Midwest School 2026 (August)

Though there is much work ahead for the collaborations I have with Ben Hall, a milestone was achieved by the Field Kitchen Uptown Orchestra & Poets concerts at the Green Mill on July 31st and August 1st.  Months of work went into those performances by the musicians (in addition to Ben and me: Indira Edwards, Mike Khoury, Cyrus Pireh, and Sharon Udoh- the “starting five” of Field Kitchen; and Josh Berman, Garrett Frees, Beth McDonald, and Nick Macri).  The contributions by poets Kai Ihns, Ed Roberson, Ken Taylor, and John Yau were also immeasurable.  There was a line around the block to get in on both nights and that was gratifying, but it was the work on stage that was electrifying.  I’m very thankful that Nick Broste (recording) and Tim Schmoll (photographing) were there to document the event; and much appreciation goes to the staff of the Green Mill, particularly the former owner- Dave Jemilo- who gave me this gig (and many others), and to the new owners Jason Cole and Jill Skintges- both of whom gave me 100% support for the shows.

I am so indebted to the creative paths music takes me, often unexpectedly and often in ways that might not seem directly connected to music.  Case in point was early afternoon of August 1st when I visited the Corbett vs. Dempsey gallery with John Yau to talk to John and Jim and see the Rodney Graham and Steven Urry exhibits.  The painter, Celeste Rapone, was there looking at Graham’s work and marveling at it.  I had never met Celeste but was blown away by her show, “Big Chess”, held at CvD at the end of 2024, so I didn’t know it was her until we were introduced.  Getting the opportunity to listen to one great painter talk about another great painter’s work with awe was incredibly inspiring.  As was the time spent with Ben Hall, Indira Edwards, and John Yau while they stayed at the house leading up to the Green Mill performances; along with the possibility to talk to Ed Roberson, Kai Ihns, and Ken Taylor (and John Yau) at the shows.  The mutual respect and celebration of someone doing exceptional work that these artists have for each other- and that I felt between the musicians working on the Field Kitchen Uptown Orchestra project- transcends popular success.  It is the ultimate acknowledgement, the ultimate recognition.

[b&w photo/left to right: Benn Hall, Mike Khoury, Cyrus Pireh, Sharon Udoh, Indira Edwards; color photo/left to right: John Corbett, John Yau, painting, “Untitled”, by Rodney Graham]