About this Event
Our ballroom transforms into a jazz sanctuary with Vardan Ovsepian and his unforgettable Spiderweb Project:
“Vardan Ovsepian’s Spiderweb Project emphasizes the choices and actions we make, sending vibrations through the wider web, affecting others, and shaping our own reality. What you weave today becomes the foundation for your life tomorrow.”
Ovsepian blends classical refinement with fearless jazz improvisation, weaving melodies that ripple outward like a living web. The artist is joined by Vinicius Gomes (guitar), Joshua Davis (bass), and Austin McMahon (drums).
Peter Erskine writes, “Vardan brings his own sound and ingredients... I have never heard any musician quite like him in terms of harmonic awareness and melodic power. I suspect that he will prove to be quite a sensation…"
Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM). $15 for Mechanics' Hall Members, $20 for general admission. There is a $5 surcharge on the day of the show. No one turned away for lack of funds.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Vardan Ovsepian is an Armenian-born pianist/composer whose studies include Yerevan State Conservatory, Estonian Music Academy, Helsinki Jazz Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music.
From the early years, Vardan was fascinated by the blend of western classical music with jazz, and has been in perpetual search for unique ways of incorporating the hybrid formation in his composing and improvising. Consequently, his semi-large chamber ensemble (VOCE) was formed in 2005, focusing on the cinematic approach in the musical narrative.
Throughout the years, Vardan developed a remarkable angular geometric world, connected to his background in chess, and his attraction to minimalism and contemporary architecture, resulting in the publication of 2 books: Mirror Exercises (2011) and Permutation Studies (2020).
Another spotlight is the “Fractal Limit” duet with Tatiana Parra, which received immense international recognition. The project showcases Vardan’s remarkable technical proficiency and capacity to articulate contrapuntal textures.
In addition to VOCE and Fractal Limit, Vardan has collaborated with artists like Mick Goodrick, Peter Erskine, Jerry Bergonzi, Tim Miller, Ben Monder, David Binney, and has released 20+ albums as a leader and co-leader.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
Mechanics’ Hall is located at 519 Congress Street. Our main entrance is between Loquat Shop and the Art Mart. The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.
Parking is available at the Arts District Garage, located on Casco and Brown Street, with a rate of $5 per hour. Metered street parking is available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and other nearby streets. Free hourly street parking is available between Parris and Alder Street.
ACCESSIBILITY
To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator.
If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mechanics' Hall, 519 Congress Street, Portland, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 44.52
