The first stop will be the opening concert in Firehouse 12's 2010 Fall Jazz Series in New Haven, Connecticut. Performances in all six New England states, featuring a wide variety of collaborators, will follow at venues ranging from music clubs to colleges to art galleries to outdoor spaces such as state parks and a farmer's market.
“I've long been an avid biker," Bynum explains, “and compositional inspiration often strikes me while I'm pedaling. So, the basic genesis of the Acoustic Bicycle Tour arises from these primary pleasures: music, biking, and a love of the outdoors. I often feel a bit guilty when I fly to Europe for one or two gigs; while I love the opportunities to travel and perform, it seems an unfortunate use of resources. Here, I'll literally be getting to every gig on my own steam."
He adds, “As interest in the 'local food' movement continues to rise, I'd like to generate a discussion in a 'local music' movement. There are many extraordinary musicians throughout New England that rarely get the attention they deserve in their own communities, and I hope to generate interest and awareness for these artists as they come out to join me as part of this experience."
Here's the current itinerary:
09/10 :: Taylor Ho Bynum Sextet @ Firehouse 12 (New Haven, CT)
09/11 :: Taylor Ho Bynum Trio with Jay Hoggard @ Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
09/12 :: Taylor Ho Bynum with Stephen Haynes + special guests @ Real Art Ways (Hartford, CT)
09/13 :: Teatro V!da featuring Taylor Ho Bynum @ City Center (Springfield, MA)
09/14 :: Taylor Ho Bynum with Eugene Uman + special guests @ Vermont Jazz Center (Brattleboro, VT)
09/15 :: Taylor Ho Bynum with Forbes Graham + Brothers and Sisters @ Toadstool Bookshop (Peterborough, NH)
09/17 :: Taylor Ho Bynum with Lisa Staffer, Paavo Carey + special guests @ Space Gallery (Portland, ME)
09/19 :: The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra with Taylor Ho Bynum @ M.I.T. (Cambridge, MA)
09/22 :: Anthony Braxton & Taylor Ho Bynum @ Magic Triangle Jazz Series (Amherst, MA)
09/23 :: Positive Catastrophe @ Fair Haven Farmer's Market (New Haven, CT)
Along the way, Bynum plans to play outdoor solo concerts at sunset in Southeastern Maine (09/16), near Newburyport, Massachusetts (09/18), Northern Rhode Island (09/20) and near Amherst, Massachusetts (09/21), depending on traveling conditions, etc.
