BRATTLEBORO — 118 Elliot is launching Nu Mu Festival, featuring more than 20 new music events by visiting and local musicians exploring a mix of improvisational styles, and the “Visions of a Sound” exhibition on Friday, Aug. 5 during Gallery Walk and extending throughout the month.
Opening night will feature music by saxophonist Jeff Lederer and Jimmy Bosch with Los Sazones, who will play the Center Stage at Gallery Walk.
The music will continue after hours at 118 Elliot with a Cuban descargas (jam session) with Lederer, who will also lead several other musical configurations throughout the month.
The festival will feature performances by established and up-and-coming musicians alike, including Mary LaRose, Sara Wildavsky, Jon Irabagon, Jamie Saft, Anna Webber, Erica Mancini, Stephen LaRosa, Eric Plaks, Aron Namenwirth, Zach Swanson, Avery Sharpe, Adam Lane, Gahlord Dewald, Paul Austerlitz, Ayizon Sanon, Julian Gerstin, Dan DeWalt, Wes Brown, Bonnie Kane, Anna Patton, Stephan Brandstatter, and John Loggia.
“This is really a festival of friends,” Loggia, a 118 Elliot director and co-curator of the Nu Mu Festival with Lederer, said in a news release. “Our Community Improvisation nights will also give local musicians an opportunity to join in the fun.”
“I am looking forward to bringing so many wonderful musicians to Brattleboro. With more than 20 events planned there will be lots of opportunities to experiment and collaborate,” said Lederer.
A full Nu Mu Festival schedule is available online at 118elliot.com and at facebook.com/118Elliot. Admission for each event is by donation ($15 suggested), which goes directly to the musicians.
The “Visions of a Sound” exhibition features LaRose's portraits of jazz luminaries and Wildavsky's intricately illustrated scores in the gallery through Sunday, Aug. 28.
Gallery hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, or by appointment (917-333-5566).