Jamal Cyrus—Texas Fried Tenor Performance

Blaffer Art Museum

Live performance by Jamal Cyrus in conjunction with the artist's survey exhibition.

Performances

Founded in 1973, the Blaffer Art Museum endeavors to further the understanding of contemporary art through exhibitions, publications, and public programs. Along with groundbreaking Exhibitions, engaging Public Programs, we also support unique performances

This performance of Texas Fried Tenor creates a dynamic, sensorial, and unpredictable soundscape as Cyrus deep-fries a saxophone with accompaniment by Jamire Williams on the drums. Though the symphony of the sizzling brass instrument mimics the improvisatory nature of blues and jazz music, the sound produced (and magnified through microphones) is quite alien. Cyrus’ choice to deep-fry the instrument also recalls his father’s past work as a short-order cook, as well as the stereotype of a southern cuisine characterized by fried foods. This performance is part of a larger series by Cyrus, Learning to Work the Saxophone, which takes its name from the refrain of the Steely Dan song “Deacon Blues.” After listening to the song 1000 times on a road trip from Philadelphia to Houston, Cyrus became interested in the importance of the saxophone in American music—especially blues and jazz—which are celebrated as one of this country’s defining musical forms. In so doing, the saxophone is not only an instrument of artistic expression, but also one of cultural and political significance.

PARKING INFORMATIONAvoid UH game-day parking fees; FREE parking is available for Blaffer guests exclusively in <a href="https://uh.edu/af-university-services/parking/_images/maps/campus-parking-map-8.21.jpg" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Lot 19E,</a> located opposite the Elgin Street Garage. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/LiHMQqXEmsuzewhg7" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">View on Google Maps.</a>Directions: From I 45 S, take Exit 44B to the Spur 5. Turn right at the light at University. Follow straight to next light at Calhoun and turn right. When the road turns at the stop sign (Calhoun Lofts is at left), turn left and continue. Turn left at the entrance to Lot 19E. Go straight through the parking lot, and turn right into the gated area. (A gate code will be provided to you). From 19E, take the path to walk past the pond and the first building (Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture). At the Fine Arts Building (at right), enter the Fine Arts Courtyard to reach the Blaffer.

Visitor Information: Join us at the Fine Arts Courtyard, across from the Blaffer Art Museum; please check in at the Blaffer Art Museum front entrance.This event is FREE and open to the public. Occupant capacity is limited, register to reserve your FREE tickets. Learn more about <a href="https://blafferartmuseum.org/jamal-cyrus/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jamal Cyrus: The End of My Beginning</a>.Image: Jamal Cyrus, Texas Fried Tenor, High Line, 2013; Photo by Liz Ligon.

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Jamal Cyrus—Texas Fried Tenor Performance

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Jamal Cyrus—Texas Fried Tenor Performance

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