A distant rumble, the nearer sharp scrape of metal on metal, birds fleeing southward. Through the haze a man emerges, a guitar slung low over his shoulder and a staff in his right hand. The air crackles and smells of ozone. The face is familiar: Level 58 mage, Keiji Haino.
“For my first trick, I will need a volunteer from the audience.” He looks directly at you, and you stand without thinking. “Yes, you’ll do,” he beckons at you, and you falteringly make your way to the platform. After allowing a preliminary glance up his sleeves and pant legs, he begins.
“I will be touring the United States this April.” You look down to check the time and realize your watch is gone. This Haino is a tricky one; you’ll pay more attention going forward. He continues, “The first dates in Portland and Chicago are as yet unspecified solo performances, though they will likely be guitar and voice.” You hear laughter from the audience, and at first you laugh along, but Haino steps in front of you and gestures at your legs. The magical bastard has stolen your pants! Anger brews in the back of your mind, though you cannot but allow that Haino is master.
“April 13 and April 17 will find me conjuring with only the tool my mother gave me: my voice. For the remaining performances, I will partner with fellow travelers Chris Corsano (April 14), Tamio Shiraishi (April 18), and Loren Mazzacane Connors (April 20).” As he finishes speaking, Haino looks just above your head with a wry grin. You feel a weight shifting there — your hat has been turned into a bird! It flies away, and as it rises it suddenly bursts, raining down coins on the crowd.
Haino then guides you off the stage, quietly thanking you and offering you a coupon for 50% off his recent collaboration with Jim O’Rourke and Oren Ambarchi, Now While It’s Still Warm Let Us Pour in All the Mystery. As you take your seat he says, “For my next trick, I will be encased in a block of ice for 30 days, because, why not?” Your watch will not be returned to you.
Tourdates:
04.10.13 - Portland, OR - Yale Union
04.11.13 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
04.13.13 - Oberlin, OH - Fairchild Chapel
04.14.13 - Oberlin, OH - Dionysus Club
04.17.13 - Brooklyn, NY - ISSUE Project Room
04.18.13 - Brooklyn, NY - ISSUE Project Room
04.20.13 - New York, NY - Whitney Museum of American Art
• Keiji Haino: http://www.fushitsusha.com
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