What do the buildings we create say about us? How does a musical interpretation change our perception of a building?
Hosted by Seth Boustead, Songs About Buildings and Moods uses storytelling and performance to create a unique series exploring the connection between music and architecture.
The episodes in the first season include: Episode 1 TWA Flight Center and City Methodist Church Eero Saarinen's TWA Flight Center is one of the most significant examples of mid-century architecture in the world and a symbol of 1960's Jet Age optimism. At the other end of the American experience is the long-abandoned City Church in Gary, IN., mute testimony to the racist and xenophobic forces that caused its downfall. Music by Stephanie Ann Boyd and Gustavo Leone.
Episode 2 Pabst Historic Brewery and Richard H. Driehaus Museum Built to resemble a complex of 18th century German castles, the historic Pabst brewery in Milwaukee was once the largest brewer in the country and the Richard H. Driehaus Museum was designed as a fireproof sanctuary to keep the world out, and a horde of treasure in. Music by Christian Ellenwood and Seth Boustead
Episode 3 First Church of Deliverance and Milwaukee's Central Library The First Church of Deliverance, designed by Illinois' first licensed Black architect, has been instrumental in the dissemination of Gospel music and the Emil Bach house by Frank Lloyd Wright is a perfect example of his signature Prarie style architecture. Milwaukee's Central Library is a monumental structure that transported composer Brian Packham back to his library-filled youth. Music by Regina Harris Baiocchi and Brian Packham
Episode 4 Milwaukee Art Museum and Morris-Jumel Mansion Santiago Calatrava's new wing for the Milwaukee Art Museum caused an international sensation with its iconic sun screens that open and close, giving the building the look of a bird just about to take flight. The Morris-Jumel Mansion is Manhattan's oldest still-standing residence and has hosted everyone from George Washington to Lynn-Manuel Miranda who wrote part of Hamilton there. Music by Brianna Ware-Boggs and Nailah Nombeko
Episode 5 Frank Lloyd Wright's Emil Bach House and Milwaukee's City Hall The Emil Bach house by Frank Lloyd Wright is a gem on Chicago's north side and a perfect example of his signature Prarie style architecture. Milwaukee's City Hall has been a civic icon since it opened in 1895. It's striking Flemish Renaissance style is an homage to the German immigrants who helped build Milwaukee. Music by Amos Gillespie and Chiayu Hsu