilities of Japanese animation and manga. Comical, lighthearted, Disturbing, Poetic, and Existential, all themes and emotions translated through ink and motion. All that I create as a vessel for exploration; exploration of the Self - reaching up to my highest peaks to feel the warmth of the suns glow; Exploration of the Shadow - embracing the raging chaos within my heart; To allow my self to the freedom to be myself in all of my splendor. exploration of technique in motion asthenic, filmmaking, and visual storytelling.
Sydney Shearer (featured dancer): born and raised on the south side of Chicago attends Howard University as a marketing major. She comes from a complex dance background and finds peace in the arts.
Movement House's questions for you:
- Describe the projections in just a few words.
- What do you think of when you hear the "eye of the storm"? How does this affect you?
- What is one question you have about the projections after viewing this piece?
- We're considering incorporating water onstage in the next phase of development of this piece. What ideas does this spark for you?
- What do you think happens next? Write or draw your answer.
"Authari"
Alberto Racanati, Seth Andrew Davis, Ian O’Neill
About the piece: Authari is a project born from the collaboration between Seth Andrew Davis (guitar, electronics) and Alberto Racanati (trumpet). Our music is freely inspired by the canon of medieval tales such as Boccaccio’s Decameron and the Canterbury tales. Authari’s music is influenced by the timelessness of the human experience, blending the past and the future into the present through textural soundscapes. Joining them for Scratch Night will be Ian O’Neill at the projector who will translate Authari’s music to a visual language.
Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician from Bari, Italy, now based in Kansas City. His journey began at age 11 on the trumpet, leading him to study at the Bari Conservatory and later in Gdansk, Poland. He moved to the U.S. in 2014 to continue his studies and soon immersed himself in Kansas City's music scene. In 2018, he started his solo project Alber, blending trumpet with electronic music, releasing three records, and performing extensively across the Midwest. In 2023, he received an ArtsKC Grant for his multimedia installation *Born at Sea* and joined the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residency. Currently, he is working on his next multimedia production and a new record set for release in 2025.
Seth Andrew Davis is a performer, composer, improviser, technologist, and educator from the Kansas City area. Davis is involved in the improvised music/free improvisation, experimental, and electronic music scenes in Kansas City. Davis’ music runs the gamut of compositions for orchestral and chamber ensembles, performances with free-jazz/free improvised music ensembles and large groups, solo performance, collaborations with dancers and video artists, and the design and collaboration of autonomous and interactive artificial life agents and 3D environments. Davis has performed and has had his music performed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico and Indonesia. Davis has performed with notable musicians in the improvised music and jazz scenes such as Douglas R. Ewart, Vinny Golia, Ra Kalam Bob Moses, Jeff Kaiser, Damon Smith, Weasel Walter, Sandy Ewen, Patrick Shiroishi and many more. Davis’ music has been featured and released on labels such as EMAS Records, Lurker Bias, Neuma Records, Mother Brain Records, Personal Archives, Ramble Records, and Relay Recordings. In 2020, Davis co-founded Mother Brain Records with saxophonist & composer Michael Eaton. Mother Brain Records is a Midwest based label focused on releasing the works of artists in the experimental & improvised music scenes. From 2019-2022, Davis was an artist resident with Charlotte Street Foundation. In 2021, Davis co-founded EMAS (Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society). EMAS is an improvised music & arts collective based in Kansas City that is dedicated to advancing creative work in Kansas City. Davis currently is an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Missouri teaching Applied Music Technology and at the Kansas City Art Institute teaching music technology courses.
Ian O'Neill is a video artist based in Kansas City, blending traditional and digital video techniques to create immersive experiences. His work ranges from video installations and interactive pieces to live visuals with performing artists. Ian has exhibited his art through collaborations like Charlotte Street Foundation's PRODOLab series, the New York City Electroacoustic Music and his own project, BLEEPBLOOP, which focuses on accessible, grassroots immersive art. With a passion for exploring the evolution of video as a medium, Ian aims to facilitate meaningful conversations between our physical and digital experiences.
Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician from Bari, Italy, now based in Kansas City. His journey began at age 11 on the trumpet, leading him to study at the Bari Conservatory and later in Gdansk, Poland. He moved to the U.S. in 2014 to continue his studies and soon immersed himself in Kansas City's music scene. In 2018, he started his solo project Alber, blending trumpet with electronic music, releasing three records, and performing extensively across the Midwest. In 2023, he received an ArtsKC Grant for his multimedia installation *Born at Sea* and joined the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residency. Currently, he is working on his next multimedia production and a new record set for release in 2025.
Seth Andrew Davis is a performer, composer, improviser, technologist, and educator from the Kansas City area. Davis is involved in the improvised music/free improvisation, experimental, and electronic music scenes in Kansas City. Davis’ music runs the gamut of compositions for orchestral and chamber ensembles, performances with free-jazz/free improvised music ensembles and large groups, solo performance, collaborations with dancers and video artists, and the design and collaboration of autonomous and interactive artificial life agents and 3D environments. Davis has performed and has had his music performed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico and Indonesia. Davis has performed with notable musicians in the improvised music and jazz scenes such as Douglas R. Ewart, Vinny Golia, Ra Kalam Bob Moses, Jeff Kaiser, Damon Smith, Weasel Walter, Sandy Ewen, Patrick Shiroishi and many more. Davis’ music has been featured and released on labels such as EMAS Records, Lurker Bias, Neuma Records, Mother Brain Records, Personal Archives, Ramble Records, and Relay Recordings. In 2020, Davis co-founded Mother Brain Records with saxophonist & composer Michael Eaton. Mother Brain Records is a Midwest based label focused on releasing the works of artists in the experimental & improvised music scenes. From 2019-2022, Davis was an artist resident with Charlotte Street Foundation. In 2021, Davis co-founded EMAS (Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society). EMAS is an improvised music & arts collective based in Kansas City that is dedicated to advancing creative work in Kansas City. Davis currently is an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Missouri teaching Applied Music Technology and at the Kansas City Art Institute teaching music technology courses.
Ian O'Neill is a video artist based in Kansas City, blending traditional and digital video techniques to create immersive experiences. His work ranges from video installations and interactive pieces to live visuals with performing artists. Ian has exhibited his art through collaborations like Charlotte Street Foundation's PRODOLab series, the New York City Electroacoustic Music and his own project, BLEEPBLOOP, which focuses on accessible, grassroots immersive art. With a passion for exploring the evolution of video as a medium, Ian aims to facilitate meaningful conversations between our physical and digital experiences.
Alberto, Seth, and Ian's questions for you:
- Did you feel transported by this music? If so, where did it take you literally or metaphorically?
- How would you describe the connection between music and visuals?
- Imagine you are a peasant from the 13th Century. How would you react to this performance?
Kelley Gant with Mark Lowrey
About the piece: Songwriter and jazz vocalist Kelley Gant will take the audience through the strange set of circumstances that lead to the spontaneous composition of one of her most beloved songs. She leans into absurdity with a captivating and hilarious tale, followed by a live performance of the resulting song.
Kelley Gant is a Kansas-City based vocalist known for her rhythmic prowess and spirited performances. Her clear, dynamic voice effortlessly blends sincerity and joy as she captivates audiences with her unique blend of scatting, whistling, and soulful singing. Gant is adept at using voice, whistling, and arsenal of effect pedals to create engaging melodies or lush ambient soundscapes in both traditional jazz ensembles, experimental improvisations, and her small electro/acoustic band. Beyond her impressive vocal skills, Kelley is a talented composer and arranger. She crafts original music that showcases her sardonic sense of humor and deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Whether she’s scatting with infectious energy or delivering heartfelt ballads with soulful depth, she delights audiences with her personable blend of energy, emotion, and technical skill. www.kelleygant.com
Mark Lowrey has cultivated his music through a love of and dedicated immersion into myriad genres. He began his full time performing career at the age of 20 as a jazz pianist, and has since played thousands of shows as a soloist, band leader, accompanist, musical director, and band member. Mark has performed with Sheryl Crow, Darius Rucker, Bobby Watson, Grammy winner Hector del Curto, and in jazz ensembles, cabaret shows, chamber music concerts, pop/rock/R&B tributes, and collaborations w Hiphop artists. No stranger to the studio, Mark has contributed to dozens of recordings including Tech N9ne’s “Dyin Flyin.” He has gone on tours with both opera singers and indie-folk bands, been on the art team with Medical Missions Foundation trips to Uganda and twice to Mali, and received an honorary degree from the London College of Music.
