Events for your soul, tunes for your headphones
Hello friends!
I can't believe the first month of 2023 is already going to be in the books. January can be a tough time for musicians, but I've been lucky enough to have a active and fulfilling month.
I'm going to touch on a few upcoming events and exciting projects that are in the works, but if you're in a rush, please know that the next performance is Saturday Feb. 11 at Agitator Gallery (3851 W Fullerton Ave) for the Cuerpos Justificados / Justified Bodies Series. The show will go from 7-9pm. I'll be performing duo with Karl Maher and accompanying Stephanie Alma and Janna Lyhus for their vocal set. There'll also be performances by rapper Jammar Biggz and and singer / songwriter Ashley Ann Grigs. Find the full event details here.
Keep reading below for updates on music you can experience in person and some releases that will come straight to you.
Tommy
Love Cripistemology: Un Amor Prohibido
I talked about this in the note above, but I wanted to say a bit more about the events Cuerpos Justificados has been throwing at the Agitator Gallery . Stephanie Alma, Genevieve Ramos and I have been collaborating since the fall, or earlier if you count our summer-in-the-park events. We do these events to create a space for disability art and culture to flourish on its own terms. The shows are pretty low-key and usually involve a loose topic for discussion in addition to the music and live art.
Since this months event is so close to Valentines Day, the theme is Love Cripistemology. Cripistemology refers to the distinct way we disabled people create knowledge and a sense of knowing. Love Cripistemology, which is a term I'm going to go ahead and credit Stephanie for, refers to the unique complexities of the way disabled people show or (in some cases) have to withhold love.
This'll be our most comprehensive and genre-spanning show yet. I'm really stoked to hear how each performer addresses the topic in their own way.
Here's that link again with all the event info.
Raro Raro Raro!
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, my band Raro with Stephanie Alma, Marcos Rios and DC Chillers just got off a successful recording session at the legendary Electrical Audio in Chicago. We formed a year ago this week and we've really grown into a kickass band. Artful rock music, a lot of it in Spanish, with exciting instrumental twists, and a lot of personality. Seriously, being in this band reminds me of why I got into music in the first place. We're ramping up to play and share a lot this year, with some singles currently in post production. Our online presence is still small for the time being, but you can keep up with us on Instagram at @raro_band.
How about some new Calculated Discomfort?
My longest standing band as a leader has been in pretty significant flux for a while now. I enjoy thinking of the group more as a collective and idea labratory, but I also do want to complete a follow-up to Dances for Different Bodies in a relatively timely manner. I've been rigorously documenting performances of various iterations of the band in addition to having completed a few unreleased recording sessions.
Nothing is set for a full-length release, but I'm preparing to digitally put out a particularly engaging live radio performance we recorded last year. You can expect that within the month. It's perfect for winter--patient and pensive with an underlying smolder. As a teaser, for anyone reading, I'll let you know that the EP will be called The Best Part of Capitalism is the Snacks.
Stay tuned!
P.S. I've still got Prosthetic vinyls available! Get in touch and we can set you up with one of those for your collection.