Performing Arts

As a member of the arts community I am lucky to know, what I think, are some of the most talented and versatile artists in Minneapolis. One of these artists is my good pal Danny Sigelman. Mr. Sigelman is a jack of all trades. He is a musician, a painter, a DJ, an event organizer, and one of the most friendly people I have ever met in my life. A few months ago he informed me about an audition he was trying for. Little did I know it was for Eddie Oroyan’s piece for Momentum 2009 entitled Brown Rocket. I asked Danny if he would tell me a little more about his process as one of the muscians AND as the set designer for Brown Rocket.

The following are some words from Danny about his Momentum experience thus far:

When I first auditioned for Brown Rocket and met Eddie Oroyan I loaded him up with art and music I had been working on. I wanted him to get an idea of what I was about artistically and not just musically. Afterall I think the two go hand in hand and I have always tried to maintain a healthy level of activity in both worlds. However, once I got the gig to play drums in Brown Rocket and Eddie asked me to help out with the set design, I didn’t necessarily anticipate the project Eddie would end up having me tackle.

I have made some pretty large sized paintings before but this was 20 of them!

All together it is about 640 sq ft of painting that works cohesively together as the set for Brown Rocket. Much of the design is inspired by a series of drawings, paintings and collages I have been working on for years now that I call “Natural Satellites”. Ultimately the idea is a reflection on community, consciousness and the ebb and flow of society. In other words symbols, like the eye or drums represent the way in which we watch, observe and communicate in daily life. I thought in great abundance together the theme envelopes and compliments the main story of Brown Rocket.

Eddie Oroyan with one of Danny’s set pieces.

Musically I have been working as the Self Sound Orchestra since Fall 2007. After rehearsing so much with Terry Eason in Brown Rocket, who is also a verteran recording artist himself whom I have long admired, I was able to snare him to collaborate with me on future musical ventures. I am looking forward to performing more and recording with him.Currrently, the latest in the “Natural Satellites” paintings are on display at the Matchbox Coffee shop in Northeast Minneaoplis. Self Sound Orchestra has some upcoming gigs and will be releasing a CD, LP and DVD before the end of Summer.

-Danny Sigelman

Check out Momentum week 2 starting tonight! July 24-26 at the Southern Theater 8PM!
Danny Sigelman is a resident of Northeast Minneapolis where he also shares an art studio in the California Building.