November 27, 8 – 11:00 pm

At 8EAST, 8 East Pender St.

By Donation $10/20/xx

FUNDRAISER and improvised music

Two sets of music, each featuring a new project followed by impromtu ensembles.

The World to Come, inspired by Angela Davis on Radical Self Care

“It’s very dangerous not to recognize that as we struggle, we are attempting to presage the world to come. And the world to come should be one in which we acknowledge collectivity and connections and relations and joy. And if we don’t start practicing collective self-care now, there’s no way to imagine, much less reach, a time of freedom.”

 

PROJECTS

Branches & Dragons: Improvisations and works-in-progress inspired by the recursive behaviours of nature, featuring Alvaro Rojas (guitar and composition), this project features Adrian Avendaño (drums) and David Bergenson (electronics)

Avian Behaviour: Avian Behaviour yokes drums and upright bass to a responsive (and unruly) piece of musical code, which listens and suggests sounds of its own: chords, clicks, saw waves, birdsongs, field recordings, and other bits of sonic flotsam and jetsam.

Yohannes and Miller play Henry Dumas – Nebyu Yohannes (trombone) and Lisa Cay Miller (piano) improvise on the short stories of Henry Dumas.

Drones: To finish the evening entire room will sound together, inspired by the group Gaza Birds Singing (GBS), founded by Ahmed “Muin” Abu Amsha in Gaza, performing a piece that uses the sound of constant overhead drones in Gaza to turn the worst sound into something beautiful. https://www.songsfromtherubble.com/

IMPROVISED MUSIC with

Gillian Thomson – voice

Lief Hall – voice and synth

Shruti Ramani – voice

Haley Bird – oboe

Nebyu Yohannes – trombone

Alvaro Rojas – guitar

Jeff Younger – guitar

John Marvin Scott – guitar

David Bergeron – electronics

Lisa Cay Miller – piano

Bahar Kahzei – piano

Ashe Adam – bass

Andy Zulian – bass and MaxMSP

Clyde Reed – bass

Tanner Oracheski – bass

Nikko Whitworth – bass

Adrian Avendaño – drums

Jen Yakamovich – drums

FUNDRAISER – This event will be a fundraiser to support Ahmed “Muin” Abu Amsha and the musical group ‘Gaza Birds Singing (GBS)’ made of displaced children and talented music teachers from Gaza, who sing for love, freedom, flor life.

‘My name is Ahmed “Muin” Abu Amsha, a musician, sound engineer, composer, and music educator from Gaza. For years, I’ve dedicated my life to spreading music as a message of peace and love. I truly believe that art is a universal language — one that can cross borders and connect hearts beyond differences… Our group is not just a musical project. It’s a human cry that tells the world: We love life. We love music. We want to live with dignity and peace like everyone else. My deepest wish is to live in a safe place with my family where I can continue my musical and humanitarian work freely. I dream of sharing our music with the world, traveling, performing, and being a voice of beauty from Gaza — not a voice of war. We don’t carry weapons — we carry melodies. We don’t spread hate — we spread love. We believe the world can be a better place, if only it would listen to the voice of art.

Thank you for your love and support.

Ahmed from Gaza’

The World to Come is curated by Bahar Khazei and Lisa Cay Miller

Image and poster design by Lee Hutzulak

~ 8EAST ACCESS STATEMENT ~

The 8EAST social space for new culture is a project of the NOW Society, located on the Territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh and səlil̓wətaʔɬ Peoples, in Chinatown, in the DTES, in Vancouver.

We are committed to making 8EAST a safe(r), welcoming and more accessible space. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, neuro a-typicality, disability, place of origin, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate racism, sexual aggression, assault, or harassment which can include unwanted touch or comments that objectify or sexualize. We adopt and follow the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct.

We can accommodate a variety of needs, including assistance dogs, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. To arrange for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact now@nowsociety.org.

We recognize that access is an ongoing and evolving discussion and acknowledge that this statement may be insufficient. Concerns or suggestions can be addressed, discussed or expressed anonymously by emailing safety@nowsociety.org. 8EAST ventilation: Open windows and door, 3 HEPA air purifiers and UV lights on return air in the HVAC system. Mask wearing is recommended and masks will be available. Seating, wooden stackable chairs without armrests, is movable.

Seating is generally arranged in groups of two or threes with space between groups for easy mobility. Wheelchair seating is easily accommodated. The 34 inch wide main entrance to 8EAST has a threshold of approximately 0.5 inches high. There is no door automation. During events, the door is open or can be opened by the Front of House person. There are no ramps or stairs to navigate. Internal floors are smooth concrete. Outdoor plaza events are held on concrete pavers, some are uneven. Paths and hallways are kept free of impediments.

8EAST has a wheelchair accessible, non-gendered toilet on site with a door width of 35 inches. Additional public toilets, not wheel chair accessible, are located in the adjacent hallway. The NOW Society emergency evacuation procedures are in place for all individuals. The Front of House person or a staff member onsite is trained in naloxone administration and will be the contact person in case of emergencies.

GETTING THERE AND PARKING:

8EAST is located within 50 meters of buses 004, 007, 019, 022, 209, and N19 on Pender Street. Stops for buses 003, 008, 014, 016, 020, N8, N20, and N35 are located within 250 metres on Hastings Street. Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain Station is approximately 400 metres away. General metered street parking is available on surrounding streets. A passenger drop-off zone without a curb is located within 50 metres at 531 Carrall Street. To arrange for HandyDART transportation and accompanying assistants, please contact now@nowsociety.org.

There is a bike rack on the SW corner of Pender and Carrall Street, viewable while inside 8EAST and on the Plaza. Covered bike parking is available at the Main Street – Science World Skytrain Station. From there, one can take the #3 bus, then walk West down Pender to 8EAST (c. 5 mins), walk to 8EAST (c. 15 mins) or ride one skytrain stop to Stadium – Chinatown and walk Northwest to 8EAST (c. 5 mins). The closest Bike Locker to 8EAST is located at VCC Clark. From there, one can take trains to Stadium – Chinatown Skytrain Station and walk NorthWest to 8EAST.