We’ve got a double feature coming at you! Lincoln, Nebraska’s Philip Daniel returns to Big River Theatre alongside Minnesota-based electronic ambient artist Elskavon (Chris Bartels) Saturday, September 21st at 7pm.

Doors: 6:30pm

Show: 7:00pm

Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day of show

Meet Philip:

Originating from Lincoln, Nebraska, Daniel is a distinguished pianist and composer, acclaimed for his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music. He holds a graduate degree in Piano Performance from the UMKC Conservatory and an undergraduate degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Hastings College.

While pursuing his education, Daniel uncovered a fervent passion for composing original music. Drawing inspiration from contemporary classical luminaries like Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Philip Glass, and Max Richter, he has cultivated a unique musical voice that gracefully merges classical elements, minimalist soundscapes, and cinematic qualities. Daniel’s compositions resonate with both seasoned musicians and casual listeners, creating a profound impact on a diverse audience.

Meet Elskavon:

Elskavon is the electronic-ambient moniker of Minnesota-based musician Chris Bartels, whose sonic palette has ranged from spacious and unique drones, to sample-heavy eclectic electronic pop, to cinematic and post-rock characteristics.

Intermixing studio accidents and real-life field recordings with analog synthesizers, cassette tape and vintage reel-to-reel machines, the latest album, Origins, blends spacious electronics in the realm of Tycho, Jon Hopkins, and Tourist, with songcraft akin to Bon Iver and Ólafur Arnalds.

Garnering acclaim from outlets such as HypeM and Bandcamp’s editorial teams, who describe Origins as “full of kaleidoscopic soundscapes that are joyfully danceable and optimistic,” the album acts as the start of a new era for Elskavon, one that sees itself breaking out of any and all creative walls or genre boxes.

LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEOS
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT7bzUcl0smT3HeXPQdjxGbE_ryItGBib&si=eB8j2GOioSaLcHvB

PRESS

“Full of kaleidoscopic soundscapes that are joyfully danceable and optimistic.” – Bandcamp

“A beautiful and evocative ambient classical collection.” – Higher Plain Music

“The collaborative debut of ambient-classical composers Elskavon & John Hayes, the pair’s intent was to frame the sonic strata of their home state of Minnesota’s overlong winter months. They’ve succeeded.” – Aquarium Drunkard

“As endearing to listen to as it is beautiful.” – Stationary Travels

“Bartels conjures magic here.” – Mp3Hugger

“Impressively rich in sonic textures.” – Alfitude

“[Elskavon] reveals time as malleable, imitating the manner in which the human mind loops back, repeats, distorts, amplifies and dulls memories, finally ceding control to neurons and synapses. – A Closer Listen