The 2024 Instigation Festival, now entering its ninth year, presents a three-day celebration of improvised musical collaborations, set to unfold from Monday, February 5, through Wednesday, February 7. Featuring over 15 performers from both Chicago and New Orleans, this year’s festival promises to uphold its genre-defying spirit, centering around the groundbreaking project “The Separatist Party” led by Chicago legend Mike Reed.

“The Separatist Party” brings together a diverse ensemble, including Marvin Tate (vocals, poetry), Ben LaMar Gay (cornet, voice, electronics), and ambient pioneers Bitchin Bajas (Rob Frye, Cooper Crain, Dan Quinlivan). Collaborating with an array of New Orleans talents the festival guarantees unforgettable performances that transcend traditional musical boundaries.

The event will span multiple venues, kicking off on Monday, February 5, at Broadside (indoor) at 8 pm. The festival lineup includes three nights of stellar performances featuring renowned artists from both cities. See the full lineup below.

The festival will showcase cross-generational performers from New Orleans, including Helen Gillet, Sasha Masakowski, Emily Mikesell, Martin Kruche, Byron Asher, Doug Garrison, Rex Gregory, Dan Oestreicher, Paul Thibodeaux, Aurora Nealand, and Rotten Milk. These artists will perform in small groups with the members of the Separatist Party, continuing the festival’s commitment to forging new and exciting ensembles through first-time improvised meetings.

The festival’s founder, Mike Reed, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The members of the Separatist Party reflect a wide breadth of Chicago’s innovative contributions to the music world. New Orleans will be represented by a cross-generational pool of performers who have reshaped their city’s sounds and cast an influence far beyond the parish borders.”

Instigation Festival aims to build connections between the diverse improvising arts communities in Chicago and New Orleans, fostering a spirit of collaboration and creativity.

FULL LINE UP: