Also this issue:

Critical Mass
Local MC Kenneth Masters makes a declaration of independence.
-Ainé Ardron-Doley

Back to the Future
Cracker hasn't crumbled, but David Lowery says Camper Van Beethoven makes sense right now.
-Collin Keefe

Going Somewhere
Intercultural Journeys finds harmony in the music of enemies.
-Mary Armstrong

Watching It Happen
-Patrick Rapa

Cherrywine
-A.D. Amorosi

The Caribbean
-Sam Adams

Greater Philadelphia Hip Hop Alliance Showcase
-Ainé Ardron-Doley

Sticks and Stones
-A.D. Amorosi

January 23-29, 2003

musicpicks

Eighth Blackbird

Not so long ago, it would have been the height of folly to put together an ensemble dedicated exclusively to the performance of the music of living composers. Pioneering groups such as our own Rêlache have struggled and persevered, blazing a path for newer, younger musicians that now have access to a more sophisticated audience, not to mention a far more diverse range of musical styles. Eighth Blackbird is a fine example of the current crop. The sextet, all Oberlin grads, is drawn to music that is both challenging and accessible, for performer and audience alike. Their Friday-night concert at Penn features the music of the four composers known collectively as Minimum Security Composers. And about that name: It's a reference to the Wallace Stevens poem "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird." You'll have to come and hear to find out what the eighth one is.

Fri., Jan. 24, 8 p.m., $22-$29, Annenberg Center, Zellerbach Theater, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.

—Peter Burwasser