RESUME Creation of original music composed for music ensembles, theater, ____________________________________________ ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTALIST AND PERFORMER [list]
Axel Dörner / Fred Lonberg-Holm / Michael Zerang Jumper Cables Terminal 4 Fred Lonberg-Holm / Sten Sandell / Michael Zerang Trio [review] Peter Brötzmann Chicago Tentet [review]
In Zenith
SITE INDEX
COMMISSIONS / MUSIC COMPOSITION [list]
performance art, dance, and film.
(1998-present)
Improvised trios for trumpet, cello and percussion.
(1998-present)
Compositions and structured improvisation for quartet by MIchael Zerang featuring
Jim Baker - ARP 2600, Kevin Drumm - guitar, Don Meckley - shortwave radio, Michael
Zerang - percussion.
(1998-present)
Quintet playing compositions by cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm with guitarist Ben
Vida, bassist Josh Abrams, trombonist Jeb Bishop and Zerang on drums.
(1997-present)
Improvised trio musical featuring American cellist Lonberg-Holm Swedish pianist
Sandell and American percussionist Zerang have toured and recorded in the U.S.
(1997-present)
Large ensemble directed by German saxophonist Peter Brötzman, featuring Mats
Gustafsson, Joe McPhee, Jeb Bishop, Mars Williams, Hamid Drake, Kent Kessler,
Ken Vandermark, Fred Lonberg-Holm and Michael Zerang. Tours of USA, Canada and
Europe.
(1997-present)
Power trio featuring the music of cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm with bassist / trombonist
Jeb Bishop and Zerang on drums.
Jaap Blonk / Fred Lonberg-Holm / Michael Zerang Trio [review]
(1997-present) Raymond Strid / Michael Zerang Percussion Duo Mats Gustafsson / Sten Sandell / Michael Zerang Trio Jaap Blonk / Mats Gustafsson / Michael Zerang Trio Lonberg-Holm / Zerang Duo [review] Jim Baker / Michael Zerang Duo Trio Troppo Mats Gustafsson / Michael Zerang Duo Winter Solstice Percussion Concerts [review]
Music for Mesopotamian Frame Drums and Other Percussion Liof Munimula [review]
Broken Wire [review]
Sputter Ensemble Quirt Quintet Neutrino Trio The Vandermark Quartet [review]
Sam Pappas New Instrument Ensemble (Tumbling Strains) Project Clamdance Musica Menta The Neutrino Orchestra DISCOGRAPHY [list]
Michael Zerang has produced and collaborated on a number of projects. The
discography spans from 1982 to present.
Improvised musicial trio featuring Dutch vocalist and sound poet Jaap Blonk,
Chicago based cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm and percussionist Michael Zerang. Debut
CD "First Meeting" released on Buzz Records (76002) 1999. Tours of Europe and
U.S.
(1996-present)
Master Swedish percussionist Raymond Strid and American percussionist Michael
Zerang perform free and structured improvisation. They have performed in the
U.S. and Sweden.
(1996-present)
Swedish saxophonist Gustafsson and pianist Sandell along with American percussionist
Zerang have performed improvised music and recorded in Sweden and the U.S.
(1996-present)
Free improvisations and structured improvisations for voice, reeds and percussion.
Tours of Europe and United States.
(1996-present)
Compositions, improvisations and explorations for cello and percussion. Tours
of USA and Europe.
(1995-present)
Improvised duets for piano and electronics, drums and percussion.
(1995-present)
Experimental music collective featuring the compositions of its members Fredrick
Lonberg-Holm - Cello; Gene Coleman - Bass Clarinet; Michael; Zerang - percussion.
(1994-present)
Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and American percussionist Michael Zerang
have performed and recorded improvised duets in Sweden and the United States.
Their music has been documented on Parrot Fish Eye, a 1995 release on the Okka
Disc label.
(1990-present)
Annual event celebrating the winter solstice at Link's Hall in Chicago. Hamid
Drake and michael Zerang hold four ritual performances of percussion music at
sunrises and sunsets during the course of the solstice weekend.
(1989-present)
Duet that emphasizes the music of hand drums from the Middle East, North Africa,
and East India featuring percussionists Hamid Drake and Michael Zerang. Tours
of USA and Europe.
(1982-Present)
Improvisational music trio featuring Daniel Scanlan, Don Meckley and Michael
Zerang that deals with the mixture of electronic and acoustic elements with
an emphasis on shifting polyrhythmic interplay. The trio has toured the United
States and Canada and has performed in art galleries, nightclubs and other alternative
spaces.
(1996-1998)
Experimental rock and fusion quartet featuring Daniel Scanlan, Jim Baker, Fredrick
Lonberg-Holm, and Michael Zerang
(1996-1997)
Sextet featuring Robbie Hunsinger (oboe), Jeb Bishop (trombone), Jeremy Ruthrauff
(reeds), Jim Baker (electronics) Fredrick Lonberg-Holm (cello), Michael Zerang
(percussion). Performing original compositions by Michael Zerang
(1995-1997)
Collective ensemble emphasizing long-form structured improvisations for strings
and percussion. Featuring Daniel Scanlan - violin; Fredrick Lonberg-Holm - cello;
Kent Kessler - contrabass; Steve Hunt - percussion; Michael Zerang - percussion.
