New York collaborators and cohorts from the South come together to honor one of our great heroes of experimental guitar, Davey Williams (1952–2019). Sparked and influenced by his philosophy, humor, and surrealist-inspired free improvisation, this unique evening features 21 performers, including Davey’s long-time duo partner LaDonna Smith, with whom he gained international notoriety and co-founded The Improvisor music journal in 1980. George Cartwright will improvise with former members of his band Curlew, with whom Davey played. Pieces from Davey’s Antenna Road will be transcribed, arranged and conducted by Clifford McPeek for an impromptu inclusive orchestra. A short documentary video will be shown by Lee Shook. Please join us for this free event to celebrate Davey’s life and music. His books Solo Gig and the newly released memoir Charmed I’m Sure will be available.

“Infused with a wry humour that gave even his most serious musical pursuits a nod to the absurd, his work was approachable and relatable in an artistic world too often devoid of either point of entry. Williams inspired me to look further and think harder about the intersectionality of art and sound.” —Lee Shook, The Wire

Lineup:
George Cartwright – Saxophone
Chris Cochrane – Electric Guitar
Andrew Drury – Drums/Percussion
Judy Dunaway – Amplified Tenor Balloon
Bruce Golden — Multi-Percussion
Susan Hefner – Movement
Shelley Hirsch — Voice
Evan Lipson – Double Bass
Clifford McPeek — Trumpet, Conducting
Taylor Rouss – game calls/soprano sax
Ann Rupel – Electric Bass
Elliot Sharp – Electric Guitar
LaDonna Smith – Violin
John Zorn — Saxophone

Orchestra: George Cartwright, Chris Cochrane, Camille Dietrich, Don Dietrich, Andrew Drury, Mary Foshee, Michael Foster, Bruce Golden, Beth Ann Jones, Celeste Laborde, Evan Lipson, Cliff McPeek,Taylor Rouss, Dave Sewelson, LaDonna Smith

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing. Watch below or on YouTube.