Oregon-based jazz drummer Dave Storrs is the mastermind — or should we say, master-ears — behind the various musical iterations seen and heard in Space, A Meditation on the Meaning of Art and Storrs, with an ensemble of talent will provide the backbeat of Opening Night’s afterparty – following the films screening at EOU’s Mackenzie Theatre on October 17th at 7pm.

Over the years, Dave’s free-form jazz gatherings have been variously named Big Vibe, Medium Vibe, Small Vibe, and even No Vibe, depending on who shows up to play in Storr’s sand-, uh, er, soundbox. Storrs and Space director David Poulshock have collaborated musically for over a decade and performed in competing Jazz/Funk/Latin bands in the 80s — Poulshock on keys in Upepo, Storrs on drums in Slowtrain.

In 1969, Storrs remembers emerging from a basement rehearsal to witness a man walk on the moon, and ever since, his music has tended to ride the outer edge. His influences include Hendrix, Coltrane, The Beatles, Miles, Mingus, James Brown, Sun Ra and beyond . He has headed and composed for various ensembles, including Freezer Burn, Multnomah Rhythm Ensemble and The Tone Sharks, and his first albums, Ross Island (1984) and Jumper Cables (1987), received national air play and critical acclaim.

Of Jumper Cables Cadence magazine said, “Storrs’ band offer convincing evidence that virtuoso jazz experimentation is taking place on the West Coast. In 1995 Storrs started Louie Records and continues his restless, experimental ways. It is that style of outer-edge experimentation that inspired Poulshock to literally bring Storrs and his music into the creative space of the film, Space.

Poulshock and Storrs are excited to bring a few “Vibe” regulars to perform during EPOFF’s opening night shenanigans!

Admission to the afterparty is free for Festival Passholders, a cover charge at the door for admission if space permits.