Cross Modulations Series: Ben Schmidt-Swartz Trio + Ratchet

This month’s Cross Modulations Series lands at the amazing Bim Bom Studios for an unforgettable session.

Bim Bom Studios
5226 w. belmont ave.
chicago, il 60641

$15 at the door NOTAFLOF

Ben Schmidt-Swartz Trio

Ben Schmidt-Swartz

Ben is a saxophonist, composer and teacher who performs with a range of Chicago’s finest improvisors, including Vincent Davis, Jim Baker, Peter Maunu and Ed Wilkerson. He is also a bandleader who performs with his aptly named Ben Schmidt-Swartz group and Spiritus, Ben’s group who performs original experimental sacred music.

Allen Moore

Allen is a Black interdisciplinary visual artist, experimental turntablist, sound artist, educator, and youth mentor born and raised in the historic village of Robbins, IL. Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chicago State University, a Master of Arts from Governors State University, and a Master of Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University. Through his work, Allen analyzes signifiers of Blackness through performative improvisation and experimentation. He is driven to nurture and expand the agency of the Black imagination. His recent body of work investigates the audio and visual elements of Black death and grief. Moore has exhibited and performed in spaces across the greater Midwest including Tritriangle, Heaven Gallery, Compound Yellow, Experimental Sound Studio, Elastic Arts Foundation, Threewalls, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center, Lula Cafe, Star Media Group, Union Street Gallery, The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and many other spaces.

Bill Harris

Bill is a percussionist, improviser, and audio engineer in Chicago. He also operates and produces for Amalgam, a Chicago-based label and collective, and co-operates Chicago recording studio and performance space Marmalade. Bill is a prominent Chicago-based percussionist, improviser, audio engineer, and curator working in areas of improvisation, jazz, noise, rock, and bluegrass. Presented both nationally and internationally, Bill’s work focuses on a number of dedicated groups, ad hoc groups, and solo work, with over three decades of studying, practicing, and creating music.

Ratchet

Ausberto Acevedo

Ausberto is an experimental bassist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. He has performed and recorded with a diverse array of musicians, in a variety of contexts. Acevedo’s work spans genres from classical to jazz to freely improvised music. In addition to his performance, he currently serves as the orchestra director at Evanston Township High School.

Chad M Clark

Chad is a Chicago-based guitarist whose approach to the instrument emphasizes its physical properties and sonic possibilities. His playing explores the textures and vibrations of the guitar, creating immersive soundscapes that challenge traditional notions of melody and rhythm.

Mike Perkins

Since the late 90s pianist/composer Michael Perkins has been regularly performing and recording in the punk, electronic, and jazz scenes in and around Chicago. He’s worked as a session musician on many recordings for bands like Atari Star, Das Kapital, and The Lavellas as well recording with his own groups such as Sig Transit Gloria, Written in the Sand, Far Rad, and Mr 666.