CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Figure One – the exhibition space of the School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois – is presenting a series of one-day shows designed to give the public a taste of what’s cooking in the creative arts at Illinois.
On Feb. 23, the space will be occupied by COLAB Ensemble, a group of musicians, dancers and engineers specializing in improvisatory compositions and choreography. Because the performance relies on spontaneous creativity, Figure One coordinator Jimmy Luu says he can’t predict exactly what’s in store. “It might be people suspended from the ceiling,” he said. “There may be some of that; we don’t know. All their performances are totally improv and of-the-moment. They’re all really different.” The performance – whatever it is – will begin at 8 p.m.
The Chicago jazz trio Sun Rooms, featuring Jason Adasiewicz on vibraphone, Mike Reed on drums, and Nate McBride on bass, performs Feb. 26 (Saturday), from 8 to 10 p.m. The group’s first CD, released in September, was chosen as one of the top 10 jazz recordings by The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, and one of the top 50 by The Village Voice.
On Feb. 28 (Monday) from 6 to 8 p.m., Figure One will celebrate every recent publication written, curated, designed or produced by the faculty of the School of Art and Design.