Kelley Gant is a Kansas-City based vocalist known for her rhythmic prowess and spirited performances. Her clear, dynamic voice effortlessly blends sincerity and joy as she captivates audiences with her unique blend of scatting, whistling, and soulful singing. Gant is adept at using voice, whistling, and arsenal of effect pedals to create engaging melodies or lush ambient soundscapes in both traditional jazz ensembles, experimental improvisations, and her small electro/acoustic band. Beyond her impressive vocal skills, Kelley is a talented composer and arranger. She crafts original music that showcases her sardonic sense of humor and deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Whether she’s scatting with infectious energy or delivering heartfelt ballads with soulful depth, she delights audiences with her personable blend of energy, emotion, and technical skill. www.kelleygant.com
Mark Lowrey has cultivated his music through a love of and dedicated immersion into myriad genres. He began his full time performing career at the age of 20 as a jazz pianist, and has since played thousands of shows as a soloist, band leader, accompanist, musical director, and band member. Mark has performed with Sheryl Crow, Darius Rucker, Bobby Watson, Grammy winner Hector del Curto, and in jazz ensembles, cabaret shows, chamber music concerts, pop/rock/R&B tributes, and collaborations w Hiphop artists. No stranger to the studio, Mark has contributed to dozens of recordings including Tech N9ne’s “Dyin Flyin.” He has gone on tours with both opera singers and indie-folk bands, been on the art team with Medical Missions Foundation trips to Uganda and twice to Mali, and received an honorary degree from the London College of Music.
Kelley's questions for you:
- How would you describe this show to a friend who knows nothing about it?
- Are there venues in Kansas City or other nearby cities/states where you'd expect to see this kind of a show? Share them here.
- What are three words you'd use to describe Kelley as a performer?
- What other types of performances/performers do you think would pair well with this piece?
Lighting Designer & Event Technician: Selena Gonzalez-Lopez
Lighting Assistant: Kyle Womelduff
PA: TBD
Event Photographer: Vaughan Harrison, Seen Productions
Scratch Night Series Producer: Jay Gilman / borderlandsKC
Lighting Assistant: Kyle Womelduff
PA: TBD
Event Photographer: Vaughan Harrison, Seen Productions
Scratch Night Series Producer: Jay Gilman / borderlandsKC
About borderlandsKC
borderlandsKC is Jay Gilman's producing entity. A live + digital arts incubator, borderlandsKC presents projects that expand Kansas City's spectrum for adventure and invention. A recently-returned KC native, Jay spent more than a decade as a curator, producer, and civic practice artist in Minneapolis and Philly, including as Artistic Director of Minnesota Fringe where he funded and launched three new festivals (including the site-specific outdoor festival Beyond The Box and Minnesota FamilyFringe). Jay serves on Charlotte Street's Performing Arts Programming Committee; and has previously served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, and other entities. As a director, some of his favorite projects include an actor-instrumented production of 'Spring Awakening'; a production in collaboration with Autistic designers and production advisors of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time'; and a stripped-down production of 'Peter & The Starcatcher'. www.jaygilman.com
Stay up-to-date by joining our email list here and following us on Instagram here.
Stay up-to-date by joining our email list here and following us on Instagram here.
Our Thanks
The staff and board of Charlotte Street Foundation, especially Pat Alexander, Amanda Middaugh, and Lilah Powell; Lynn Murray + Richard Gilman. Scratch Night is made possible through the Open Call program at CSF. Thanks to CSF's sponsors and funders for making this event possible!
Applications are open for future Scratch Nights!
Are you an artist interested in applying for the Scratch Series? Click here to learn more and apply. We review applications on a rolling basis.
