Montauk Project is an improvised percussion/woodwinds duo featuring Milwaukee-based musicians and educators Jake Polancich (drums/percussion/bassoon/guitar) and Ryan Meisel (saxophones, flutes/processors). The project was formed in late 2012 in an effort to explore extreme improvisational opportunities and original music that couldn’t be duplicated in a larger ensemble. Montauk Project continues to serve an artistic longing to react musically to an array of occurrences in our world...good, evil, and everything in between. With this project, the music goes where it needs to. There is an intentional transparency to Montauk Project compositions; allowing the music to breathe, morph, flex, and maneuver.
Jake and Ryan share a musical bond formed after many years playing together in the RM QuArtet. Coming together earlier this decade, they have found a musical language within their work. Both being music educators, they are able to relate their music to real life concepts making their music accessible to all ages, and variations of listeners.
Katharina began dancing at the age of 14 when she attended several ballet intensive programs. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for four years where she focused her studies on contemporary dance technique and choreography. While attending the university, Katharina was able to perform in works choreographed by Mark Morris, Arnie Zane, and Colleen Thomas. Professionally Katharina worked with Danceworks Milwaukee (USA), Le Marchepied (CH), and projects created by Stephen Kowplowitz(USA) and Cie Utilité Publique(CH). For more information, https://katharinaabderholden.wordpress.com/