Sxip Shirey: JANK!
Sxip Shirey • United States
About
This presentation is part of a joint showcase by Machine de Cirque and Unicycle Productions.
Following the CINARS opening reception, we are throwing open the doors of Le Monastère for one night, featuring two showcases of new work and a bar that stays open afterwards.
The showcase will start with the first glimpse at "The Great Nonsense - Life, Death and Other Stuff", a creation by Machine de Cirque. After some drinks with colleagues, join us for:
SXIP SHIREY: JANK!
On the way to a party in Berlin, an electro brass band from New York gathers circus artists in Montreal, takes a wrong turn in London, passes through Tirana and Istanbul, and lands in New Orleans.
The legendary Sxip Shirey, composer for Gravity and Other Myths' LOUDER and the international hit LIMBO (Sydney Opera House, London's Southbank, Madonna's 57th birthday). Sxip leads a circus driven by music featuring bullhorn harmonicas, dirty electronics, sousaphone, percussion, and other unusual instruments, in a celebration where music and circus become one.
Directed by Guillaume Blais of PRODG and Le Monastere, performed by Sxip Shirey’s band JANK and Montreal-based artists Marjorie Nantel · Annie-Kim Déry · Jérémy Vitupier · Luther Bangert.
What colleagues say:
Shanta Thake, Chief Artistic Officer, Lincoln Center, NYC
“Sxip Shirey makes performances that are as thoughtful as they are wild. Drawing on decades immersed in composition, circus, and performance, he creates an exhilarating world where meticulous craft meets spontaneity, play, and beautiful chaos. His shows don’t simply entertain—they pull you into a completely unexpected universe of sound, movement, and possibility.”
Bill Bragin, Co-Director/Co-Founder of GlobalFest, Executive Artistic Director The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
“How do you describe the indescribable Sxip Shirey? Circus music composer with the energy and presence of an old school ringmaster, a lover of a great pop hook who is able to find the sweet spot in Balkan brass, hip-hop, object based compositions and R&B. Endless musical surprises that elevate whatever collaborator he works with.”
Jennifer Harrison Newman, Schwarzman Center, Yale University
“Sxip Shirey is a mad scientist of sound, funk, and fun! The JANK! Circus mashup is a raucous ride where Sxip and his collaborators mix a genius chemistry of daring physical feats, and inventive musicianship. A highlight of our season!”
What press says about Sxip’s work:
The Guardian: “It’s Eastern European brass band meets New York hip-hop. Shirey and his band’s infectious energy works with the exuberance of the circus performers, carrying the vitality of the cast out into the audience.”
NPR Fresh Air: “Eclectic and Original”
The Classical Voice: “Shirey Is the Living Embodiment of the Spirit of John Cage, Committed to the Tenets That Music Is Play and Listening to Music Is an Active Endeavor.”
The Wall Street Journal: “The multifaceted New York-based musician is renowned for his kaleidoscopic array of gewgaws and gadgets repurposed for performances by a one-man gonzo orchestra…his résumé doubles as a passport of imposing sophistication and variety.”
The New York Times: “…his performances seem a combination of careful planning and spur-of- the-moment inspiration.”
Contact
Sonia Clark
Founder and Producer – Unicycle Productions