Improvisers Meet for Weekend of Music at West Coast String Summit

ByJohn Goodman May 22, 2024September 13, 2024

Violinist Laura Ortman — Laura Ortman performs at The Ironworks on Saturday night as part of this weekend’s West Coast String Summit. The Brooklyn-based musician’s latest album, Smoke Rings Shimmers Endless Blur, features Apache-style violin in a sonic palette that also includes effects pedals, piano, guitar, and voices. Photo: Frank Schramm

The West Coast String Summit celebrates the power of strings and improvised music with a series of ticketed and free events over the weekend. Brooklyn musician Laura Ortman who describes her art process as “sculpting sound” is performing at The Ironworks on Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. in a show that also features sets by Chamber of Bones (Jesse Zubot and Pura Fé with strings) and cellist Marina Hasselberg. On Sunday, May 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 8east on Pender Street musician Lan Tung will lead a free workshop on improvised music for bowed string instruments. Originally from Taiwan, erhu performer Lan Tung is an important member of Vancouver’s distinctive East-West cross-cultural improvised music scene. Tickets for the May 25th concert at The Ironworks are $12-23 in advance and $15-25 at the door. Advance tickets available on Eventbrite and at the door.

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John Goodman

John Goodman finds the creative energy of journalism constantly inspiring. He's covered the Vancouver arts scene as a reporter, editor, and designer for many years. As a longtime North Shore resident he's always keen to explore all that Metro Vancouver has to offer.