The Art of Sound: 1st Edition
The Art of Sound (tAOS) initiative provides a platform for visionary artists who are exploring the frontiers of sonic creativity in Lincoln, NE. As we launch our inaugural edition of tAOS, Lincoln Calling has scheduled festival kick-off programming exploring the boundless possibilities of sound, crafting immersive auditory and visual experiences.
Supported by generous sponsors including The Les Paul Foundation, Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, tAOS is dedicated to nurturing artists at the forefront of cutting-edge sound art.
Innovate
“The Sound of Things” with Jay Kreimer
Monday, April 29th at 7pm
Renowned artist Jay Kreimer invites you to explore the intersection between innovative auditory and visual realms at The Art of Sound. Join us in the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts atrium on Monday, April 29th at 7pm for an extraordinary showcase of Kreimer’s original musical instruments. Through repurposed and commonplace materials, Kreimer unveils the genesis of his creations, offering insight into the boundless possibilities of sonic creativity. Prepare to be captivated by Kreimer’s ingenuity and vision as we delve into “The Sound of Things”.
Immerse
Richard Serra Tribute with Paul Barnes
Wednesday, May 1st at 12 pm
Join us in paying homage to the enduring legacy of the esteemed sculptor Richard Serra and his masterpiece, ‘Greenpoint’. Serra’s monumental metal sculptures, epitomized by the iconic presence of ‘Greenpoint’ at the UNL campus, have left an indelible mark on the minimalist movement. As a luminary in the realm of American art, Serra appreciated the symbiosis of music and art, as seen in his collaboration with Philip Glass to curate a captivating concert within the confines of his ‘Equal’ exhibition.
In a poignant tribute following Serra’s recent passing, the Lincoln Calling honors his memory with an exclusive pop-up performance by Paul Barnes, distinguished UNL Professor of Music & Piano and cherished friend of Glass. Barnes will enchant audiences with renditions of Glass’s compositions, enveloping the audience in a symphony of sound and sculpture within the captivating ambiance of ‘Greenpoint’ on Wednesday, May 1st at 12 pm. This event is sponsored in part by The Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, and The Great Plains Piano Company.
Ignite
Sound Bath with Jesse Fleming & Jinku Kim
Friday, May 3rd at 12:30 pm
Immerse yourself in a transformative sound bath experience led by artist Jesse Fleming and Jinku Kim. Join us at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts atrium on Friday, May 3rd at 12:30 pm for this free and open-to-the-public event. Sound baths offer an immersive full-body listening experience, harnessing the power of sound to invite gentle yet powerful meditative and restorative benefits. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Artist Spotlights
Jinku Kim
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE IN EMERGING MEDIA ARTS
Kim has over 15 years of experience working as an educator and multidisciplinary artist. He has extensive experience in audio-visual production and digital art, including audio-visual performance and installations, hardware and software design, and site-specific projects, as well as digital modeling and fabrication. Kim has taught undergraduate/graduate courses, including audio-visual narrative, and hardware and software instrument design.
His works have been performed and installed at REDCAT in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, STEIM in Amsterdam, and The New Children’s Museum in San Diego, among others. Kim has a Ph.D. in Computer Music and Multimedia from Brown University; an M.F.A. in Integrated Media and Experimental Sound Practice from California Institute of the Arts; and a B.M. Professional Music: Electronic Production and Design from Berklee College of Music.
Jesse Reding Fleming
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EMERGING MEDIA ARTS
AREA OF FOCUS: EMERGING MEDIA ARTS
Jesse Reding Fleming is at the forefront of a new wave of artists and technologists pioneering the intersection of media art and contemplative practices. Drawing from his deep exploration of perception and consciousness, Fleming seeks to dissolve the boundaries between self and other, guiding audiences through immersive experiences that challenge conventional ways of seeing and being. Through a blend of XR, media art, installation, and contemplative programming, he invites viewers to engage with their surroundings and inner worlds in transformative ways.
As a founding member of the Johnny Carson Center and director of the Awareness Lab (tAL), Fleming leads a dynamic research and development studio focused on the synergy between art, technology, and well-being. His groundbreaking work has earned him recognition and inclusion in prestigious collections and exhibitions worldwide, from the Whitney Museum of American Art to the San Francisco Symphony. With a diverse background spanning film, interactive media, and mindfulness education, Fleming brings a unique perspective to his practice, inspiring audiences to explore the depths of human experience.
Paul Barnes
MARGUERITE SCRIBANTE PROFESSOR OF MUSIC, PIANO
AREA OF FOCUS: KEYBOARD
Pianist Paul Barnes, praised by the New York Times for his “Lisztian thunder and deft fluidity,” and lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as “ferociously virtuosic,” captivates audiences with his expressive performances and innovative programming. Celebrating a twenty-five-year collaboration with Philip Glass, Barnes commissioned and premiered Glass’s first piano quintet, “Annunciation,” garnering critical acclaim worldwide. His latest album, “New Generations: The New Etudes of Philip Glass and Music of the Next Generation,” showcases his remarkable technique and musicality, earning rave reviews from Gramophone Magazine and American Record Guide.
Currently serving as the Marguerite Scribante Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Barnes is revered as an educator and clinician. Appointed Artistic Director of the Lied Center Piano Academy, he nurtures young talent through intensive summer programs and international teaching engagements. Barnes’s recent recital, “Illumination,” explores contemplative piano works inspired by ancient chants. His diverse collaborations include premiering compositions by Victoria Bond, Ron Warren, and JAC Redford, enriching the classical repertoire with innovative and evocative works. With fourteen recordings to his credit, Barnes’s music is celebrated globally and accessible on major streaming platforms.
Jay Kreimer
SEASONED MUSICIAN, INSTRUMENT INVENTOR, AND SOUND ARTIST
Kreimer is a seasoned inventor and sound artist with a rich international performance history spanning nearly three decades. From stages across North America, Europe, China, and India, he captivates audiences with his innovative musical instruments and immersive sonic experiences.
In addition to his prolific performance career, Kreimer’s artistic endeavors extend to diverse collaborations and multimedia installations. Notable projects include his Fulbright fellowship in India to document street wedding bands, participation in the Guthman musical instrument invention competition, and extensive touring with acclaimed ensembles like Bryan Day and the Mighty Vitamins.
Recent highlights include his involvement in the Albert Day Kreimer album “Mutations” and collaborations with composers and performers such as Stacey Barelos. Kreimer’s groundbreaking work has been featured in exhibitions, documentaries, and prestigious platforms, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of sound art and instrument innovation.
