mission
The Junk Kitchen Concert Series produces thematic musical
performances around creative concepts and social issues. Using music as a
medium for dialogue, the series fosters interaction between audience members,
musicians, and local organizations.
about the Junk Kitchen
Ben Dicke and Esther Viola Kurtz founded The Junk Kitchen
Concert Series in 2012 in order to attract broader audiences to improvised and
composed music. By pairing diverse topics with eclectic musical material, the
series relates music back to everyday life. A cast of innovative musicians
hosts each show, encouraging audience participation and engagement with topical
issues. The conceptual themes range from the serious to the absurd, addressing
everything from the artistic relevance of smooth jazz, or the threat of global
water scarcity, to the musical virtues of the Chickadee.