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Classic silent films by Buster Keaton come to life with a live, fully improvised piano score performed by Chicago theater music legend Larry Schanker.Silent cinema was never truly silent. In this special presentation, Keaton’s century-old films are accompanied in real time by an original piano score created spontaneously as the films unfold. Each performance is unique, shaped moment by moment in response to the action, pacing, and emotional nuance on screen.
Larry Schanker is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music and his extraordinary ability to move fluidly across styles, moods, and eras at the piano. His improvisations are both instinctive and deeply informed, bringing clarity, humor, and emotional depth to the films while honoring the spirit of the silent era.
Watching silent films on a big screen, in community, is a powerful experience on its own. Paired with a live, fully improvised score by a master improviser, it becomes something truly special.
This evening spotlights the work of Buster Keaton, one of the great innovators of early cinema—featuring his timeless physical comedy, inventive storytelling, and enduring artistry—accompanied by a modern-day master of musical improvisation.
A delightful and unforgettable evening of film and live music.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1934 Dempster St., Evanston, IL, United States, Illinois 60202
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