Things to do: AI theater, Last Revel and new Missoula albums
Here's a quick guide to some arts and cultural events happening in the week ahead.
A play about artificial intelligence
(Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 7-10)
While many of us associate science fiction with books, film and other media, A Quantum Dream, a theater startup created by Reggie Herbert, aims to bring the genre out onto the stage, where it's live and free of CGI.
After debuting last year with a show based on the life and work of Philip K. Dick , they're back this week with "Galatea," an award-winning play by David Templeton that premiered in 2022.
The story is inspired by the Pygmalion myth and centers on a synthetic human from a lost spacecraft, according to a news release. After the human enters therapy, the doctor begins uncovering a past that may have ramifications for humanity.
Herbert is directing the show, whose cast includes local actors Jasmine Sherman, Ann Peacock, Stephen Blotzke and Michael Crowley.
Details: ZACC Show Room, $15-$25. Audio description for blind/low vision patrons and open captions available.
Missoula composer drops new album
(Friday-Sunday, Nov. 8-10)
Naomi Moon Siegel, a trombonist and composer who's called Missoula home for the past eight years, has a new album of original music out this week. "Shatter the Glass Sanctuary" was written for and cut with a six-piece band in Seattle, her former home base. The centerpiece is the title suite, which is a sort of aural travelogue of the experience of moving, reestablishing a community and coming to terms with a different life. It blends jazz instrumentation and thematic writing with open improvisation.
Because her band is based out of town, she's booked some other types of gigs to mark the album's release on Nov. 8. They include a listening party and live gigs with two other groups.
Friday, Nov. 8: Listening party at Suite Two. Doors at 7 p.m. Listen to the album, followed by a Q&A with Siegel moderated by Bill Kautz.
Saturday, Nov. 9: Jazz trio Duende Libre featuring Siegel at the Westside Theater, 7:30 p.m., $15 or $10 for students.
Sunday, Nov. 10: Siegel's MSO Trio at Draught Works Brewery, 6-8 p.m. No cover.
The Last Revel at the Wilma
(Saturday, Nov. 9)
The Minneapolis folk/Americana band is back in Montana, where one of its four members lives. The group brings a rock energy and ear to their music and recently recorded a cover of Big Thief's "Spud Infinity." Their opener is Griffin William Sherry of the Ghost of Paul Revere.
Details: The Wilma, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8. All ages, tickets are $22 in advance or $25 at the door plus fees, logjampresents.com .
Quick hits
Willie Watson: A member of Old Crow Medicine Show, Watson is bringing his solo act on tour after releasing a new self-titled solo album in September. Coen Brothers fans may recognize him from a small part in the "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," in which he plays a gunfighter who shoots the title character (Tim Blake Nelson) and then sings a duet, "When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings," with the deceased's angel. Top Hat Lounge, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11. Tickets at logjampresents.com .
Synth pop: Terror Pigeon, a Nashville group that does synth pop with a distinct twang and quirky sensibility, have played Missoula before through Camp Daze, a DIY music festival. Those organizers are helping to bring them back for a show with Bethany Gray (Seattle folk) and Sarah Frazier (Missoula electronic pop). VFW Post 209, Friday, Nov. 8, 9 p.m. doors, $10, all ages.
Prog-metal: Intice, a Missoula metal band, brings some unexpected instruments like two saxophonists into the barrage of thrash guitar and heavy drumming. Judging from the single, "Weeping," you can expect some intricate interludes along with the usual level of metal drama. They'll play an album release show on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the ZACC Show Room. $10-$20, all ages.
Arts and Entertainment Reporter
