Join us for a community conversation about the radical potential of “difficult art” through a deep dive into aesthetic theory, the politics and poetics of sound, world-building, alter-politics and radical imaginaries. Whether you’re a seasoned thinker-about-music or just curious, invested in theorising the intersections of music-making and radical politics or vague on what any of those terms mean…this is for you! No specialised knowledge necessary, just a willingness to listen and think and (maybe) sip tea.

We acknowledge that we gather on unceded Aboriginal land, on the territories of Jagera, Yuggera and Turrbal peoples. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and to other First Nations people and communities in Meanjin. Sovereignty was never ceded.

When?
6pm – 7.30pm, Wednesday 20 June, 2018

Where?
Bunyapa Park, West End

Who?
Hannah Reardon-Smith is a Brisbane-based musician working with flute and electronics in various forms of notation and improvisation. She collaboratively performs with and directs several local music-making groups, including contemporary art music ensemble Kupka’s Piano, improvisation trio Rogue Three, and electroacoustic duo Richard&Linda with her partner Liam Flenady.

Hannah is a current PhD candidate at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, exploring a queer-feminist thinking of free improvisation, featuring the work and voices of women and non-binary folk practicing in the field. She blogs at stayandmakekin.wordpress.com and more of her work can be found on her website hannahreardonsmith.com

Liam Flenady is a composer and electric guitarist, and writing for and performing with new music ensemble Kupka’s Piano and duo Richard&Linda. Liam recently completed a PhD in composition through Griffith University, where his topic was ‘Composing Contrapuntal Worlds’. Additionally, Liam is a political activist and organiser, having been involved in a variety of progressive campaigns and organisations over the last decade.

Liam’s music currently centres on the question of what ‘counterpoint’ could mean outside of its historical bounds. Rather than a method of dissonance treatment or voice-leading, counterpoint is conceived of as a matter ‘world construction’, of building relational logics of simultaneous sounding parts, where the degree of identity and difference between parts represent the primary structural concerns.

Format:
As usual, the event is free and open to everyone. We invite speakers to present for 10-15 minutes each, before opening up to broader discussion and dialogue. And sometimes we retire to the pub afterwards to continue the chats. You’re welcome to come and go as you please, and feel free to bring food with you.

It’s pretty cold in the park at night, so try to bring along a blanket and dress warmly. Some seating is provided but many of us will sit on the ground. Snuggling also recommended. We’ll bring an urn with some tea bags and stuff, so pop a cup in your bag if you remember.

Accessibility information for this event:
The venue is a park. The event is child-friendly, and we welcome families to attend. However the park is not fenced and there will not be a separate space for children. We can provide some engagement materials (drawing supplies etc) on request.
This venue is wheelchair accessible, although much of the park is grassed
There is an accessible ambulant toilet with a change-table.
Some comfortable seating is provided, and priority will be given to those with mobility difficulties or who request special assistance. Please let an organiser know if you need a chair and there are none available. We’ll be the ones fiddling with the mics at the front.
Online notes are not available for our speakers, though copies of other materials they have written can be provided on request.
An Auslan interpreter will not be present.
Very limited First Aid will be available on site.