Experimental Sound Studio

In conjunction with the upcoming annual celebration of Mars Williams at May Chapel, we’re sharing a clip of Mars putting one of his signature toys to use.

Mars’ collection of toys, performance objects, and sound-makers is just one piece of the many materials housed in the Mars Williams Archive at ESS. As always, be on the lookout for more Mars on the ESS website, and join Mars’ collaborators, friends, and fans at May Chapel to celebrate his legacy.

Saturday, May 30, 2pm
Set 1: “Horns from Mars” featuring Ken Vandermark on Mars’ Hungarian taragato and Bb Buffet clarinet; & Gerrit Hatcher and Dave Rempis on Mars’ 1920’s Martin soprano saxophones
Set 2: “Mars Williams Toy Story” featuring Rin Peisert & David Hurlin
May Chapel, Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago
FREE & open to the public

“Navigation: One’s Position (and a route)” exhibition activations continue this Saturday, May 23 with J. Kent.

Join us Saturday, to hear a new composition by J. Kent combining recordings of classical repertoire with modern horror soundtracks. The audio composition is a draft toward a live runway production. The sound work is 19 minutes long, and will be playing back on a loop throughout open hours 1-4 PM, alongside Kent’s textile installation in the Audible Gallery.

We’re ecstatic to announce the lineup for the 2026 OPTION series.

June 14: Stefan Gonzalez w/ Ben LaMar Gay & Dave Rempis
June 21: Kieran Daly
June 28: Neti-Neti (Amirtha Kidambi and Matt Evans)
July 12: Gn Nerak
July 19: Sydney Spann
July 26: Madeline Stepien
Aug 2: Christopher Dammann w/ Avreeyal Ra & Ed Wilkerson Jr.
Aug 9: Caroline Jesalva
Aug 16: Matt Robidoux

OPTION, ESS’s flagship performance series, strives to support and connect contemporary artists working across the spectrum of exploratory sound. The series is curated by Andrew Clinkman, Lily Finnegan, and Dorothy Carlos and is a highlight of the summer.

You can RSVP for all events at link in bio.

Curators:
g.finn


2026 Artists: