Henry Threadgill’s Zooid
Roulette509 Atlantic Ave, New York 11217
Henry Threadgill’s Zooid comes to Roulette for a rare appearance by one of the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, saxophonist, and flutist’s longest-running ensembles. The group celebrates music from its new Pi Recordings album, Cut You Where You Was. Threadgill plays flute, bass flute, and alto sax, joined by original Zooid members Christopher Hoffman on cello, Liberty Ellman on acoustic guitar, Jose Davila on trombone and tuba, and Elliot Kavee on drums. The program follows a long Roulette connection that includes Zooid’s performance of “All The Way Light Touch,” commissioned by the venue with the Baisley Powell Elebash Fund.
Threadgill grew artistically alongside the trailblazers of the AACM, and has spoken about the patience required to let musical principles be challenged. Zooid is a durable vehicle for that exploratory approach, with its original personnel still at the heart of the band. The New Yorker has called the ensemble “slinky, utterly distinctive, and disarmingly engaging.” For this return, the focus is on the newest chapter of the group’s music, played by the musicians who have shaped its sound over the years.
Roulette occupies a beautifully restored 1928 Art Deco theater in Downtown Brooklyn, offering a spacious concert hall with a dramatic proscenium and a balcony that seats up to 400. The venue is known for its exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making every note clear from front to back. Shows here focus on adventurous and experimental music, often featuring world premieres and collaborations across disciplines. The audience is typically attentive, drawn by the venue's commitment to innovative performances rather than casual socializing. A full bar is available, and seating is flexible, with cushioned chairs arranged to suit each event. The venue’s professional sound and lighting systems enhance the experience, and performances are ticketed, with advance purchase recommended. Expect an evening of thoughtful, boundary-pushing art in a setting that respects both the performers and the audience.