Artists
Hybrid Groove Project performing at Joe Squared in Baltimore, MD.
A unique non-traditional chamber ensemble, Hybrid Groove Project is a collaboration featuring saxophonist Brian Sacawa and composer/turntablist DJ Dubble8 (a.k.a. Dr. Erik Spangler). Synthesizing elements from traditions as diverse as modern classical music, free jazz, funk, and break-beat electronica, the project emphasizes affinities between these various influences in a union of groove and sonic experimentation. Sacawa and Dubble8 first teamed up in 2004 for a multimedia concert at the University of Michigan in collaboration with internationally acclaimed video artist Johnny DeKam. Since then, Hybrid Groove Project has evolved to become a cutting-edge performance model for new music, embracing the idea of live remix in the presentation of both original and borrowed compositions.
Saxophonist Brian Sacawa has been called many things—mostly good—including “an inventive musician” (The New York Times), “inspired” (The Washington Post), and “brilliant” (The Baltimore Sun). His debut solo recording American Voices (Innova) was nominated to be nominated for a Grammy but didn’t quite make the cut. He is the Lead Curator of the Contemporary Museum’s Mobtown Modern music series, author of the blog Sounds Like Now, and a fierce Cat 3 bicycle racer.
A renegade Doctor of Music from Harvard University, Erik Spangler (a.k.a. DJ Dubble8) is a composer and turntablist whose hybrid soundscapes thrive on a unique blend of experimental and popular influences. Samples from old vinyl records, programmed drum patterns, newly composed acoustic layers, and synthetic sound elements are all subject to live time-bending through digital turntable manipulation. Spangler’s acoustic compositions have been performed across the United States and Canada by such noted ensembles as the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, International Contemporary Ensemble, and the Callithumpian Consort.
Jonathan Bevers is an artist from Baltimore City. He works with a variety of mediums including Video and Film, Time-Based Sculpture, Painting, Audio and the Web. His works have been exhibited at gallerys across the east coast, including Luxe Gallery in New York City, Cocoran and Johns Hopkins in Washington D.C., George Mason University in VA, and the BMA and Metro Gallery in Baltimore City. Currently he is employed at the Maryland Institute College of Art.