(1995-1996)
Experimental music trio that performs the long-form composition of Michael Zerang.
Featuring Daniel Scanlan - violin; Kent Kessler - contrabass; Michael Zerang
- percussion.
(1991-1995)
New Jazz ensemble employing a range of styles from free improvisation to composition
by its members Ken Vandermark - reeds; Daniel Scanlan - violin / guitar / cornet;
Kent Kessler - bass; Michael Zerang - percussion.
(1981-1987)
I have studied and performed on the new musical instruments of Chicago sculptor
Sam Pappas. Performances have been held at Young / Hoffman Gallery, Zolla Lieberman
Gallery, N.A.M.E. Gallery, Randolph Street Gallery and the Fort Wayne Museum
of Art.
(1981-1987)
This is an ongoing process that is devised to explore and expand improvisational
music. I bring together approximately 30 musicians for large ensemble explorations
of this form. These players are also divided up into smaller ensembles and sectionals
that deal with the same principles of improvised music in a more intimate setting.
Performances have been held at A.R.C Gallery, MoMing Dance and Art center and
Link's Hall Studio.
(1981-1986)
Musica Menta is a workshop situation co-founded and developed by Michael Zerang.
Consisting of six musicians, this group worked on a range of ideas in music
to performance art and explored the different facets of inter-media collaboration.
Musica Menta has performed extensively in the United States and was the recipient
of the Illinois Arts Council Grant from 1982-1984.
(1977-1979)
This experimental music ensemble emphasized and explored acoustic textural phenomena.
With Daniel Scanlan, Kent Kessler, Robert Bilmeyer, Norbert Funk. Performances
in Chicago and USA.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
CURATOR OF EXPERIMENTAL SOUND & PERFORMANCE
The Candlestick Maker
|
(July 2001 - March 2005) |
| The Candlestick Maker is a small performance space in Chicago that is the home of composer/percussionist Michael Zerang. Intimate concerts of experimental, free jazz, electronic, and other forms of creative, forward-thinking music take place on a regular basis. The space is also available for rehearsals, classes, and workshops. | |
| The Candlestick Maker Archive |
Founder and Artistic Director, Links Hall Performance Series
| |
(November 1985 - December 1988) |
| Developed ongoing performance series in Chicago that presented music, poetry & fiction readings, dance, performances art events and other mixed media projects with the emphasis placed on presenting artists at the vanguard of their disciplines, and concerts of traditional ethnic folk music that highlight artists living in Chicago. Presented over 200 separate events as artistic director from Nov. 1985 to April 1989. (Additional information upon request) | |
| Link's Hall Performance Series Archive List |
Festivities Coordinator, Club Lower Links
|
| (April 1988 - December 1989) |
| Initiated multi-arts performance program in Chicago cabaret nightclub. Presented 400 events in 20 months. [review] |
Freelance Curator of Experimental Music
|
| (1990 - present) |
| Created experimental music programming at various locations in Chicago including Hothouse [review], Urbus Orbis [review], and Lunar Cabaret. | |
| Urbus Orbis Experimental Music Series Archive List |
STAGE & SCREEN APPEARANCES
(1980 - Present)
 |
||
|
Title |
Role |
Artist / Director |
|
Our Father |
Zeke |
(film) Eric Wright / Bryn Magnus |
|
Tale of the Ginja |
Marine |
Frank Melcori |
|
Hot Sands |
Oil Baron |
Michael Zerang |
|
Nixon: The Future is Now |
Jimi Jihad |
Frank Melcori |
|
Death of Mar Shimun |
Mar Shimun |
Michael Zerang |
|
Saddle Up 'ol Paint |
Cowboy Bill |
Frank Melcori |
|
Final Notice |
Mystery Singer |
Kaja Overstreet |
|
In the House of Sargon |
Taxi Driver |
Michael Zerang |
|
Square Garden |
Lounge Drummer / Thug |
Steven Rumbelow |
|
Ten Men At the Dyke |
Lead Singer |
Bob Eisen |
|
Bolinga |
Street Bum |
David Zumboro |
|
Ill-mannered Energy |
MC / Fornicator |
Kaja Overstreet |
|
Kerouac: A Jazz Play |
Saxophonist |
Gypsy Theater Wagon |
|
Rainer and the Knife |
The Mayor |
Ping Chong |
|
Fish Story |
Paddle Boy |
Kaja Overstreet |
|
Unrequited Love |
Last Poet |
Michael Bonesteel |
|
Lacings |
Singer / Jumper |
Bartoszek / Pelliteir |
ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE WORKS [details]
 |
Title |
Venue |
Premiere |
| Ecstatic Dissent [review] | Hot House | 2003 | |
| 108 Ways to Nirvana [review] | Chicago Area | 2001 | |
|
Link's Hall Studio |
1993 |
||
|
Club Lower Links |
1991 |
||
|
Randolph Street Gallery |
1990 |
||
|
Hellhounds |
Club Lower Links |
1989 |
TEACHING
(1980 - Present)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Guest Artist in Invented Instrument workshop (2003)
Gulbenkian Museum / Augusto Jazz Festival, Lisbon, Portugal
Percussion Workshops (2000)
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Advanced Course in Composer / Choreographer collaborations, (1997 / 1998)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Guest Artist in Sound and Puppetry workshop
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Guest Artist in performance technique with emphasis on movement and vocal skills,
1981
Columbia College Dance Department, Chicago, IL
Guest Artist in percussion technique and rhythmic analysis, 1983
Uptown Hull House, Chicago, IL
Taught children, ages 4-12, principles of sound texture and rhythm as part of
a summer arts program that brought dance, music and visual art together culminating
in a final performance by the children, 1983
Fort Wayne Dance Collective, Fort Wayne, IN
Held a workshop stressing vocal technique and movement for a dance collective.
