Dear Friends,

I am very excited to announce that Sonic Gates, the project I have been working on for over a year, is opening on Saturday July 14 at 1:00 pm.

Come out to see the unveiling of eight innovative sound sculptures. I had the great honor and pleasure to see, learn and work with amazing artists and sculptors Alassane Drabo, DB Lampman, Lina Montoya, Jeremy Munson, Arthur Simms and Scott Van Campen. I would also like to thank my friend, mentor and artistic advisor Sam Samore.

There will be art performances by Dawn Crandell, James Shipp, Xi.Me.Na, Yacouba Sissoko, Martita Abril and surprise guest artists.

Special thanks to the project's sponsors Staten Island Arts and Design Trust for their invaluable support.

Please check out this link for additional details including the reception:

RSVP

I will also be performing in Spain and France with my dear friend, African Harpist and Griot musician Ablaye Cissoko:

July 19, Cajarc, France - AFRICAJARC
July 24, Lanuza, Spain - PIRINEOS SUR
July 28, Veruela, Spain

More exiting news soon!

Sincerely,

Volker

Image above by artist Youri Lenquette
images below by artist Sam Samore

Sonic Gates is made possible through the generous support of the New York City Department of Small Business Services and Neighborhood 360, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, NYC & Co Foundation, Citizens Committee, Empire Outlets, BFC Partners, Lighthouse Point, Triangle Equities, Thornton Tomasetti, 100 Gates, and Great News Brew Caps. Sonic Gates is deeply grateful to our City government partners who have made the project possible: Staten Island Borough President James Oddo; the staff at the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, especially the Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs; New York City Department of Administrative Services; New York City Parks; and the New York City Department of Transportation.

Sonic Gates / BRIDGES at Kennedy Center / Jazz & the City - Salzburg

I'm very excited and happy to announce that my proposal Sonic Gates - a series of sound sculptures - received funding!

As of now it's the first Sonic Hike in New York City. It is part of Future Culture's pilot projects in partnership with Staten Island Arts and Design Trust funded by the Small Business Bureau of New York City.

This week an interactive exhibition showcasing the cool cultural world of the North Shore opens featuring public art pilot projects including Sonic Gates, community initiatives, and new ideas from visitors.

Opening reception: Thursday, September 14, 7 to 9 pm. On view through December 9, 2017.

ArtSpace @ Staten Island Arts
23 Navy Pier Court
Staten Island

I would love to see you there to experience some of the prototypes the artist team has produced. These are amazing artists who have taken my ideas to the next level: Arthur Simms, Jeremy Munson, DB Lampman, Scott Van Campen, Alassane Drabo and Lina Montoya.

I will also be working with the youth of Universal Temple of the Arts and Projectivity to build parts of these sculptures. And special thanks to DB Lampman and Scott von Campen from Makerspace who came on board as key partners early on and artist Sam Samore, the artistic advisor to Sonic Gates.

I'm also very excited to announce that my quintet, Bridges, will be performing at the Kennedy Center on October 23. And I'm bringing my quartet, quintetand trumpet/kora duo to Jazz & the City in Salzburg.

A little fun game this time: Whoever can name most places in below's 360 travel video will receive a free copy of my new quintet album BRIDGES.

Secret Island (World Premiere)

An audiovisual concert curated by local artist, composer and performer Volker Goetze together with renown photographer and artist Sam Samore. Inspired by stories of Staten Island opening new perspectives featuring Grammy wining Oran Etkin (bass-clarinet), Dan Pappalardo (bass) and Mario Layne Fabrizio (drums).

RSVP

Secret Island is made possible by a DCA Premier Grant from Staten Island Arts, with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Special thanks to the Turtle Bay Music School for providing their space for composing and rehearsing the music. The compositions were created with the support of the EtM Con Edison Composers’ Residency, administered by Exploring the Metropolis. The EtM Con Edison Composers’ Residency program is funded by Consolidated Edison, The Amphion Foundation, the George L. Shields Foundation, AOH Foundation, DJ McManus Foundation, The Reed Foundation and individuals.

New Quintet Album

October 23rd Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.

Salzburg - Jazz & The City

October 25th Salzburg - BRIDGES feat. Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko

October 26th Salzburg - Secret Island

October 28th Salzburg - Duo - Kora / Trumpet

March 22, 2017 - Sunside, Paris, France

March 23, 2017 - Stadtgarten, Cologne, Germany

March 24, 2017 - B-Flat, Berlin, Germany

March 26, 2017 - Weberei, Gütersloh, Germany

New CD BRIDGES featuring:

Ablaye Cissoko, Richie Barshay, Oran Etkin, Kristjan Randalu, Bodek Janke, Patrick Breiner, Roger Rosenberg...

The new quintet album “Bridges” from international touring trumpeter and composer Volker Goetze unites musicians from three continents. Together they explore new ground, stretch creative improvisation and build musical Bridges over thousands of miles.

Goetze has brought together top tier Grammy Award winning and nominated musicians who have toured with the best jazz musicians on the planet including Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Esperanza Spalding, Bobby McFerrin and many more.

The original compositions are rooted in West African and contemporary New York Jazz, creating a unique cross-cultural musical experience.