Cultural Ecologies Series 2026: Unheard-of + Mehrnam Rastegari Trio
About this Event
Cultural Ecologies Series 2026: Unheard-of and the Gowanus Dredgers present Mehrnam Rastegari Trio
Dredgers Bunker, 2 19th Street, NY 11232
Date and Time: September 19, 2026, 6:30PM Canoe Launch, 7PM Music
On September 19th, Unheard-of presents a new expansive electroacoustic commission by Matt McBane exploring underwater topographies in acoustic and synth forms paired with a set by Mehrnam Rastegari and her trio. Rastegari is a prominent Persian musician, award-winning film score composer, and master Kamancheh player bringing Persian music in new directions with inflections of rock, jazz, and modern fusion.
—
These free performances will take place at the Gowanus Dredgers Bunker as well as their satellite locations including the paddle-in movie location and Boathouse (both ADA accessible). The audience will be able to attend the performance either via canoe (reserved in advance via the Dredgers), sitting on one of the Dredgers’ new docks, or on shore via an accessible location. Unheard-of will be on a floating dock with full live sound setup literally floating on the canal. Each performance opens with a talk given by members of the Dredgers about their work in the Canal.
This performance takes place on the Gowanus Canal, from the 19th St. Bunker location. The audience can immerse themselves in the experience on the Gowanus, enjoying the program from on land or on water. Limited boat access and on-water support are provided by The Gowanus Dredgers. Attendees may arrive in their own vessels, as well.
Weather may postpone event.
------
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Unheard-of's Cultural Ecologies Series is a recipient of a 2026 Chamber Music America Artistic Projects grant. The Artistic Projects program is administered by Chamber Music America and made possible with funding from the Howard Gilman Foundation.
Unheard-of was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund in 2025-26.
Unheard-of’s performances are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Weather may postpone event or move it to 165 2nd Street
WHAT IS THE CULTURAL ECOLOGIES SERIES?
Unheard-of Ensemble, in collaboration with the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club, launches its newest performance series, Cultural Ecologies, an immersive set of multimedia concerts utilizing Brooklyn’s own Gowanus Canal as our stage. This four-show series features world premieres and cutting edge pieces by artists exploring stories of climate change, technology’s impact on our mental health, racial violence, and feminism presented in a setting that brings people closer together in an open and adventurous way.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 17.85
