North Adams, MA – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) announces award-winning composer Josh Nelson’s “The Discovery Project,” an exploration into the world of live music with interactive visual multi-media components, as the next performance of the 2015-16 MCLA Presents! season on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium at MCLA’s Church Street Center.
“Merging original jazz compositions, vintage sci-fi film clips projected on multiple screens and a unique installation created for the space, ‘The Discovery Project’ combines music and imagery in an immersive experience that will take you on a journey to outer space without leaving your seat,” said BCRC Director Jennifer Crowell.
According to Nelson, “The goal for each unique installation is to create an immersive experience for the audience, utilizing original music compositions and a variety of concrete and abstract moving images projected onto sculptural forms, and subsequently transforming a space entirely.”
Michelle Daly, BCRC program coordinator, said “The Discovery Project” draws inspiration from space and vintage sci-fi explorations reminiscent of H.G. Wells and the Mars rovers.
“We are excited to bring ‘The Discovery Project’ to MCLA. Its collaborative merging of original jazz compositions, video and art installation creates a dynamic and unique experience that will surprise and delight the audience, and is an event not to be missed,” Daly said.
For this East Coast debut of “The Discovery Project,” Nelson will be joined by Larry Koonse (guitar), Dave Robaire (bass), Dan Schnelle (drums) with Travis Flournoy (video projections) and Jesse Ottinger (installation).
Alongside the 2011 release, “Discoveries,” Nelson’s most recent release, “Exploring Mars,” continues to provide source material for “The Discovery Project.”
“Pianist-composer Josh Nelson’s follow-up to his 2011 science fiction-inspired album, ‘Discoveries, Exploring Mars,’ delivers everything you would expect from an album with that title. Taking inspiration from actual science as well as science fiction, Nelson takes the listener along on a journey of musical exploration of variations on his Martian theme,” according to Seattle PI.
Born and raised in Southern California, Nelson maintains an active schedule as a pianist, composer, touring and recording artist, and educator.
His compositions and performances have earned him many awards, scholarships and accolades over the years. They include the Louis Armstrong Award, the John Philip Sousa Award, and as a semi-finalist in the prestigious 2006 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition.
In addition to contributing to a number of albums, films, and television, Nelson focuses on his own projects. They include “Anticipation” (2004), “Let it Go” (2007) and “I Hear a Rhapsody” (2009).
“Discoveries” (2011) signaled a change in artistic direction with the unveiling of “The Discovery Project.” Nelson’s latest album, “Exploring Mars” (2015) focuses on the Red Planet.
Nelson has performed with popular jazz artists, including Natalie Cole, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Richard Galliano, Seamus Blake, Matt Wilson, Chris Potter, Dayna Stephens, Sara Gazarek, Lewis Nash, Greg Hutchinson and George Mraz. He studied with pianist Cecilia Coleman at Long Beach State.
Members receive free admission to all MCLA Presents! performances. For more information about becoming a MCLA Presents! member, (413) 662-5193.
Tickets may be purchased online at mcla.ticketleap.edu. Admission to MCLA Presents! performances are $12 for general admission, $8 for MCLA Alumni, $5 for staff and faculty and non-MCLA students, $2 for MCLA students.
For more information, (413) 662-5320, or go to http://www.mcla.edu/presents.
MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) provides opportunities, resources, and support to the Northern Berkshire Community. BCRC brings together the Northern Berkshire, MCLA and greater creative communities through its cultural programming including: MCLA Gallery 51, DownStreet Art, B-HIP, and MCLA Presents! The BCRC promotes, facilitates and encourages a dialogue to foster a sustainable creative community.
A program of the BCRC, MCLA Presents! brings some of the world’s finest performers in music, dance, theatre, and spoken word to the Northern Berkshire community and the MCLA campus.
Josh Nelson’s “The Discovery Project” next up in MCLA Presents series North Adams, MA - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) announces award-winning composer Josh Nelson’s “The Discovery Project,” an exploration into the world of live music with interactive visual multi-media components, as the next performance of the 2015-16 MCLA Presents!
