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Art Rock, Turntablists and DJs...

1. Tortoise (Illinois)
2. Kid Koala (Quebec)
3. DJ Spooky & VJ Iyer (New York)

Some of the world's most progressive jazz and improvisational performers, doing their thing for some of the Festival's youngest fans - these artists are on the cutting edge when it comes to what's new in improvisational jazz. Listen to excerpts of their music or get ticket info. on our website: guelphjazzfestival.com.

1. Tortoise (Illinois)

Straight from Chicago, this legendary instrumental quintet is considered to be a key originator of the post-rock genre. With a sound rooted primarily in percussion, they have embraced a variety of musical sources including dub, minimalism, musique concrète, jazz, and chamber music, effectively opening up the field for everyone.

Now 15 years since their debut release, Tortoise is something of a classic ensemble. Their music - propulsive and provocatively enigmatic - not only resounds throughout the current generation of musical experimenters, but also will surely do so for generations to come.

Sat., Sept. 6, 8PM, River Run Centre, Main Stage
Tickets: $25/$20

2. Kid Koala (Quebec)

Not only is Kid Koala one of the premier turntable artists in the world, but he's also a multi-disciplinary artist who has been an innovator in the combination of music with graphic arts and fiction.

Garnering widespread acclaim for his creativity, his performances with Radiohead and Björk only added to the international attention. Kid Koala's work combines a rare instrumental command and a careful rethinking of the role of the DJ as performer. Weaving stories through sound, he is one of a handful of key musical thinkers in Canada today.

Thurs., Sept. 4, 11PM (2nd half of double bill)
St. George's Anglican Church, Mitchell Hall
Tickets: $20/$15

3. DJ Spooky & Vijay Iyer (New York)

Well known as a producer, conceptual artist, writer, and turntablist, DJ Spooky has collaborated with musicians as varied as Iannis Xenakis, Killa Priest from Wu-Tang Clan, and more recently with William Parker, Matthew Shipp, Joe McPhee and brilliant New York-based pianist, Vijay Iyer.

Named in 2007 as "Number One Rising Star Jazz Artist" in the prestigious Downbeat Magazine Critics' Poll, Iyer has thoroughly established himself in the international scene of jazz and improvised music. This collaboration between DJ Spooky and Vijay Iyer brings together two of the keenest musical imaginations at work in America today.

Wed., Sept. 3, 8PM, Macdonald Stewart Art Centre
Tickets: $25/$20