Emeralds cofounder Steve Hauschildt has been crafting intricate, techno-inflected ambient music since long before that experimental Cleveland trio split up in early 2013. Last week Hauschildt, who now lives in Chicago, dropped Dissolvi (Ghostly International), an album of gentle, crystalline synths and steady techno pulses. On Saturday, August 11, he celebrates with a release show at Sleeping Village; also on the bill are Michael Vallera and Julianna Barwick, who appears on standout Dissolvi track “Saccade.” This wolf is hoping for a live duet!
Not that Gossip Wolf is down on cover bands or cheese curds, but Chicago’s only classical-music street fest has a different flavor. Hosted by Access Contemporary Music, the third annual Thirsty Ears Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, on Wilson between Hermitage and Ravenswood. Its dozen-plus acts include the Chicago Composers Orchestra, Gaudete Brass, and Eighth Blackbird cellist Nick Photinos—plus an interactive performance of Terry Riley‘s minimalist classic In C. The fest will also screen short silent films accompanied by live scores. As ACM founder Seth Boustead says, “My two favorite ACM productions are Sound of Silent Film and Thirsty Ears. It just seemed natural to combine them and play live movie scores on the street with a ginormous screen!” A $10 suggested donation benefits the ACM School of Music, which introduces students to modern performance and composition.
Meanwhile in Pilsen, the third annual My House Music Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, at Cermak and Morgan. Tim “Spinnin'” Schommer, who became an on-air personality for B96’s Street Flava show in the 90s, headlines Saturday; Kenny “Jammin” Jason, a founding member of the Hot Mix 5, headlines Sunday. The bill also includes Julian “Jumpin” Perez, DJ Heather, and Gene Hunt. The fest is free and starts at noon. v
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