What The Pictures Sound Like
Schedule
Thu, 22 Jan, 2026 at 08:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
The Rotunda | Philadelphia, PA
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WHAT THE PICTURES SOUND LIKESonic Explorations of Art Kane’s Legendary Photographs
Reeves Gabrels – guitar (The Cure, David Bowie, Tin Machine)
Jonathan Kane – drums (Swans, La Monte Young, February)
Jair-Rohm Parker Wells – bass (Embryo, Machine Gun)
What the Pictures Sound Like is a powerful multimedia performance inspired by the iconic photographs of Art Kane, whose images captured some of the most important figures in jazz, rock, and popular music. From A Great Day in Harlem (1958) to portraits of The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Duke Ellington, and beyond, Kane’s photographs serve as both visual anchor and creative catalyst.
As Kane’s images are projected behind the band, Reeves Gabrels, Jonathan Kane (Art Kane’s son), and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells reinterpret and reimagine the music of the artists Kane photographed. Songs function as launch pads for exploration, opening into extended improvisations that move fluidly across jazz, rock, blues, and experimental music.
Jonathan Kane shares personal insights and stories behind his father’s photographs, adding an intimate narrative dimension to the performance. The result is a fully immersive audio-visual experience, equally rooted in history and risk-taking spontaneity.
Expect music that can move from The Doors to Duke Ellington, from Charles Mingus to The Rolling Stones, from Aretha Franklin to Janis Joplin — and far beyond.
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Where is it happening?
The Rotunda, Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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