Musaics Projects
Initiatives that invite musicians, artists, composers, writers and more to come together for unique, creative collaborations.
fffff
KAzemde George
Artist Residency
A rising star in modern improvised music, Kazemde George creates unique musical landscapes by blending different traditions from within the African diaspora, from Bebop to Rumba, Bossa Nova, Hip Hop, and more.
Each month Kazemde features a new ensemble that bridges musical worlds, bringing a wide range of artists and influences to the Red Door.
Natural Harmony
August, 2025 • Berkeley, CA
Natural Harmony features community-submitted writings that inspire new works of music and visual art. The theme of nature writing celebrates the local flora, fauna, and landscapes that make the East Bay so special.
Growing Songs
December, 2024 • Berkeley
“Growing Songs” is a multi-year project in which Persian singer and activist Mahsa Vahdat & composer Atabak Elyasi collaborate with Musaics in the creation of new songs for voice and ensemble.
Musical Lore
August, 2024 • Berkeley
A residency that brought together writers, artists, composers and instrumentalists, drawing from community-based stories to inspire the creation of new musical works.
RUNNYMEDE RETREAT
January, 2024 • Woodside, CA
A week-long retreat on the beautiful grounds of the Runnymede Sculpture Farm, where a select group of young composers, instrumentalists and visual artists had the opportunity to work independently and together on new works, which were then presented at a concert in a historic 19th century barn located on site.
Growing Songs
August, 2023 • Oakland Hills
“Growing Songs” is a multi-year project in which Persian singer and activist Mahsa Vahdat & composer Atabak Elyasi collaborate with Musaics in the creation of 10 new songs for voice and ensemble.
Sketches of Sound
January, 2023 • Berkeley, CA
We were delighted to invite our very first artist-in-residence Katie Swatland to the Bay Area for a week of collaboration, including workshops, discussions about the intersections between visual arts and music, and the process of creating three new musical sketches inspired by Katie’s work and process.
exploring lyricism
August, 2022 • East Bay
“Exploring Lyricism” invited a group of local and international emerging and established composers, visual artists, and performers to Berkeley, California for the purpose of encouraging conversation, collaboration, and the creation of new work - all centered on the theme of lyricism in art.