Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky, Writer + Artist + Musician :: 120 Seconds
DJ Spooky recorded soundscapes of Antarctic ice fields inspiring him to create the composition Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica in which he applies DJ techniques to build awareness of climate change through electronic music.
Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky, Writer + Artist + Musician :: 120 Seconds from friendswelove.com on Vimeo.
DJ Spooky recorded soundscapes of Antarctic ice fields inspiring him to create the composition Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica in which he applies DJ techniques to build awareness of climate change through electronic music.
About Paul D. Miller: Paul D. Miller aka DJ SPOOKY is a composer, multimedia artist and writer. His written work has appeared in The Village Voice, The Source, Artforum and Rapgun amongst other publications. Miller's work as a media artist has appeared in a wide variety of contexts such as the Whitney Biennial; The Venice Biennial for Architecture (2000); the Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany; Kunsthalle, Vienna; The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and many other museums and galleries. His work New York Is Now has been exhibited in the Africa Pavilion of the 52 Venice Biennial 2007, and the Miami/Art Basel fair of 2007. Miller's first collection of essays, entitled Rhythm Science came out on MIT Press 2004. His book Sound Unbound, an anthology of writings on electronic music and digital media was recently released by MIT Press.
Miller's deep interest in reggae and dub has resulted in a series of compilations, remixes and collections of material from the vaults of the legendary Jamaican label, Trojan Records. Other releases include Optometry (2002), a jazz project featuring some of the best players in the downtown NYC jazz scene, and Dubtometry (2003) featuring Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Mad Professor. Miller's latest collaborative release, Drums of Death, features Dave Lombardo of Slayer and Chuck D of Public Enemy among others. He also produced material on Yoko Ono's recent album Yes, I'm a Witch.
DJ Spooky's multimedia performance piece Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica was commissioned by BAM for the 2009 Next Wave Festival; The Hopkins Center/Dartmouth College; UCSB Arts & Lectures; Melbourne International Arts Festival; and the Festival dei 2 Mondi in Spoleto, Italy. With video projections and a score composed by DJ Spooky, performed by a piano quartet, Terra Nova: Sinfornia Antarctica is a portrait of a rapidly transforming continent.
Related Video: DJ Spooky's Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica
Michael Aronov, Actor + Writer :: 120 Seconds
Actor and writer Michael Aronov transformed his inner conflict between the many facets of his personality into Manigma, a one-man show that deeply explores and celebrates the polarity and individuality of each character.
Actor and writer Michael Aronov transformed his inner conflict between the many facets of his personality into Manigma, a one-man show that deeply explores and celebrates the polarity and individuality of each character.
About Michael:
His diverse look, intensity and multi-ethnic background have allowed him to be a chameleon on stage and screen. From the classics to contemporary cinema, Michael Aronov continues to carve out a career that celebrates the rich character work of the sixties and seventies.
He received The Elliot Norton Award - Best Actor for his work in originating the lead role in Mauritius at The Huntington Theatre, in Boston. Most recently Michael was in Europe firing up the stage as Stanley Kowalski in the classic - A Streetcar Named Desire. He also originated the role of "Leo" in Terrence McNally's world premiere of Unusual Acts of Devotion, in Philadelphia. Previously he was in LA under the direction of Estelle Parsons in Salome, starring Al Pacino. His collaboration with Parsons began with their work together at The Actor's Studio. That production was one of the final stage ventures for the late great Joseph Chaikin. A revered pioneer in Experimental Theatre and the off-Broadway world, Joe Chaikin took Michael under his wing after their first introduction in Sam Shepard's New York premier of The Late Henry Moss, at The Signature Theatre. Aronov maintained his relationship with The Studio working on Strindberg's Playing With Fire, directed by another Academy Award winner, Lee Grant. He extended his passion for the classics at The Actor's Studio with a Chekhov intensive by Oleg Tabakov - The Moscow Art Theatre.
