John Zorn returns to Roulette to present Cobra—one of his landmark works and the most renowned of his many game pieces—for the third year in a row. Completed in October 1984, it premiered to both acclaim and consternation at Roulette that same month. Cobra has been performed at Roulette many times over the years, and due to audience demand it has become somewhat of an annual installation since 2023.

If you’ve witnessed Cobra in action, you know how incredible it is to watch the players interact via facial expression, hand motions, and headwear symbolism. The piece takes its name from a table-top war-game published in 1977. Musicians improvise within the confines of instructions from cue cards and rules that allow for input from the players, resulting in a piece that is different each time it is played, and heavily influenced by who is playing.

This September, Zorn brings another spectacular lineup of New York’s greatest improvisors to celebrate Cobra’s 41st Birthday. Featuring three generations of creative musicians with Zorn himself at the helm, this event is not to be missed!

Wendy Eisenberg electric guitar
Celine Kang electric guitar
Simon Hanes electric bass
John Medeski organ
Brian Marsella piano
Jay Campbell cello
Henry Fraser bass
Jorge Roeder bass
David Weinstein electronics
Ches Smith drums
Kenny Wollesen drums
Billy Martin drums
John Zorn prompter