Chaka Benson plays with an ear for color, motion and texture, forsaking conventional narrative clarity. It is an experience by way of the senses, rather than through pure mental interpretation. Our focus expands beyond sound, to the sources of that sound, to its imminent fragility and a state of un-being. In Benson's work negative space is constantly asking us to define it. Tones flicker lightly across the surface, come into focus, then burrow deep and all but disappear. The gentle descent into incandescent timbres stirs the imagination.

The learned listener will find the modular-made realizations by MANNA marked by creative beauty and a meritorious aural adventurousness. The sonic energy level winds its way languidly through the resonant and subtly shaded Ambient moods provided by a range of synthesizers of an open-ended
voicing architecture. From tuneful fairytale engagement to the enigmatic and uncategorizable, this explorer of the electronic realm absorbs, then plays the world around us.

Basil Azuria is a Black Nonbinary/Trans Composer, Producer and Songwriter. Their music is enveloping, influenced by Ambient, Classical, Experimental and Electroacoustic Musics - and revolves around themes related to discovery and exploration of the self.

Basil Azuria makes their public concert debut at The Gatherings Concert Series on Saturday 12 October 2024

This event will also feature video artist Samara Talkin, who will present ever-evolving video mapped original projections onto the interior features of the St Mary's sanctuary space - all in time with the innovative live music of the live sets.

The Gatherings Concert Series presents Chaka Benson plus MANNA plus Basil Azuria live in concert on Saturday 12 October 2024 at 8:00PM (doors open at 7:30PM) in the church sanctuary of St. Mary's Hamilton Village 3916 Locust Walk (just east of 40th & Locust) on the Penn campus in West Philadelphia. Free Admission/Donation Requested. Advance Registration is available through Humanitix.