Bklyn Sounds 6/6/2023 - 6/12/2023 + Dada Strain presents HxH, Thurs. June 8th

A live show as part of the Present Sounds deep listening series + Shows: DJ Spinna's Soul Slam Prince Birthday Celebration / Akenya / Kyle Hall + Karriem Riggins + Toribio / The Last Poets / and more

It was never simply about listing shows that other folks are producing. As the periodic “Welcome to Dada Strain” posts have suggested, there was always gonna be more than that. It was just a matter of how to make a Dada Strain live event offering interesting, how to present the music in an environment that’s social, fun and community-oriented, but also respectful; how to partner with folks who bring similar social and aesthetic values to the music; and how to make whatever happens on the night special, not just another gig. I think I’ve figured it out, if only to do a test-drive.  

For Dada Strain’s second live production, I am partnering with the excellent deep listening series Present Sounds, on Thursday, June 8th (apologies for the short notice - it only finished coming together last week), this one by the electro-acoustic duo HxH, which features Lester St. Louis and Chris Williams. Chris is a trumpeter and Lester is a cellist, both are incredible musicians whose names are probably familiar to Bklyn Sounds readers as they play with many of the borough’s (and beyond) fine musicians, “jazz,” hip-hop, experimental and otherwise. As HxH, Chris and Lester make improvised computer music, incorporating and manipulating their instruments into a rhythm-and-drone synthesis. (If you want to check out what HxH do, they played live on Will Shore’s The Lot Radio show in November 2022.) On this night, HxH will play two sets — and I’ll spin some like-minded records before, between, and after.  

Present Sounds is a series that takes place every Thursday at the Light and Sound Design studio. Other Present Sounds hosts also include Bklyn Sounds regulars like Camilla Padgitt-Coles, Ka Baird, Loum and Jared Proudfoot of Piquenique Recordings. Light and Sound Design is a private Greenpoint loft that regularly hosts shows Bklyn Sounds writes about. There’s a vintage 4-point Klipsch sound system, comfortable seating arrangements and a relaxed social atmosphere. It’s in short walking distance from a G-train station, but its exact location is shared with ticket holders only in the confirmation email.

HxH (L-R) Chris Williams and Lester St. Louis (photo: Kate Glicksberg)

One of the reasons I wanted to do this show is how great I think the Light and Sound Design loft is. The reason Bklyn Sounds spotlights shows here is that it’s a wonderful musicking environment, a place to listen and chill, but also to be social around music. There’s an outdoor space to step away to between sets, and various smart DIY amenities conducive to a great experience. That’s one reason the evening begins at 6p. It’s a great place to unwind, small and comfortable; and to keep it as such, the audience is limited to 40-50 people. I truly can’t wait for y’all to check this spot out, and for you to hear HxH play there. So if you do want to come, please RSVP relatively quickly. 

I want to thank Chris and Lester for playing, and the Present Sounds/Light and Sound Design crew for the invitation and the hosting accommodation. Here’s hoping that it is the first of at least a few. Flock up and Fly On! 

(Present Sounds x Dada Strain x HxH on Thurs 6/8, 6p @ Greenpoint Secret Location - $20 RSVP for address)

This Week’s Other Shows: