At the core of KinoSaito’s physical space, and its mission, is the theater. A 1500sf vaulted space, the theater is the site of original new works of theater and performance, as well works from Kikuo Saito’s theater oeuvre reimagined by contemporary performance groups. Regular programming includes dance performances, film screenings and concert recitals, along with performances, installations and new media work by artists in residence and visiting artists and companies.
LIVE CONCERT
Saint Mela
Sat. 9 Sept. 2023 | 6-7pm
Saint Mela began in the summer of 2013 as a long distance exchange between vocalist/lyricist Wolf Weston and producer Steve Dewey. After Weston started returning demos to the tracks Dewey was sending, a creative partnership solidified into an eclectic body of work. Dewey’s proclivity for dismantling and rebuilding samples immediately resonated with Weston's propensity for genre-hopping and experimentation, and in 2014, three songs, their first EP was released.
Not long after, Weston, an accomplished performer, couldn't wait to try out new material where she was most comfortable: the stage. They moved back to NYC, building an audience step by step, playing everywhere that would let them. They recruited long-time friend Josh Rollin, a talented multi-instrumentalist who, similar to Dewey, grew up experimenting with sound creation and recording while also studying a number of more traditional instruments.
Years of playing built a vibrant community who flocked to their energetic live shows and turned into dedicated listeners, demonstrated by the success of their debut album, first bloom (2018), a stunning combination of spiritual lyrics and chopped vocal samples over a bed of found-sound pop production. Pitchfork hailed first bloom as “a shot of adrenaline” while praising Weston as a “dynamo singer.”
Since releasing first bloom, Saint Mela has returned to their smaller, more experimental origins, taking care to craft a 3-part series of EPs. A sense of a collaborative community permeates the band’s core ethos, and these EPs underscore a love for partnership and dialogue with other artists. 2020's all for this strange baptism and 2021's a well for my ego features collaborations from Sebastian Ade, Fielded, and Rah Rah Gabor. Their most recent EP, 2022’s i have no fantasies to sell you, featured Raia Was and Moor Mother as guests. Tap in for yourself! With a penchant for innovative sounds, inventive melodies, and a wide range of influences, Saint Mela aims to keep listeners dancing, feeling, and engaged.
Saint Mela Live Concert was a part of the full day celebration of KinoSaito’s 2-Year Anniversary with other events below:
1-5pm - Open Studios for Artists in Residence
3:15-4:15pm - Panel Discussion
4:30-6pm - Ash & Ale Pizza Truck
6-7pm - Saint Mela Concert