FireFish Arts is pleased to present ArtSong II held on April 21st in downtown Lorain. This performance is a not to be missed, immersive “once-in-a-lifetime” concert event pairing Grammy award-winning classical pianist Angelin Chang with video projection artist Kevin Jackson. Creating a spellbinding “duet” of two very different art forms, this very special performance merges classical piano with contemporary digital projection mapping art and will be presented one time only.
According to Joan Perch, FireFish Arts Artistic Director, “Our first ArtSong event took place in 2016 and was a truly memorable and overwhelming artistic success, one that many still describe as one of the most powerful performances of a lifetime. We are thrilled to bring these artists together again for what promises to be just as special. Their work is designed to both reflect the theme of this year’s FireFish Festival, “Transcending Dark and Light,” and to take advantage of the stunning architecture and vaulted ceilings of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.”
States artist Kevin Jackson, “The architecture is beautiful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to create collaboratively once again with Angelin Chang, interpreting her musical selections in this space, which is something different than my usual work.”
Dr. Chang adds that “not only do we have an opportunity to create this wonderful environment of music and visual art combined, but this event also has special meaning for me because the proceeds from the event benefit FireFish Art’s arts education and youth programming.”
Dr. Chang is not only the head of the keyboard studies program at Cleveland State University; she is also a world-class performing artist and music educator with a Grammy to her credit, performing across the world and serving as the first artist in residence at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Kevin Jackson’s expertise as a visual media artist has evolved from the early years of audio/video to a profound interest in combining Video Projection Mapping Technology and obscure imagery to create dynamic visuals across the globe. A Cleveland native, Jackson has participated in Cleveland and Buffalo film projects winning multiple awards including best editing and best film.
ArtSong II benefits FireFish youth and community arts programs. “We are looking forward to all of the ‘sneak peeks’ that will be shared for our summer season which include new youth and community programs. This fundraiser will provide an opportunity for Lorain to not only learn more about the programs but also celebrate and support the arts in Lorain,” offers Candice Pettigrew, FireFish Operations and Marketing Director.
The event begins at 7:30 pm at Church of the Redeemer, Lorain, and is followed by a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception also featuring art by local artists and summer projects created by art students from Lorain High School. Before their performance, Dr. Chang and Mr. Jackson will be offering a master class for teens from the ACES Youth Program, Lorain High School, and Rock Town Academy, also including digital arts and piano students at Lorain County Community College.