the fifth crosswicks
--SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2004-
The Cosmic Coffeehouse was thrilled to present another evening of unique, genre-busting live music.
The two acts performed way beyond the audience's expectations... this was NOT just another "space music" concert.
First performer: Ace Paradise
Ace readies his gear prior to the start of the show.
Then, in full attire, he begins his set, accompanied by the pulse of the lights.
The audience is taken on an extended musical journey with one evolving piece of music.
The themes morphed from tranquil improvisations to rhythmic dance pieces...
... covering everything from "old school" synth sounds to modern electronic beats and samples.
Learn more about Ace Paradise at his official site.
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Second performer: Doctor Cosmo & Oedema
The good Doctor has been a long-time fan of the Cosmic Coffeehouse,
and he and Oedema were excited to be playing live again.
This ghostly image appeared on the wall throughout the performance.
The set started out with some powerful and dark themes...
...and then got even darker.
Oedema unleashed quite an arsenal of found and heavily mangled samples.
It wasn't a normal rhythm section by any definition, with layers of sounds colliding and recombining.
Multi-instrumentalist Doctor Cosmo plays a Theremin, which is controlled by subtle gestures of the performer's hands without actually touching the instrument.
Thunderous and rapid notes came from a Chapman Stick, which also was used to trigger synth sounds.
The big surprise-- and certainly a first for the Coffeehouse-- came toward the end of the evening...
...as Doctor Cosmo sat down and improvised on an electric sitar, creating an amazingly powerful composition as he jammed along with Oedema's synthesizers and samples.
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Learn more about Doctor Cosmo & Oedema here.
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Final Comments on the First Year of the Cosmic Coffeehouse
More people should have come to see and hear this evening's performances... it's a shame that many missed it. As the Cosmic Coffeehouse goes on hiatus until September, we hope those who were there will spread the word that live original music is a rare and wonderful gift to be offered here in the heart of New Jersey. There are many talented local artists who never had a place to play, and the Cosmic Coffeehouse has tried to fill that void with a comfortable and smoke-free venue.
For those of you who complain that there's no alternative to bland corporate rock, you need to get out more often to support these unsigned musicians' passions and efforts. If you can open your minds and your ears to these incredibly talented and underappreciated artists, then this music-- and venues like the Cosmic Coffeehouse-- can continue to entertain you, delight you... and sometimes even challenge you!
You may not always "get" it immediately or even like everything they do, but consider the alternatives. You are our audience-- and our reason for being-- so please help us: If you want the Cosmic Coffeehouse series to continue to grow, tell your friends! Spread the word!
Postlude
Thanks (as always) to all of the volunteers who served the coffee and snacks, and to the audience. Your contributions help to support the Crosswicks Community Association and the upkeep of the Crosswicks Community House, and encourage us to keep the Cosmic Coffeehouse going and growing. We hope you'll join us here again next time!