Everyone Orchestra’s conductor and founder Matt Butler has been leading a rotating cast of accomplished musicians through entirely improvised performances, since 2001. Butler’s unique style of conducting is groundbreaking in that he has essentially created an entirely new way to perform and experience music. Butler says, “Playing with different musicians, improvising every night, and getting the crowd involved in ways that they can’t be at a regular show has provided an unparalleled live music experience.”
Everyone Orchestra's performances in Denver, CO at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom on Thursday and Friday, September 3rd and 4th feature Kris Myers (drums- Umphrey’s McGee), Rob Mercurio (bass- Galactic), Aron Magner (keys-Disco Biscuits), Vernon Reid (guitar-Living Colour), Durga McBroom (Vocals-Pink Floyd), Jennifer Hartswick (Trumpet/Vocals- Trey Anastasio Band), Natalie Cressman (Trombone/Vocals-Trey Anastasio Band), and Eddie Roberts (guitar-New Mastersounds). Special guests Paul Hoffman (Mandolin-Greensky Bluegrass) and Jason Hann (Percussion-String Cheese Incident) will also be joining in on Thursday. Pre and post Phish Parties!
Having marched clearly into uncharted territory, Everyone Orchestra is an avant-garde conceptual and collaborative performance which deeply encourages and requires audience interaction. Both the band and the audience start the show with a clean slate to help co-create a dynamic musical experience, with Butler receiving ideas from the audience to help set the course of action. Tuning in to Butler’s energy and pantomime, The Conductor is utilized as a pivot to the set mood of each passing jam as he communicates musical concepts using hand signs, whiteboard and assorted mime suggestions. The edge of your seat enthusiasm for what is next is the fuel behind the continuous musical experiment of Everyone Orchestra.
“I feel like it’s part of my job, and paramount, to not have too many preconceptions,” he said. “But the only preconceptions I have going in are to create a really dynamic show from beginning to end, have it have a nice arc, and that all the musicians get a chance to shine. I want to keep them challenged and engaged. It’s a playground for musicians that I’m trying to create,” says Matt in an interview with Examiner.
“[In each city] Butler will have another group with which he can create the beautiful chaos this act is known for. Simply put, there is no set list to be confined to, no certain marks to hit over the course of the night. Butler makes his way to the front of the stage, and it’s off to the races, testing the limits of his players while also showing how good music is when everything clicks in the midst of an improvised set.” writes Examiner’s Thomas Gerbasi. “At this point, Butler almost has it down to a science, at least as much as you can on a speeding car that could veer off the road at any moment.”
EO balances the challenges of live group improvisation with triumphant tension and release conduits of music which head deep into the heart filled with the aspiration of creating shared magical moments.
TICKETING DETAILS:
Thursday, Sept 3rd - Phish Pre-Party
EO & Touchpants in The Ballroom
Start Making Sense (Ultimate Talking Heads Tribute) w/ Love Canon, Great American Taxi
and Jon Stickley Trio at The Other Side
16+, doors 6pm/ show 7pm; $20 Early Bird / $25 Advance / $30 Day of Show
Tickets: www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/930643-everyone-orchestra-denver/
Friday, Sept 4th - Phish Post Party
Everyone Orchestra in the Ballroom and Touchpants in The Other Side
16+; doors 11pm / show 11:59pm
Tickets Ballroom for EO:
$20 Advance / $25 Day Of Show
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/930999-phish-after-show-everyone-denver/
Friday Tickets Dual Venue:
$30 Advance / $35 Day Of Show
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/932517-phish-after-show-dual-venue-denver/
Cervantes’ is located at 2637 Welton Street, Denver, CO, 80203
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com
