COLUMBIA − Local nonprofit Dismal Niche is hosting its eighth and final Columbia Experimental Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday.
A variety of musical performers will showcase their talents this weekend at local venues like Ragtag Cinema, the Blue Note, Cafe Berlin and Rose Music Hall.
The purpose of this event is to bring non-conventional music and performers to locals in the area, according to the nonprofit’s website.
For organizers, the variety of music from progressive heavy metal to avant-garde jazz and indie rock, can create one of a kind experiences for audience members.
Dismal Niche is a completely volunteer-based organization. This weekend’s festival will be the last due to not having enough volunteers to make it happen each year, according to Matthew Crook, the executive director and founder of Dismal Niche Arts and The Columbia Experimental Festival.
“The festival itself has been successful for nine years running,” said Crook. “However, the toll its taken on me, mentally, financially, the energy that it takes going into it has been significant.”
The programming of live music will continue for Dismal Niche. But this will be the last time that they do a world class four day program in the middle of Fall.
Crook began the non-profit in 2013 with a friend, who now lives in Chicago because of their love for music. They wanted to be able to bring the experience here.
“This kind of music in Columbia doesn’t exist,” said Crook.
One musician, Damon Smith, explains experimental music as a short hand for music that includes non-traditional aspects. “experimental music covers a wide range of things because some people say it and it means noisy rock music and some people say it like from the 50’s and it means John Cage and experimental classical music.”
This is the second live music showcase where the show won’t go on, following the cancellation of the Treeline Music Festival, formerly known as Roots ‘n Blues, in August.
Crook said that the music they bring to Missouri is used as more than casual consumption. “We really try to curate experiences where the event, the artist, the music and the space really is a full package experience where people are drawn into it,” he said.
Representatives from the City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs, stated that they quote, “Are here to service and support nonprofit organizations,” and “…value the importance of live music, arts and cultural experiences.”
The diversity in venues, performers and music genres at the experimental music festival is intentional. “We try to put artists in venues that fit their aesthetics and their acoustics,” Crook said.
In addition to the Office of Cultural Affairs, The Missouri Arts Council is a sponsor of the event. They believe that Missourians benefit from the cultural, educational and economic value of the arts, including live music.
According to its website, the council is dedicated to the commitment of “policies and practices of cultural equity that empower an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible state.”
While Dismal Niche is able to financially support the festival with the help of sponsors, their lack of volunteers makes it more difficult for them to make this event happen.
Tickets to the last ever Columbia Experimental Music Festival can be found on the Eventbrite website and a full schedule can be found here.