A lecture demonstration and performance were also given, 1984
Deer Trail Collective, Gary, IN
Taught sound / movement workshop to a group of poets under the direction of
Ron Wray, 1982
Private Instruction
Rhythmic Analysis for Dancers; Percussion Technique; Music Improvisation
____________________________________________
ACCOMPANIST FOR DANCE INSTRUCTION
(1978 - 1989)
I have accompanied modern dance classes from fundamental to advanced levels. During this time, I have worked with over forty instructors including June Finch, Bill T. Jones, Jan Bartoszek, Maggie Kast, Jackie Radis, Jan Erkert, Amy Osgood, Gary Lund, Laura Wade, Akasha & Company and various Belly-Dancing Classes.
____________________________________________
GRANTS & AWARDS
|
Institution |
Year |
|
|
Illinos Arts Council - Artist Fellowship |
2012 |
Music Composition |
|
Illinos Arts Council - Governor's International Arts Exchange |
2005 |
(Travel to Lebanon to perform and hold worhshops) |
|
Illinos Arts Council - Special Assistace Grant |
2003 |
(Original Music Composition - ECSTATIC DISSENT) |
|
Illinos Arts Council - Artist Fellowship |
2002 |
(Original Music Composition) |
|
Chicago Depatment of Cultural Affairs |
2002 |
CAAP Grant |
|
Joseph Jefferson Citation (Hunchback) |
2000 |
(Original Music Composition) |
|
Chicago Artists International Project (European Tour) |
1998 |
(w/ Fred Lonberg-Holm) |
|
Joseph Jefferson Citation (The Ballad of Frankie & Johnny) |
1998 |
(Original Music Composition) |
|
Joseph Jefferson Citation (Frankenstein) |
1996 |
(Original Music Composition) |
|
Chicago Artists International Project (Sweden Tour) |
1995 |
|
|
Regional Artist Project - NEA / Randolph St. Gallery |
1993 |
|
|
Illinois Arts Council - Technical Assistance |
1993 |
|
|
Ragdale Artist Colony - Residency |
1992 |
2 weeks |
|
Illinois Arts Council - Technical Assistance |
1990 |
|
|
Chicago Office of Fine Arts - CAAP Grant |
1989 |
AFFILIATIONS
|
Organization |
Position |
Dates |
|
Elastic Arts Foundation |
Board of Directors |
2016 - 2017 |
|
Curious Theater Branch |
Board of Directors |
1998 - 1999 |
|
Experimental Sound Studio |
President-Board of Directors |
1989 - 1992 |
|
Links Hall, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
1989 - 2013 |
| Links Hall, Inc. | Managing Director/Development | 2003 - 2004 |
|
Illinois Arts Council |
Advisory Panel Member (Multi-Arts) |
1989 - 1991 |
|
Chicago Office of Fine Art |
Advisory Panel Member (City Arts I, II) |
1990 |
|
Chicago Office of Fine Art |
Advisory Panel Member (CAAP Music) |
1991, 93, 95 |
|
Randolph Street Gallery |
Selection Committee Member (NPN Showcase) |
1991 |
|
Ragdale Artists Colony |
Selection Committee Member - Music Composition |
1992 - 1996 |
|
The Children's School |
Board of Directors |
1997 - 1998 |
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Roosevelt University - Chicago Music College
An advanced course of study in music theory, composition and performance skills,
1978-1982
Wright College
Chicago Liberal Arts and Music courses, 1977-1978
Private Study and Workshops, 1979-1986
Percussion Skill
Edward Poremba, Adwar Hanna, Edward Zerang
Music Composition
Robert Lombardo, Don Malone, Jon Gibson, Peter Van Riper, Karl Berger.
Movement Training
Simone Forti, Nancy Topf, David Appel, Eiko and Koma, Alan Ptashek, Ping Chong.
contact Michael Zerang at drum777@aol.com