Dreamed up by violinist and sociologist Caroline Nagy, “Melomaniacs” is a two-phase* project that transverses arts research, advocacy, and live performance by showcasing the stories and musicianship of independent musicians living and working in West Hollywood, CA.

MELOMANIACS PROGRAM

7:00pm
Welcome + Melomaniacs Introduction

7:15pm
“Please Stop Asking Me What My Day Job Is” Melomaniacs Panel:
Defining Authenticity + Discovering Legitimacy as a Career Musician

8:00pm
Melomaniacs Musiking
(performance details will be announced soon!)

8:30pm
After-party around the corner

FEATURING

Nora Germain • Jazz Violin
Dr. Ernest Harrison • Music Director + Conductor, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; Professor of Ethnomusicology
Keri Kelsey • Singer + Host, Gardenia Open Mic (L.A.’s longest-running open mic)
Lyman Medeiros • Upright Bass + Electric Bass
Phil Popham • Composer, Conductor + Oboist; Co-Founder, Helix Collective
Sarah Robinson • Flute; Co-Founder, Helix Collective
whatever mike • Singer + Songwriter; Hope Pop

Melomaniacs is fiscally sponsored by Fulcrum Arts and supported by an arts grant from the City of West Hollywood. To donate, please click here.

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*Phase one comprised 23 in-person interviews with local musicians to determine how these individuals derive creative meaning and connections within the musically diverse spaces of West Hollywood and Los Angeles, and to explore the existing conditions that allow for independent musicians to express their true selves and emotions through their musical vocations. Ranging from 27-81 in age, participants represent LGBTQ+ and heterosexual identities as well as the expansive genres and instrumentations that compose the city’s musician base.