Chosen by Ben Brantley of The New York Times as one of the best shows of 2017, “The B-Side” is based on performer Eric Berryman’s interest in the LP Negro Folklore from Texas State Prisons, which was recorded in 1964 by CAI co-director Bruce Jackson, SUNY Distinguished Professor and the James Agee Professor of American Culture at UB. The LP features work songs, blues and spirituals performed by a group of inmates in Texas’ racially segregated prison farms. Mr. Berryman plays the album and transmits the material live, by channeling, via an in-ear receiver, the voices of the men on the record. Accompanying him are Jasper McGruder and Philip Moore. Mr. Berryman also provides context from Jackson’s book Wake Up Dead Man: Hard Labor and Southern Blues.

The artist residency of the world-renowned Arditti Quartet, originally planned for spring 2020, will take place Aug. 20-22 and will mark the first time the quartet has played together since COVID-19 lockdown orders and travel restrictions began. The musicians are excited to come together to work with UB student composers and to perform--not just for Buffalo, but for a global audience.

High-quality recording of the concert will be available for a limited time following the performance.

Conditions permitting, the Arditti Quartet will conclude their CAI artist residency with workshops and performances in Buffalo in June 20201.