MicroFest Friday

Folks,

I could only attend for one day, but MicroFest in LA is off to a good start. Led off by a beautiful concert of the music of Bill Alves for gamelan instruments, cello, and viola, and after a short break Lou Harrison did a warm and witty presentation on his life with, and use of, just intonation and other tunings.

The afternoon then settled into a delivery of papers (weird: they don't use bicycles with baskets on the handlebars anymore). Your frequent contributor Joe Monzo did a nice presentation on his research into microtonality in Berlin before WWII. The final event of the day was a concert by John Schneider and Just Strings, featuring the early compositions of Partch; included in the program, just before intermission, was a screening of the film (video) of "U.S. Highball", which provoked one audience member to yell out at the end "We Love You Harry!".

As is usually the case at these event, it was a great treat to meet in person many of the people I've corresponded with, some for years. One funny one was mistaking a fellow (from the rear) for Jonathan Glasier, and upon later apologizing to him finding out that he was Kyle Gann (well, they're both tall and greying...). Enjoyed hanging out at dinner with Kyle and David Doty, which is a true bridging of the coasts, at least over tapas. Lydia Ayers, Warren Burt, John Chalmers, Greg Schiemer, of course conference organizer Bill Alves -- lots of good people out here.

I'm sure others will report back on the proceedings, since I had to come home. Still a lot of numbers being thrown around, but lots of music (and a real West coast feel to it) so I'm sure the attenders will be having a great time.

Cheers,
Jon
`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`

Real Life: Orchestral Percussionist
Web Life: "Corporeal Meadows" - about Harry Partch
http://www.corporeal.com/
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