A sense of wonder. It’s that wide-eyed gleam that happens when any other breed of dog spots a poodle for the first time. It is that sixth sense so rare in adulthood that it has been referred to as the superpower of children. It is so potent a gift that marine biologist, Rachel Carson once exclaimed, “If I had influence with a good fairy, I would ask that her gift to each child be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.”
Luckily, I have found that such magic does exist. One reminder came last week in form of Quixotic, an innovative performance art collective that fuses mind boggling imagination with technology, dance, aerials, projection mapping and live music. Quixotic started an an experimental artistic collaboration in Kansas City, Missouri in the mid-2000s has exploded into a worldwide performance phenomenon.
Last week, Quixotic, along with world-beat electronic music group, the Desert Dwellers, transformed the Ogden Theatre into an awe-inspiring house of wonder imbued with fierce athleticism, grace, and lilting beauty. The performance, aptly titled, “Beyond”, explored the boundaries of what is commonly thought possible in visual/music performances. The performers challenged the boundaries of human limitation in a show that featured risky aerial hoop performances and astonishing contortionist dance movements accompanied by dramatic live and electronic music.
If I had influence with a good fairy, I would ask that each adult have the opportunity to witness such a performance that possesses such an indestructible sense of wonder. Its effect would last a lifetime.
NYSMusic was not present Thursday night but the setlist can speak for itself.
If there was one thing I would take from the weekend, it’s don’t sleep on 
The second half of the night was more of a relaxed set, with a beautiful “Amydst the Myst” to start the last opener. Towards the end, a very special guest came out to play with the band. Billy Comstock of Annie in the Water was originally Twiddle’s bassist and wrote one of the group’s most memorable songs, “Latin Tang.” The current bassist bowed out for a bit so the OG quartet could rock out for an incredible Tang we won’t soon be forgetting.
Eight bands are part of the Jam for Tots lineup this year, a charitable effort that brings live music and holiday season charity. Luke Weiler (Positive Mental Trip) has brought this series of shows to venues around Northeast, and has been expanded this year to span across New York State and includes 87/90 artists Intrepid Travelers, Cousin Earth, Formula 5, Space Carnival, Gowanus and Let’s Be Leonard, as well as Funkworthy and Chinatown Lights.
The group was founded in 2012 by Andre Walker (drummer) and Eric Rollin (vocalist). As a larger ensemble, the musicians within the group change from time to time. However, Walker and Rollin are the two members that have remained a constant over the years. Guitarist Ryan Sullivan, trombonist Elaine Mylius, and saxophonist Jon Weisbrot are featured within the current line-up, as well. Though Mistar Anderson started as a cover band, the group has expanded throughout the years and has begun to release their own songs, all of which hold a unique sound.
By the second song, “Cheap,” the audience was swaying in a sweet, dream like state normally reserved for sharing a bottle of merlot with old friends. With her hands in her pockets, Margo Timmins presented like someone you knew from college who was swaying and crooning to make you relax and smile. Real, human, and still incredibly talented, Margo’s haunting voice shared story after story from newer albums during the first set. “Mountain Streams” and “Missing Children” highlighted the mandolin as she whispered dreams of abandonment, disillusionment, and loneliness. Her style of pulling her mouth away from the microphone while still crooning along with the instruments added an intense harmony of layered instruments to the complex music.