Music

To bring home LEM 2008’s vox focus, the festival’s organiser Gràcia Territori Sonor has put together a diverse line-up of performers including Sardinian musician Alessandro Olla. Olla will present “Song Books de Jon Cage”, a selection of vocal, dance and electronic pieces. A composer, pianist, performer and teacher, Olla is known for his unique multidisciplinary approach to music research that is far from the traditional book-based methodology. In addition to working on his own obras, Alessandro spends much of his time bringing experimental music to a younger crowd through musical theatre workshops for mentally handicapped kids.

Another unconventional artist on the bill is Mexico’s emerging experimental vocalist Juan Pablo Villa. The ever-improvising Villa gives his vocal chords a workout performing pieces sprinkled with jazz, cardenche (ancient Mexican song) and even elements from the traditional songs of the Inuit and Mongol people.

LEM 2008 will also feature spoken word in an evening dedicated to robust poetry, with Alejandro Escarpa and Nora Gomringer. The vocal program will close with Erika Stucky, a performer who combines insane yodelling with cabaret and experimental pop.

The other face of the festival turns to acts from Portugal. Among them is Osso Exótico, a trio that began their legendary career in the late 80s using instruments like the Hammond organ, glass harmonica and violin. This will be the group’s first performance in Spain. Following Osso is the improv and rock duo made up of renowned guitarist Nuno Rebelo and drummer Marco Franco.

To complete the festival’s Portuguese representation is emerging electronic act Ye77a, a project created by painter and former set designer Daniela Abelaira Roxo in 2003. Her whimsical works incorporating both fine and performing arts have gained recognition from audiences for their sophisticated and elegant elements.

All of the eclectic LEM performances will be held at various venues in Gràcia. Since they are spread out over the month, we can all surely fit a bit of experimentation into our busy schedules.

October 2nd – 25th