Frequency at BMCM was another dream show !  A place I have admired for many years, not just for poetry, but for music, painting, philosophy, everything really. The day before, I was informed by Hiroko that the event was sold out and to expect a large crowd, so my anticipation was high. When I arrived at the museum for our rehearsal, I was immediately struck by the John Cage exhibition, the art on the walls, and the prepared piano, which I would play during our show. The rehearsals were great, and the digital projection was not an issue.

I opened the show on prepared piano with Hiroko adding sounds. This really set the right tone throughout the performance.  I enjoyed the prepared piano sounds immensely and at one point, both Hiroko and I were playing it at the same time.  A true thrill. New sounds, vocals, field recordings, even objects were incorporated for this special venue.  The duration, like previous shows, was over an hour, but I felt we could have gone longer if needed. The acoustics were quite good in this space, and even the quiet and faint sounds registered  well. I am looking forward to listening back to the performance soon. Since the performance, we have received so many positive reactions. Deep gratitude to all.

Here is what BMCM said on their Instagram account:

We want to extend a huge thank-you to Atsushi Takenouchi, Hiroko Komiya, Chris H. Lynn, Jenni Cockrell, Julie Becton Gillum, and Constance Humphries for last night’s mesmerizing performance! Atsushi’s masterful Jinen Butoh dance technique captivated us alongside immersive sound and visual projections by Hiroko and Chris, creating a wholistic performance which celebrated the human spirit in harmony with our surroundings. Thank you to all of our BMC community members for coming out to see this event—we are thrilled that the evening served as an introduction to Butoh dance for many audience members!

I will  post a longer review from an audience member  in a few days.

A truly magical experience in such an inspiring place (BMCM)and landscape (Asheville, North Carolina).

Deep thanks  Black Mountain College Museum for giving us this opportunity

Photos: Cecile Ruel.