FANTASY AND FOLKLORE: Humbird to Begin 'Improvisational Residency' at The Pablo Center
you too can experience the collaborative network of Siri Undlin and the Humbird ensemble during the month of November
Siri Undlin, the vocalist and songwriter behind the musical manifestation of Humbird, continues to be enchanted by fleeting moments and mythical narratives. Her captivation with fantastical worlds and an evolving “dancing light” will form the core of the musician’s newly announced residency in the Chippewa Valley.
Humbird will be just the second-ever “Musician In Residence” at The Pablo Center (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire), with three performance dates slated across the month of November.
The Humbird ensemble throughout the residency will consist of Shane Leonard and Pat Keen, two Eau Claire multi-instrumentalists who have embedded their talents into Humbird’s mischievous, magical, and world-building records thus far.
Whether you attend the residency on Nov. 7, 14, or 21, Humbird will provide one-of-a-kind sonic experiences for individual viewers each night, with a larger through-line to encompass the residency’s entirety, Undlin shared.
"For my songwriting and my music, (fairy tales are) the blueprint that everything else comes from."
SIRI UNDLIN
HUMBIRD
Each show will delve into the rich tapestry of folklore, fairy tales, and the origins of storytelling in folk music which inspires much of Humbird’s discography.
Her educational background — and mentorship from musical creatives while traveling across Northern Europe — was a driving force to understand how folklore narratives are shared, and lost, amongst generations.
“There is so much wisdom there and (fairy tales are) often really instructional pieces of ancient wisdom that are overlooked,” Undlin said. “For my songwriting and my music, (fairy tales are) the blueprint that everything else comes from.
“The Humbird project wouldn't exist without this random fairy tale, folklore background that I have. It's really fun to like to bring the two (passions) together.”
This residency won't be Humbird's first dive into sharing fairy tale soundscapes with listeners. Humbird’s rotating ensemble, anchored by Undlin, has previously performed over 100 backyard shows centered on fairy tales and creating a whimsical world of their own.
In Eau Claire, she will bring improvisational and experimental collaborations to each show, along with special guests (to be revealed each night) who will contribute their unique flair to each music set.
Fans hoping to hear their favorite Humbird songs from her latest record, “Right On” — or tracks from their previous releases — will be pleased to find that the residency will include a few familiar tunes, Undlin shared.
Residency preparations have also adopted an improvisational approach. Weeks leading up to the November residency have been driven by Undlin’s mindfulness toward the experiences she and others around her witness, what topical news aligns with the values of Humbird, and more.
“Whether it’s current events or the time of year, I just try to find stories from traditions — in a culturally respectful way — that would resonate with people who come to the shows,” Undlin said.
She credits the exciting opportunity to the talented improvisational artists in the Chippewa Valley she has collaborated with for over a decade. Since quietly making the area her home a year ago, she has continued to invite curiosity and expand her circle, now to include connections at the Pablo Center.
“Even before I considered a place where I would someday live, I always looked forward to coming here to make records, to learn from mentors (and people) who were really kind and open with their time and talent.”
The Nov. 7, 14, and 21 shows during the Humbird residency will begin at 7pm, with doors open at 6pm. To purchase tickets for the Musician In Residence shows at the Pablo Center, visit pablocenter.org. Learn more about Humbird's discography through their webpage online.
