Percussionist Lisa Pegher and Her Band Controlled Chaos to Perform 2/17 at the Cell Theatre

On Saturday, February 21 at 7 pm, extraordinary New York drummer (and multiple solo percussionist as well) Lisa Pegher and her band Controlled Chaos will perform at the Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd Street, New York (directions and map). Prices for admission are $15 in advance online or $20 at the door. The Cell Theatre, known simply as "The Cell", prides itself as a 21st century salon for artists to nurture and showcase new work.

About the band, Pegher says: "Controlled Chaos has a lot to do with its name. I wanted to create a group that could explore where I'm evolving as a musician and that presents music in its truest, rawest form -- that of improvisation. I've begun to see that we too often take what other people are doing and saying as truth instead of reaching inside ourselves to find our own voices. We are constantly told that things are supposed to be a certain way that we have to abide by certain rules and live by preconceived notions. Everything seems to get put into boxes, labeled, and then set aside... This never made any sense to me...especially when it comes to music."

The core band of Controlled Chaos began with Pegher on drums/percussion/effects and musician Chris Hemingway on saxophone and has evolved into an avant-garde band with guest musicians.

About Lisa Pegher - Pegher is first and foremost a drummer as well as a multiple percussion solo artist and composer known for pioneering percussion as a solo instrument within the orchestral realm and beyond. She has performed all over the United States as well as abroad and is among a small cadre of women musicians who are drummers. Pegher began playing drums at the early age of 7 when her grade school teacher recognized her innate talent and sense of rhythm. Born into humble beginnings in rural western Pennsylvania town outside of Pittsburgh and into a somewhat tumultuous family life, her mother could not afford lessons of any kind. Knowing this, Pegher's teacher volunteered to pay for her first drum. Pegher describes these early years of study as a very "karate kid" type of beginning in learning her craft. Her first percussion teacher emphasized technique, sound and musicality. Pegher was constantly forced to perfect the first stages before moving on to any next steps, which has served her well throughout her career. With dedication, practice and perseverance, Pegher obtained a full merit scholarship to music school and was the first person in her family to obtain a post-high school degree.