Along with his stage success, Aronov continued to find a balance with film and television. From complex troubled characters on "Life on Mars", and "Threat Matrix", to cocksure troublemakers in "Lipstick Jungle" and "Without a Trace", Michael kept his roles vibrant and varied. He made several appearances in the "Law & Order" franchise, worked with the late Bruno Kirby in Barry Levinson's "The Beat", among various episodes on "Spin City", "The Game" and "All My Children." He gave a shockingly polar portrayal in two Sundance Film Festival favorites: Hedwig & the Angry Inch and Lbs. The latter film showcased his unique level of immersion into a role as he lost nearly fifty pounds to reflect the authentic downfall of a charismatic Italian/American addict. Amexicano, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, also reflected another complete transformation - a brick of man who serves as a catalyst in facilitating the union of the two cultures in the film.
Residing in New York, Michael Aronov continues to push the envelope on the stage. He played opposite Annabella Sciorra as her wildly dreamt-up "Conquistador" in MCC's production of Spain at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. To sold-out houses, Aronov shook up theatergoers with his controversial solo-show Manigma, playing six flawed and fantastic individuals searching for solace and change. The enigmatic actor also earned raves for his darkly visceral portrayal of Jean in Strindberg's classic Miss Julie at the landmark Cherry Lane Theatre; a dangerous and flamboyant Dionysus in Chuck Mee’s The Bacchae 2.1; and Edgar in an award-winning production of King Lear.
He has been honored nationally with a Level 1 Award for Acting by the NFAA in association with the ARTS; an IRNE Award nomination for best supporting actor, MA; The Greer Garson Award in Dallas, TX; and in culmination of his work he was the 2004 recipient of The Individual Grant Award by the Belle Foundation, "exhibiting exceptional talent and potential for achievement in the arts."
For more information, please visit: www.manigma.net
Wayna, Singer + Songwriter :: 120 Seconds
Grammy nominated R&B / Soul singer + songwriter Wayna, uses her 120 seconds to vocalize her passion for making sure the epidemic of domestic violence ends within this generation.
Grammy nominated R&B / Soul singer + songwriter Wayna, uses her 120 seconds to vocalize her passion for making sure the epidemic of domestic violence ends within this generation.
Wayna, Singer + Songwriter :: 120 Seconds from friendswelove.com on Vimeo.
About Wayna:
It has been said that Ethiopian-born, singer/songwriter Wayna possesses a voice that is as sweet and pure as it is honest and passionate. This young talent’s love for music started as a child, when she starred in theater productions like “Annie,” and “Damn Yankees” and toured with a children’s musical review company. Wayna went on to hone her vocal talents as a young adult by absorbing the works of her favorite artists, including Minnie Riperton, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway.
While in college, Wayna was crowned Miss Black Unity of the University of Maryland in 1995, earning a one year tuition scholarship and special honors for “Best Talent” and “Best Response to Question” at the 17th annual pageant. The following year, she founded a gospel quartet and performed with the group at the World Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY, where they placed as finalists in the Amateur Night competition. She traveled with the critically acclaimed University of Maryland Gospel Choir and regularly performed at churches and gospel showcases throughout the East coast.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in English and Speech Communication from the University of Maryland, Wayna began her professional career as a Writer in the White House for the Clinton administration. But soon, the pull to realize her dream as a recording artist would prove too great. She left to concentrate on her music full-time. Since then, Wayna has collaborated with legendary studio icon/producer Bill Laswell, with critically and comercially hailed producer Eran Tabib, Jive Records producer, Veit Renn, and former Touch of Jazz standout, Kev Brown. She is a featured vocalist/co-writer on on the Sly and Robbie album, Version Born released by Palm Pictures and also featuring contributions from Killah Priest, Black Thought, and N’dea Davenport. She’s also served as a featured vocalist and writer on a number of independent projects for artists, including W. Ellington Felton, Kenn Starr, Kev Brown, Cy Young, and Tamara Wellons.
Wayna has recently opened for a number of internationally recognized artists on the DC leg of their respective tours, including Fantasia, Amerie, Common, Bobby Valentino, Jaguar Wright, Kindred, and Chuck Brown. She’s performed and headlined at renown venues such as the White House (DC), the Temple Bar (CA), the Apollo Theater (NY), the Lincoln Theater (DC), Joe’s Pub (NY), Dream Nightclub (DC), the Black Cat (DC), the 9:30 club (DC), Bohemian Caverns (DC), Takoma Station (DC), the Ashford and Simpson Sugar Bar (NY), and the Georgia Dome (GA).
For more on Wayna: myspace.com/waynamusic