Reform Movement

Ever wondered what a Björk song would sound like interpreted by a barbershop quartet? Or what if someone decided to play Philip Glass using glasses filled with water? These are just some of the many original musical performances that have taken place in the past two years during the School of Music Reform series at the Laboratory of Art and Ideas at Belmar.

Tonight's installment features the music of iconic beat/punk songstress Patti Smith as reimagined by local artist Janet Feder. Feder has put almost six months of work into the program, which will include lectures on Smith's work and musical contributions interwoven with performances by Feder and friends. The form that live show will take remains undisclosed, says Lab assistant creative director Sarah Baie: "Part of the fun is that it's such a surprise."

Given that much of Smith's recent work has relied heavily on covers of other artists' work (her latest album, Twelve, was all covers), the real surprise might be that you'll hear Smith's original material — unlike at her Boulder Theater performance in August, where the set was mostly interpretations of songs written by Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and others. A school lunch and cocktail reception get things started at 6 p.m., followed by the lecture and performance beginning at 6:30. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. The Lab is at 404 South Upham Street in Lakewood; for more information, visit www.belmarlab.org.
Thu., Oct. 18, 2007