For ticketing information call (513) 300-5669 or http://emerytheatre.com/events/

Inspired by the life and subjects of eccentric photographer Disfarmer, Bill Frisell’s compositions echo images by balancing evocative atmospherics and traditional American musical forms. During the live performance, projected images of Disfarmer's portraits illuminate Frisell's musical perspectives. Featuring the 858 Quartet- violinist Jenny Scheinman, violist Eyvind Kang, and cellist Hank Roberts-  Musical Portraits from Heber Springs: Bill Frisell’s Disfarmer Project encourages audiences to expand their understandings of aural and visual expression through the collective lens of Disfarmer and Frisell.

October 10th at The Emery marks the world premier of Musical Portraits from Heber Springs: Bill Fisell's Disfarmer Project arranged for the 858 Quartet. The Emery, one of three acoustically pure venues in the country, is currently undergoing revitalization under the artistic direction of The Requiem Project. The renowned British orchestral conductor Leopold Anthony Stokowski indoctrinated the theatre in 1912 and other performers that have graced the historic stage include Igor Stravinsky, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, Vaclav Nijinsky, Anna Pavlova, Mary Wigman, and Bette Davis. 

Jazz legend Bill Frisell’s career has spanned more than thirty-five years and over 250 recordings, including forty solo albums of his own. He has collaborated with a wide range of celebrated musicians, including two trio albums with Dave Holland and Elvin Jones, and Ron Carter and Paul Motian. Other releases include arrangements of songs by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach, the original Buster Keaton film scores to the Grammy nominated History/Mystery, and the Grammy-winning Unspeakable, Blues Dream and This Land.  

Mike Meyers (1884-1959), later known as “Disfarmer,” rejected the Arkansas farming world and family he was born into by changing his name to Disfarmer. As a self-taught photographer in the late 1930’s, Disfarmer set up a studio on the back porch of his mother's house in Heber Springs, Arkansas.  Using commercially available glass plates, Disfarmer photographed his subjects in direct north light creating a unique and compelling intimacy.

The Requiem Project is a 501(c)-3 not-for-profit arts company with the mission to re-establish an acoustically-pure historic treasure, The Emery, and transform the theatre into a vibrant and unique venue that will define itself as a space that encourages creative growth, fosters a multitude of opportunities for artistic collaborations, and offers arts-based educational opportunities through dance, music, theatre, film, visual, and interdisciplinary artistic expressions for local and national performing artists. 

Private Viewing · Mike Disfarmer Photographs
Wednesday, October 10, 9:30 pm
The Annex at Japp's
1136 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

with jazz, cocktails, and late-night supper
For ticketing information call (513) 823-2122 or http://emerytheatre.com/events

photo: Michael Wilson, Bill Frisell with his 858 String Quartet featuring violinist Jenny Scheinman, cellist, Hank Roberts and violist, Eyvind Kang with Mike Disfarmer photographs, (detail), Courtesy of Michael Wilson