IronFest IV is a diverse series of fresh and expressive improvisational music. It features a cast of new and emerging artists plus familiar favourites, often performing in unique collaborations. IronFest IV is produced in association with the Heart of the City Festival. For 20 years, the Heart of the City Festival has been grounded in the Downtown Eastside and focused on listening and learning from the cultural practices of the community.

October 27, 7:30 p.m.: Beatings Are in the Body
Beatings Are In The Body is a powerful and enigmatic project from three of Canada’s leading figures in experimental music — Vancouver-based pianist/composer/improviser Róisin Adams (of Hildegard’s Ghost), Montréal-based experimental vocalist/composer Erika Angell (of Thus Owls), and fellow Vancouverite Peggy Lee — renowned cellist/composer/improviser.

October 27, 9:30 p.m.: Oceans, And:
Tim Berne’s work is characterized by tireless artistic dedication and creativity. His newly formed trio with accordionist/multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand and cellist Hank Roberts takes the listener on a sonically adventurous journey on Oceans And, and delights with much imagination and amazing musical diversity. “The breathtaking music, created by Tim Berne, Aurora Nealand, and Hank Roberts can be deservedly and on all accounts deemed: profound, probing, intriguing, distinct, intricate, raw, courageous, mysterious, and thoughtful.

October 28, 7:30 p.m.: Josh Cole's Kind Mind
Josh Cole’s Kind Mind is an electro-acoustic chamber ensemble based in Toronto featuring three of Canada’s premiere improvising musicians – Karen Ng alto saxophone/clarinet/synth, Michael Davidson vibraphone/marimba/pedals and Josh Cole double bass/pedals/synth/sampler. Rooted in an approach to improvisation that has been brewing in the Toronto creative music hub “The Tranzac” for decades, the trio explores a fractured, sparse, and timbral approach reinforced by brief compositions and a long history of collective music making.

October 28, 9:30 p.m.: Craig Taborn
Brooklyn-based Craig Taborn has been performing piano and electronic music in the jazz, improvisational, and creative music scene for over twenty five years. He has experience composing for and performing in a wide variety of situations including jazz, new music, electronic, rock, noise and avant garde contexts. The New York Times Magazine calls Taborn “One of the best jazz pianists alive.”