Wednesday, January 27, 2010

U.N.Act performs evening of experimental dance and music

Six months after The Lemon Grove Cafe opened in downtown Youngstown, hosting the first U.N.Act performance, the brands team up again to present "Shock and Awe" on Feb. 6.

U.N.Act founder Brandon Martin says the performance is an "experiment with dance and music."

"I try to make things interesting. I try to tell stories through dance, but interesting stories," he says.

For example, he says he'll be dancing to video clips from YouTube and a medley of songs by Rocco Sait of Modern Life. He'll also mix songs while Robyn DePaul sings.

Another local musician working with Martin in "Shock and Awe" is Adam Mamula, frontman for The Leonard Cohen Ensemble One. Martin says he'll dance while Mamula will be singing and playing piano.

Martin says the Tribe of EOS dancers will be performing new dances at "Shock and Awe."

If it sounds like a lot, it is. Martin says there's three hours of material so far, and he's hoping for a total of 4 hours. For $5 cover.

Martin says The Lemon Grove is a great setting for his work because it's a middle ground.

"It's not like a normal bar where people are there to get drunk," he says. "There's also people there who appreciate the kind of work that I do."

Logistically, it's also not made for dancing, which is a welcome challenge for Martin.

"It's an interesting place because it's clearly not made for performances. That's cool. I try to figure out ways to make a performance work," he says.

U.N.Act is also behind the Family Variety Shows held at the Lemon Grove the second Sunday of every month.

"It's an open mic night for people who want to do family-oriented material," Martin says.

The fourth Family Variety Show will be held Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. and the featured guest is Carla Gibson, who's voice will be recognized immediately by community theatergoers.

If you want to perform in the variety show, contact Martin at (330) 519-2046.