Infra Dig is a new trio consisting of Bert Harris (bass), Rob Paul (percussion), and Thomas Patteson (alto saxophone). Taking inspiration from jazz, creative music, and global traditions, their improvisations seek to map out possible worlds of sound and spirit, from zero gravity to cosmic grooves.
Bert Harris is an electric bass guitarist and upright bassist who is at home in several genres of music. Current projects include The Afrojazz Collective, Gumbo Nouveau, Naru, String Theory, Reggae Thunder, Phillyska Jazz Quartet, RK$TDY, Philly Gumbo and Infra Dig. Bert has recorded two CDs with Philadelphia jazz legend Byard Lancaster (Pam Africa and Ancestral Link Hotel). With Philly Gumbo he can be heard on their extended 45 RPM Holy War and their CD Come and Get It. His most recent recording is on Gumbo Nouveau's CD Seasoned. Bert's playing ranges from straight ahead jazz, to reggae, Cape jazz, ska, and free jazz and his original compositions incorporate those genres.
Rob Paul writes: I discovered the joy and magic of playing music in high school. I feel fortunate to have grown up in Philadelphia, where I was exposed to the beauty of jazz and avant garde music. When I was 22, I became a high school English teacher, and I am proud to be teaching in the Philadelphia School district 26 years later. This work pulled me away from playing music, because of the deep commitment I developed for helping young people in my city. My passion for music never dissipated, and I was hopeful to rejoin the music community in Philadelphia later on. I am forever grateful for the transformative musical mentorship and close friendship I have with legendary jazz saxophonist Bobby Zankel. Bobby has reignited my passion for playing music! I am inspired by mindful artists who love to listen and improvise. Let’s play together sometime.
Thomas Patteson leads a double life as musician and musicologist. He has explored electronic music through his solo project Notions Department and his book Instruments for New Music (University of California Press, 2016) on the history of experimental sound technologies in the early 20th century. Since 2019, he has been performing improvised music with Aaron Pond in the shape-shifting duo project Argyle Torah. In 2021 Thomas began playing the saxophone, inspired primarily by Ornette Coleman and Kadri Gopalnath. He recently completed The Museum of Imaginary Musical Instruments (Reaktion Books, 2026), and is translating a historical study of improvisation practices in European music. Thomas is a Lecturer in Music at UPenn and Vice President of People's Music Supply.
--
Melinda Rice is a gatherer of stories, organizer of community musical experiences, songwriter, arranger, composer, leader, director, collaborator, violinist, violist, and player of the electric 5 string. Melinda organizes the biannual siren songs in Foy Park and over the past year was an organizer and composer of the multi-genre project, Performing Sustainability, at Ursinus College. Melinda has been grateful to share the stage recently with artists Marshall Allen, Bobby Zankel, and Carla Kihlstedt. In the past couple of months, Melinda has released music with People’s Music Supply Composer’s Orchestra and on a duo album with Amy K. Bormet.
Doors 6:00, Music 6:30
$10-20 suggested donation, No one turned away for lack of funds