The University at Albany Performing Arts Center, operating under the auspices of the College of Arts and Sciences, is pleased to be collaborating with Proctors to present the experimental music groups in the Dangerous Music Project in a series of lecture/demonstrations in the Recital Hall of the UAlbany Performing Arts Center on the uptown campus. These events are presented in association with Proctors through support from the New York State Music Fund established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Next in the series is Clogs on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 7pm. This Aussie-American alt-classical quartet composes and improvises using sounds, textures and influences from across the musical spectrum. From the immediacy of folk music, through twisted Americana to the complexity of modernism, their sound marks a new and beautifully strange stage in the evolution of 21st century acoustic-electronic music.

Defying easy categorization, the group’s work has been described as “powerful, gorgeous music” by TimeOut London and "nuanced, achingly beautiful chamber compositions" by on-line site Neumeu. Uncut Magazine claims, "The 'contemporary classical' tag doesn't do justice to their cinematic, intense instrumental narratives" while Pitchfork declares, "If this is your first exposure to Clogs, you've picked a fantastic time to become acquainted."

This season Clogs is in the studio recording a new collection of songs with guests including Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and Aaron Dessner (of The National) as well as Ha-Yang Kim, Michael Atkinson and Osso. Clogs returned to Australia in January to perform at the 2008 Sydney Festival. They also appeared at the 2007 Bang on a Can Marathon, MusicNow Festival, Wexner Center for the Arts and the Warhol Museum.

The members of Clogs include Bryce Dessner, Rachael Elliot, Thomas Kozumplik and Padma Newsome. Dessner performs regularly as a solo classical guitarist and in rock and new music settings on the electric guitar. In addition to his work in Clogs, Dessner is also guitarist for the rock band The National and performs with the Michael Gordon Band and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. Dessner has performed and collaborated with some of the world’s leading musicians including cellist Erik Friedlander, composer Michael Gordon and pianist/composer Philip Glass.

Bassoonist Elliot is a founding member of Clogs and a freelance musician based in Burlington, Vermont. In addition to her work with Clogs, she is a member of Heliand Trio, a clarinet-bassoon-piano trio, and performs with the Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble, a new music and commissioning ensemble now in its 20th season. She currently teaches at the University of Vermont, Middlebury College and Kinhaven Music School.

Kozumplik is an active performer in many musical styles appearing with his percussion group, Loop 2.4.3, as a solo artist and as a guest with orchestras, chamber groups, jazz combos, and popular music groups. Thomas has appeared at the Prague Music Festival, Montreux/Detroit Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and at conventions for the Percussive Arts Society and the International Association of Jazz Educators.

Padma Newsome is a composer, performer (violin/viola/voice), arranger and founding member of Clogs. He has a broad musical palette composing for traditional small and large ensemble, electro-acoustic media and improvised chamber ensemble. His works have been performed by ensembles such as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the Academy of Melbourne, the Locrian Chamber Players and the Da Capo Chamber Players. He has performed with the Seymour Group, Fresh Air, Eggplant, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

The series at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center will culminate with a lec/dem by LEMUR, a group of artists and technologists who create exotic sculptural instruments which integrate robotic technology, on April 4 at 7pm.

Admission to the lecture/demonstrations is free but a ticket is required. For further information, contact the Box Office at (518) 442-3997 or visit the Performing Arts Center website at www.albany.edu/pac.

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