• the217
• Music
• Music and dance combine at IMC benefit

Related Media

Mordechai in the Mirror at Mike 'n Molly's, July 2

Related Artists

• Mordechai in the Mirror's Profile »

See More About these Events

IMC Benefit featuring live music, art, video and modern dance »

• Event has already occurred
• Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center »
  202 S. Broadway Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
  (Show on map)

On Saturday, May 30, local act Mordechai in the Mirror will take place in an intersection between the arts at the Independent Media Center in Urbana. Organized by MITM members Jonah Weisskopf and Dave Samuel, the event will feature live music and dance intertwined with one another, as well as art and a video installation. The program begins at 8:30 p.m. and there is a $3 suggestion donation with all benefits going towards the IMC. buzz spoke with co-organizer Weisskopf about the motivations for the Saturday show.

buzz: What was the organizational process behind coordinating a performance between two often separated entities like dance and music?

Weisskopf: The modern dance with Mordechai in the Mirror show was born out of the enthusiasm of local dancers in the area for a non-institutional environment in which to perform. The show functions as a fundraiser for the Independent Media Center and is completely organized outside the bounds of the University. From a musical standpoint, MITM is interested in exploring both the more abstract aspects of our sound, and incorporating a visual component to a show that also includes both a projector and live video loop. The dance show is a great opportunity to put these pieces together and explore the potential of ambient sound, video, and movement.

buzz: Will this be an improvised dance performance, or have you (MITM) been working closely with the modern dance group?

Weisskopf: The presentation will include everything from choreographed pieces on specific songs, to improvised dance on improvised music. We have been exchanging music with the dancers and are developing a kind of musical/dance score that will be the roadmap for the show. We are still developing the video installation and feel like it will really help integrate the show. Our sense is that in combing these elements it will provide a ‘sum is greater then the parts’ experience for the audience.

buzz: How do you feel about the connection between music and dance? Why do you think this aspect (live music orchestrating a live dance) isn't explored more often?

Weisskopf: I think the challenge in combing dance and music is to create a sense for the viewer that these forms belong together. On its own, ambient music can often lose the attention of the listener, but when you combine the music with movement and visual manipulation it enables the audience to become much more absorbed in what is happening. My suspicion is that the show will reveal the natural kinship between modern dance, experimental electronic music, and visual manipulation.

buzz: Would you hope to continue this event, or one like it, in the future?

Weisskopf: This is the second time I've organized a multimedia dance presentation and based on the enthusiasm of everybody involved, I think it has great potential to be a monthly happening. As an Alexander teacher by day and a performing musician by night, I am blessed to work closely with dancers here in the dance department, as well as to create experimental electronic music with Mordechai. These worlds naturally overlap, and in combination with a space like the Independent Media Center there are a lot of opportunities for shows. At the IMC you can really become master of sound and space in a way that few other venues achieve. At the end of the day, this show is about artists getting together to create something new and different for its own sake in the spirit of experimentalism.

Mordechai in the Mirror can be seen and heard Thursday, May 28 at the Highdive and shared that, “I think it is safe to say a new CD will be born of the summer. Look for us to incorporate video elements into our live shows this summer, as well.”