FACE Improv
When a troupe of incredible comic actors team up with very adventurous improvising musicians on stage, the result is a completely unpredictable, hilarious, and often surreal theater experience. The actors and musicians of FACE work together to create fully improvised long form presentations that refreshingly transcend the scenework of traditional improv.
Deanna Flysher - director
Duncan Murdoch - actor, creator
TJ Mannix - actor
Krista Amigone - actor
Henry Kaiser - actor
Roy Koshy - actor
Patrick McCaffrey - actor
Marcus Bonnée - actor
Josh Rutner - tenor saxophone, toys
Dave Crowell - alto saxophone
Red Wierenga - keyboards, respectronics
Andrew Smiley - electric guitar
Ben Gallina - electric and acoustic bass
Greg Chudzik - acoustic bass
Brady Miller - drums and percussion
Big Swifty
A new power-pop extravaganza masterminded by the one and only David Crowell, Big Swifty draws strong influence from the likes of Frank Zappa, Phish, Gentle Giant, Bob Marley, Tom Petty, and many more. The band and the music are constantly evolving, now exhibiting two singers along with energetic and spontaneous instrumental play from all around the stage.
Dave Crowell - alto saxophone, vocals, compositions
Caleb Burhans - electric violin, vocals
Ben Gallina - electric bass
Andrew Smiley - electric guitar
Brady Miller - drums and percussion
SPIN
SPIN is a 5 piece ensemble committed to performing innovative new music composed by members of the group. Since its inception in early 2005, SPIN has established a reputation for performing demanding music with energetic virtuosity. SPIN's music draws influence from a wide variety of styles, including modern jazz and improvisational music, Eastern European and American folk songs, minimalism, and much more.
Andre Canniere - trumpet
Dave Crowell - alto saxophone
Red Wierenga - keyboards, respectronics
Mike Chiavaro - electric bass
Brady Miller - drums and percussion
BRB Trio
Although Ben, Red, and myself have been playing together for several years in various situations, only recently have we gotten a chance to put together a regular working trio. Since early September, we've been playing weekly at Bleu Evolution in Washington Heights, performing originals, pop songs, obscure salsa tunes, movie themes, and classic standards in all sorts of crazy time signatures.
Red Wierenga - piano, respectronics
Ben Gallina - electric and acoustic bass
Brady Miller - drums and percussion
Electric Medicine
Electric Medicine erupted several years ago from the Eastman School of Music as an outlet for creative original music and spontaneous improvisation. Founded by bassist Ben Gallina, EM has featured many talented musicians in its history, such as Joe Bagale, Mike Williams, Grey McMurray, Bram Glik, and Chris Wicks. The present group features a three-horn attack and a minimalist rhythm section, giving unique sound to some beautiful, wild, and unpredictable original music.
Ben Gallina - electric bass
Josh Rutner - tenor saxophone, transistor radio
Ed Rosenberg - tenor saxophone
James Hirschfeld - trombone
Brady Miller - drums and percussion
