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Animal Matter

Artist's videos get beastly

A A A Comments By Juan Carlos Rodriguez and John Anderson Thursday, Apr 29 2004

FRI 4/30

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Kangaroo, squirrel, wild boar, alligator. British artist Edwina Ashton is inspired by the behaviors of all creatures, great and small. Whether she's drawing them or shooting video footage of them, Ashton employs animal instinct, both hers and those of her subjects, to forge an absurd and disturbing body of work. Through Sunday, May 9, a collection of Ashton's short videos will run continuously at the Museum of Contemporary Art (770 NE 125th St., North Miami). The 40-minute program includes segments of Ashton's creature creations singing and speaking in public. Be forewarned -- not all the characters are cute or cuddly. Some of the images are made with raw meat. Yum! The exhibit is open at 11:00 a.m. Admission is $5. Call 305-893-6211. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez

Buñuelean Beat

Combo jams quixotic

WED 5/5 It's a post-postmodern, electro-cut-up world when Savath & Savalas takes the stage. The project germinated from Barcelona-based producer/musician Scott Herren, known for creating frenzied breakbeats with Prefuse 73. For S&S he blends intelligent dance music and postrock sensibilities with the abstract melodies of Andalusia. Spanish folk songs, Cuban Afro-Latin beats, and Brazilian tropicalismo combine to produce a contemporary downtempo sound. Featuring Catalan singer/songwriter Eva Muns and members of Tortoise, the group employs the lush sounds of acoustic guitar along with traditional instruments such as the concertina, bajo sexto, and harmonium. The music starts at 8:00 p.m. at I/O Lounge, 30 NE 14th St. Tickets cost $20. Call 305-672-5202. -- By John Anderson

Sideways to Center

TUE 5/4 What do you get when you mix the drum and bass of British dubmaster Richard Blair with the folk rhythms of Colombia? Why, the eclectic and cutting-edge project Sidestepper, of course. Blair, who worked with Peter Gabriel and Tot La Momposina, stayed 3 years in Bogotá immersing himself in the sounds of cumbia, vallenato, and the urban beats of the city's hippest clubs. He then put it all together with Colombian altrock king Ivan Benavides to get Sidestepper, playing tonight at 8:00 at I/O Lounge, 30 NE 14th St. Tickets cost $20. Call 305-672-5202. -- By John Anderson

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