GAYLETTER

Arthur Russell’s legacy, in 2015, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of musical experimentation. An openly gay cellist, composer, singer, and musician whose work touched on classical, disco, experimental, folk, and rock, Russell stands as one of the most innovative musicians to come out of the downtown New York music and art scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Despite releasing only one full-length LP during his lifetime, the Iowa native is said to have left thousands of tapes behind after his passing from AIDS-related complications in 1992, a treasure trove of half-finished recordings and variations that shed light on the kind of idiosyncratic, challenging, genre-defying artist he proved to be in spades.

Last year, Red Hot and Yep Roc released a two-CD Master Mix tribute album to Russell, featuring artists like Robyn, Blood Orange, Scissor Sisters, and others covering and experimenting with his songs. Now, artists from the tribute album are coming together for Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell!, a tribute concert put together by BAM, Red Hot, and Red Bull Music Academy that is bringing together a host of unique, indie acts to pay tribute. Some notable musicians that will be on hand include Sam Amidon, Devonté Hynes of Blood Orange, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Cults, Thao Nguyen of Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire, and more. Taking place over two nights at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House and coming a mere week before the release of Corn, a new collection of previously unreleased Russell tracks, it’s an event you definitely won’t want to miss.

Lucky for you, GAYLETTER is giving away a few tickets to the performances. To enter, all you have to do is share this post from our Facebook page.

Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell! takes place May 29-30 at BAM.