- Courtesy the artist
- Mikel Patrick Avery
Mikel Patrick Avery is one of Chicago’s more talented and curious jazz percussionists, a musician who frequently departs from his mainstream foundations to participate in all kinds of unusual projects—whether playing the homemade instruments built by repurposing carpenter and sculptor John Preus or contributing to the single-chord drones of Joshua Abrams’s Natural Information Society. One of his most interesting and entertaining projects emerged earlier this year—something he calls “Music for ½ Size Piano.” Avery obtained a 1930s 44-key piano—an instrument that functions like a conventional piano but possesses half the notes and range. ( Still produced today, the instrument is ideal for children learning piano or for those without the room to house a regular model.)
Avery will play this music tonight at the Charleston for the latest installment of the monthly Ratchet Series. He’ll be joined by Sutton and Detroit pianist Matt Jellick. Ken Vandermark will DJ before, between, and after each set.
