The unconventional is nothing new for EVERYSEEKER. The Halifax-based festival has continually pushed the boundaries of music and performance, earning their avant-garde reputation. Switching things up is what they do best. So, with EVERYSEEKER’s annual festival canceled by the current pandemic, it’s not at all surprising that they’ve been quick to adjust to the new normal.
Today, festival organizers announced that their EVERYSEEKER 2020 will be manifesting as a series of “boundary-pushing online programs that challenge the current conventions of the format by inviting audiences into the personal world of each contributing artist.”
EVERYSEEKER had already announced a handful of the 2020 line-up back in February. The announced artists included Sun Ra Arkestra, Marisa Anderson, Saint Abdullah, Claire Rousay, Girl Circles, LXVNDR, Michael R. Denny, Marwa Helal, and the live album premiere of JOYFULTALK album A Separation Of Being.
As is the case of all festivals at the moment, EVERYSEEKER has had to change course, and do the best they can with the circumstances.
The festival’s organizer made this announcement this morning:
“As a result of the current pandemic, we’re no longer able to go forward with our 2020 festival as intended. This includes the Ka Baird show + workshop scheduled for late April and our annual festival in June.
However, our annual festival will still happen, albeit by different means. Today we announce EVERYSEEKER: Emergent Response. Taking place online between May 15th – June 30th, the aim of Emergent Response is not merely to digitally replicate our typical festival, but to offer artists a chance to create, document, and express in response to their current situation. A festival very much of-the-moment.
We understand that creative practices, along with day-to-day life, have been massively disrupted. The hope is that EVERYSEEKER can function as a focus point for new, emergent thinking, listening and sharing. The program will include performances, photo essays, sound baths, video-fictions, cooking journals, tutorials, interviews, workshops, playlists, panel discussions and so much more! We’ll be announcing participating artists in early May and rolling our program details thereafter. The entirety of the festival will be free to all, hosted and posted through our social media and website.
As we continue to challenge and resist the musical and industry status quos, we’re eager to put new sounds, voices, and ideas on your radar.”
Organizers also note that memberships purchased this year will be honored through our 2020-2021 season + festival, and those who purchased Early Bird passes have the option to defer to next year, or be issued a full refund. Tickets for the Sun Ra Arkestra will be refunded in full by the end of April. Any questions/concerns around refunds can be addressed to the festival’s executive director, Kat Shubaly.