Join us monthly in what the New Haven Independent calls
“Weird, Wacky and Wildly Entertaining”
This series is free and open to all!
For following this project on other platforms and to see videos of past shows click
HERE | HERE | HERE
Weird Music Night offers a unique platform for musicians, artists, and performers to connect with audiences through sound, art, and experimentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an eclectic lineup of acts that redefine the boundaries of performance. John O’Donnell, is the creator/curator/performer of this series. O’Donnell is a professor at UConn and a member of the Ely Center’s Governing Board.
For more information on how Weird Music Night came to be click HERE
If you are sensitive to noises and sounds, we recommend that you bring headphones.
Schedule:
January 9, 2025
The Ely Center of Contemporary Art invites you to the next installment of Weird Music Night, a monthly event curated by artist, performer and professor John O’Donnell. On Thursday, January 9th, 2025, at 7:00 PM, join us for an evening of experimental sound, performance art, and puppetry that challenges conventional boundaries and celebrates the unexpected.
Featured Performances:
● Black Metal Pac-Man by John O’Donnell: Opening the night is an innovative multimedia performance featuring a live projection of O’Donnell playing the iconic Pac- Man video game, accompanied by a driving drum track. This piece explores the intersections of nostalgia, sound, and new media, while paying homage to the cultural significance of the 1980s.
● Brian Ember with Mara D. Batts on Cello: Experience the emotive and genre-blending artistry of Brian Ember as he delivers a captivating performance of original compositions. Joined by cellist Mara D. Batts of Mara and the Dead Batteries, their collaboration promises a deeply resonant musical journey, blending classical influences with experimental innovation.
● Fluffy Kitten presents "Keep it Down Up There!": A delightful puppet show by Kimberly Van Aelst, this performance combines puppetry, performance art, and materials like paper and wood to tell the story of a two-story apartment building, a new neighbor, and a very disgruntled cat. Expect humor, creativity, and unexpected twists.
● Bent Light: The duo of Michael Slyne and Russell Linder crafts immersive soundscapes that bridge experimental and melodic worlds. With atmospheric audio maps and guitar-based explorations, Bent Light’s performance is a transformative experience that invites audiences to journey into warm corners of mystery.
Refreshments provided by Ungrafted Selections
February 13, 2025
March 6, 2025
April 10, 2025