ZELIENOPLE is a quartet from Chicago that slowly formed into a proper band out of years of 4-track sound experiments, hazy jams, and all-night drone sessions in a haunted room above an old antique shop. Matt Christensen plays bass, guitar, organ and sings. Brian Harding plays b-flat and bass clarinets, piano and guitar, and Mike Weis plays the drum kit, vibraphone and various eastern percussion (irreverently). In the fall of 2003, Zelienople became a quartet with the inclusion of guitarist Neil Jendon, an active musician in the Chicago improvised music community.
Drawing upon the drone-based music legacy of '60's American minimalism, 70's ambient rock, 80's space rock, and 90's electro-acoustic improv music, as well as a reverence for the history of psychedelic rock, the trio committed hours of songs to tape in preparation for their debut album, Pajama Avenue which was released by Loose Thread Recordings in August of 2002. The band took to the stage in earnest, sharing bills with Múm, Tristeza, Circulatory System, Eternals, and Scott Tuma.
Zelienople spent the whole of 2003 recording their follow-up, Sleeper Coach, on an archaic 1/2" 8-track tape machine in various bedrooms, basements, hallways and living rooms. Sleeper Coach eschews the synths of Pajama Avenue for dense.
The Chicago duo NUMBER NONE formed in 2001. Using a broad variety of sound sources (guitar, harmonium, thrift-store keyboards, analog electronics, flutes & whistles, Tibetan singing bowls, field recordings, mangled vinyl, digital fuckery, effects pedals, and feedback loops) they create terrifyingly beautiful noiseworks and spaciously drifting droneworks.
FESSENDEN
Joshua Convey, Stephen Fiehn, and Steven Hess (On, Pan American, Dropp Ensemble) have been actively writing and performing as Fessenden since 2004. This Chicago-based electro-acoustic trio creates distinct, atmospheric and progressive sound collages, at times weaving quietly subtle textures against harsh moments of volume, low hums and buzzes against crisp percussion, while drones interplay with staccato chords. Each performance by this trio displays a delicate balance of acoustic, and electronic sounds. The band is currently working on new material for a full-length CD that will be recorded and released sometime in late 2006.

The Cynics
Brian Drugan: drums, didgeridoo; Nick Gutierrez: lead vocals, keyboards; Pete Muschong: guitar, vocals; Carolyn O'Neill: bass, vocals; Mike Przygoda: multi-instruments, songwriter; Seth Gruenwald: bass, cello, melodica; Andrea Varias: drums, bass, Espanol
The Dead Superheroes Orchestra
Mark Winston, Stephanie Smith, Jack Tamburri, Ayse Kocakulah, and Bobby Chan
The Cynics are an extremely diverse group of musicians that explore different styles of songwriting with non-traditional instrumentation. Bass clarinet, string trio, and vibraphone fly over a traditional rock rhythm section. With songwriting that takes cues from everything from opera to jazz and performers who are regulars in the Chicago music scene, The Cynics approach pop music in a very atypical fashion. Elliott Smith meets Frank Zappa with Steely Dan writing the chord changes. But with a midwestern feel. Dig it.

The Dead Superheroes Orchestra -Mark Winston, Stephanie Smith, Jack Tamburri, Ayse Kocakulah, and Bobby Chan--must be heard to be believed. A rock ensemble with a dazzling sound, tasteful string arrangements, and a pitch-black wit, the DSO will take you on a journey from your hometown cemetary down to the depths of the Underworld, up to the cool bare face of the moon, and back again. The Orchestra and the story they tell were dreamed up by brains steeped in Batman, Mozart, Dostoevsky and Dante. It is the story of an angel and a boy who comes back from the dead. We hope you enjoy it.

Friday 6/16/06
ELASTIC VISION GALLERY
6:00PM EXHIBITION OPENING
Air Raid Abstinence by Alee Peoples and Elise Robison
Exhibit opening reception with refreshments, and informal discussions with the artists. This exhibition, ongoing for one month, raises awareness for the government’s assault on reproductive rights and the ripple effect it has on basic human rights, health, and welfare. There will be computer station where you can read a compiled newsletter and write our State and US legislators who deal with these issues.

Voices presents
10:00PM Soul People
Soul People "The Sound of Today's Chicago Soul" www.soul-people.com A seed growing underground... Underground room. Drumkit, Rhodes MKI, Telecaster, funky bass, singers, poets, musicians. Nice mics. Console. Consoul. Soul music. Jams for the people. Right now... Live... In a room cut live. Because it sounds and feels best that way. Right now. From a groove in your head to a groove on a million systems in 2 hours. Sometimes a little more, sometimes even a little less. One thing about the web: the music gets out fast. Make it fast, get it out faster. Download sites. Internet radio. Soul Music. Kick out jams for the people. Right now. With Roots... Look to the past. The fathers and mothers of the music. Record Row. VeeJay, Chess, Stax, Sigma. The vibe was the thing. Singles so hot they'd hurt you. Right now. Shytown (not shy): historic Mecca of Soul Music. Again. Right now. That Predict the Future... Instant access to Soul Music so fresh it's more than live. The spark in the artists mind vibrating through your air in your space a thousand miles away moments later. You may hate your computer for alot of things, but love it for this. Nothing standing in the way of Soul Music.

