Versatile bassist and composer Matt Lux performs a set of solo music on the Option Stage. He’ll then join Tim Daisy for a discussion about his life and work. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the scenes most flexible and genre-blending musicians perform as well as talk about his decades-long career working with countless musicians and ensembles both here in Chicago and beyond.

ESS has assembled an all-star crew of improvisers to play in the Maze of the You Are Here Festival. Players include: Tim Kinsella, Matt Lux, Alex Inglizian, Adam Vida, Ben LaMar Gay, Will Faber, LeRoy Bach, Ben Boye

Outer Ear, ESS's flagship live performance series, returns in Spring 2014 for a series of five concerts by an eclectic roster of acclaimed artists, ensembles, and composers working in Chicago and beyond.

OSCILLATIONS is the newest addition to ESS’ regular programming (SummerSonic, Outer Ear, Florasonic, Audible Gallery, &c.). In this eclectic series, presented artists were sourced from submissions received in abundant response to an open call for proposals addressed to creative musicians and sound artists from Chicago and beyond. The eight selected artists operate in a diverse array of genres, from contemporary composition to experimental folk to ambient improvisation; each night features a bill of two complimentary or contrasting artists selected from the submissions we received.

Slow Sound features original instruments designed and constructed by John Preus, an artist, musician and woodworker. Preus has invited a selection of local musicians to perform at ESS using the instruments on view in the exhibit.