Co-mposed and Directed by Noelia Cruz
In this musical sparring live performance, musicians interpret the kinetic and graphic score created from the shadow-painting movements of Hamlin Park Chicago Park District boxers. The boxers’ rhythms and musicality become the visual cues for the ensemble to improvise over.
As the musicians watch the footage for the first time, they respond in real time to fighters’ gestures, tempo, and counter-rhythms.
In CANVAS, artist, boxer, and musician co-compose across mediums, meeting in a corner where their roles become interchangeable and reveal how powerfully art lives within the community.
Musicians:
Ethan Cowburn — percussion
Zachary Good — clarinet, reeds
Preyas Roy — vibraphone
James Singleton — bass & trumpet
Coach Johnny Plaza — congas
Edward Wilkerson Jr. — saxophone, clarinet, yidaki
Noelia Cruz — boxing bell, clappers, hammer, sound art mix
Partners:
Night Out in the Parks, Chicago Park District, Eighth Blackbird 8BB