The Hunger Project
The Hunger Project is a collaborative effort comprised of a diverse and artistic collective which has combined its resources to become one body, functioning solely for the purpose of empowerment and education through entertainment. The project focuses on three Mass Communication outlets to accomplish this goal. They are Film, Music Albums (soundtrack) and Promotional Screenings (tour).
Listed below is the sequence of stages the project will take and the direction in which it is headed.
FILM: The independent film “The Hunger” is a story that many struggling artists and entrepreneurs can relate to. It details the trials and tribulation of a talented music producer and the sacrifices one is forced to make in order to attain success. This character eventually finds what it is sought, but not without a price to pay.
MUSIC ALBUM (SOUNDTRACK): This album will accompany the film. It will serve as a soundtrack/compilation of St. Louis based and regional artists. The theme of the soundtrack will coincide with the film, by expressing the desire and passion of the struggling artist.
SCREENINGS AND TOURING: In response to the racially tense climate in Hollywood, the great film pioneer Oscar Micheaux promoted his films by traveling from city to city. In this day and age of Industrial Globalization, independent screenings have proven to be a more advantageous method of promoting and marketing independent films without major backing. By focusing on smaller regional markets, primarily film festivals and colleges, we can better serve our targeted market and demographic. The highlighted points of interest displayed in the film will be referenced in workshops which will accompany screenings on the college circuit, in conjunction with participating community organizations. One such organization is the Elastic Arts Foundation, (see attached bio sheet). A portion of your kind donation will go directly to this organization to continue the facilitation of art based programs and entertainment. These workshops will include Q & A sessions with the filmmakers and select actors from the film, as well as music performances, and networking opportunities.

“The Hunger” the documentary
The documentary version of the upcoming narrative by the same name is a journey into the minds of those people, even in your own family, who can’t stop pursuing their artistic dreams even in the face of their own demise. Filmmaker Nwofia Al Falaq takes his camera to the streets and all places unseen to capture these would-be geniuses and the why-of-it-all, as well as interviews with Falaq the director, and the former cast of a film yet-to-be.

Nwofia Al Falaq
Ronnell “Falaq” Bennett is an independent film/videographer whom currently resides in the St. Louis area. He has completed various projects in the city covering the full-spectrum of audio/visual expression from narratives, documentaries, music videos, video magazines, and a soon to be completed body of vignettes. His project Jihad “The Struggle Within, received critical acclaim with major theatre screenings in the St. Louis area, and additional screenings & media acknowledgements in Chicago and Atlanta. Recently, the 48-hour film project, Zignal to Noiz, (co-editor/writer) was selected and showcased at the International Film Festival. Falaq’s current project is entitled “The Hunger”, a film/concept that explores the pain and redemption of human passion and desire. A college tour is planned for the film / concept where Falaq hopes to “spark the dialogue”, that will help bridge the internal and external gaps within and throughout all citizens of the planet.


Mama Blue (aka: Zaire Imani)
Mama Blue has been a powerful feminine force that has riveted audiences nationwide for the past 7 years. To her credit Zaire has been the St. Louis Grand SLAM champion and a St. Louis SLAM team member for the past 6 consecutive years. She opened up to a packed house for Ursula Rucker at Blueberry Hill in 2000, ranked 6th in the nation at the 2001 National Poetry SLAM in Providence, Rhode Island and opened for Rusted Root during the OK Player Tour. Zaire has also opened for spoken word/hip hop artists Gil Scott-Herron and Bahamadia. Zaire's stage name, Mama Blue, is a personification of her urban folk artist lifestyle, which includes being a profession childbirth assistant, or Doula, and displaying her multimedia artwork throughout the region at 7 different galleries. Her strong connection to the earth is demonstrated in her visual art through her use of vibrant tones and raw, organic imagery. Her autobiographically inspired paintings often depict woman as mother, healer, goddess, sorceress and seductress. The MAMA BLUE series of oil/pastel paintings was birthed into existence in fall, 1995 and is an ever-growing entity. As of January, 2001, the series contains 13 paintings. As in her spoken word, Mama Blue's artwork conveys images of empowerment through ritual, struggle and growth. Mama Blue's strong words and paintings can be combined as a multimedia showcase. The art exhibit and performance compliment one another and create a body of work that tells a story of the urban-rebel-goddess, new millennium bush-woman who is Mama Blue. Currently, Mama Blue is performing in open mics throughout St. Louis and at the St. Louis Poetry SLAM. She conducts SLAM Poetry Workshops for area youth in high schools and middle schools through the St. Louis non-profit organization: WORD in Motion. She has future plans on producing Pomegranate and Goddess Girls, two workshops dealing with female empowerment through self-knowledge and the arts. Most importantly, Mama Blue is the loving and skilled mother of 7 children.

More Life Experience
Since May of 2003, More Life Experience has been playing the Chicago scene with endless perseverance and intense energy. With progressive grooves and an unstoppable force, the band creates the ultimate live experience, combining the elements of all musical styles. Coming from vast musical backgrounds, More Life Experience makes up a unique blend of musical sounds. From Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, to Funk, Reggae and Hip Hop. It is this passion for great music and eclectic styles that keep the band motivated. With four instrumentalists, an MC and lead vocalist, More Life Experience combines all of their influences to create a soulful style that is favored by audiences everywhere. Their edgy, harmonious melodies and amazing musicianship reveal all of these influences, making them true standout originals.
More Life Experience has played venues across the Chicago area including the Hot House, Exedus II, The Note, the Underground Lounge, the Subterranean, Hog Head McDunna’s, and the Double Door. Because of their intense live shows, the band often fills their performances to full capacity and is now expanding their fan base to colleges and major cities throughout the Mid-West and the Nation.
With a debut album in the works, More Life Experience is attracting the attention of hundreds of fans through e-mails, flyers and other promotions. Their website (morelifeexperience.com) is constantly expanding an eager fan base. "More Life Experience is about stimulating life, expressing life and communicating to all types of life. Our music is strictly for the people," MC Marc BornFree states. The band's passion is never ending as they continue to speak to people through their music. They hope not only continue to make great music, but do it the way they love to do it the most...LIVE!Kirsten Franklin
Kirsten's childhood was seemingly set to music and was encouraged to express herself through art. Early on, she took on the piano and violin but did not pursue it. Still, she had a passion for sound and knew from the start that music would be a central part of her life.

Shawn “Enoch Is Real” Williams
The artist, actor, deejay, and producer commonly known as Enoch, was born Shawn Williams in St. Louis, circa 1968.
Once upon a time, you could find this young man doodling profiles of afros on sketch pads or trying to invent what would eventually be known to him as remixing and multi-track recording. You may have also have heard one of his carefully selected slow-groove tapes or perhaps been at one of the high school dances in the gym where he and his best friend were the deejays and the life of the party.
Hobbies sometimes become careers.
The afro doodling lad later becomes a barber after receiving a set of clippers for Christmas and perfecting his craft on family and friends for free. The cassette recorders with condenser microphones became the prerequisites for learning about producing and recording with on-screen editing software.
Putting the right songs in order to set the right vibe became the norm and commanded the reputation for being the ‘ever-appropriate’ deejay. Let’s just say his liveliness became just what was needed to gain a role in the AOANH produced docu-drama called Jihad in 2001.
He has since retired as a barber doing only house calls for a select few clients and currently holds down Saturday nights at 609 and U and calls his spin “Soul Safari: an adventure in grooves from around the globe”.
He is also the resident DJ for” SpokenWordGroove”, voted Best Poetry Open Mic in 2001 and 2002 by the Riverfront Times’ readers poll, held at Legacy Books and Cafe every Friday night. On Thursdays he occasionally guest stars along side DJ Explorer at the Upstairs Lounge for “Herb N Soul”.
He was the musical selector for “Love Jones”, another spoken word open mike voted Best Monthly Poetry Event by The St. Louis American’s Best of Poll for 2002, put on by the Foundation, held every first Sunday of the month at the Bistro. The Foundation, appropriately titled, was also the organization that gave him the platform that catapulted his star-like status garnered up for having the Best Weekly Summer Event in 2002 as voted by The St. Louis American for “Cosmopolitan Thursdays”, once held at Churchill’s Fine Cigar Bar, but was discontinued due to its enormous popularity and success. Go figure.
Some of his other appearances include... opening DJ, as well as guest starring as a poet alongside Zaire Imani, a.k.a. Mama Blue in “The Rhythm and the Blue” at Chicago’s 3030 in April of 2002. He opened up for ?uestlove of The Roots for The Foundation’s “Red Carpet Series” at Rue 13 in August of 2002 and more recently, set the tone for “Flow Nabru”, put on by The Flow Ink and Schmoo Creative, featuring Neo-soul artists Donnie and Julie Dexter at Club Rolisa’s in February 2003.
In 2004, he has also warmed up the atmosphere for several other artists including but not limited to Dwele, Musiq Soulchild and Vivian Green, Kindred the Family Soul and Floetry, Anthony Hamilton and Javier, Eric Roberson, the Spoken Word Expo, not to mention comedy shows, wedding receptions, private parties and various clubs.
Enoch, now affectionately known as DJ Knock Knock on the 1’s and 2’s and ‘Tha Prophetik One’ for poetry, was one half of “Eklektika”, an internet radio show hosted by Kenny Kinds and facilitated through Blue Fortune.com and is working on an E.P. of his own music, as well as an internet radio station and interactive site called KNOCradio.com for his newly found production company called KNOC Radio LLC.
His film credits include the leading role as the frustrated ‘Brotha’, as well as co-writer and co-producer of the independent film “Jihad” which started out as a short class project but went on to be a feature length official selection in the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase in 2001.