John Zorn Plays 'Cobra' at Roulette Tonight

Roulette presents John Zorn's Cobra, tonight, November 29th, 8pm. Cobra, a unique composition created by Zorn, is a piece created for multiple improvisors which consists of a system of cues and corresponding rules. Devoid of traditional musical notation, Cobra creates an electrifying environment where the composition can be radically different with each live performance.

This Roulette season highlight event, the 30th anniversary celebration of the highly acclaimed, frequently performed and world traveled composition, will feature Trevor Dunn, bass, Sylvie Courvoisier, piano, Mark Feldman, violin, Erik Friedlander, cello, George Lewis, trombone, Cyro Baptista, percussion, Eyal Maoz, guitar, John Medeski, organ, Ikue Mori, electronics, Marc Ribot, guitar, Kenny Wollesen, drums, John Zorn, prompter. There will be a pre-concert audience discussion with John Zorn and select musicians.

General Admission tickets are $25 pre-sale, $35 at the door. Members/students/seniors $20 pre-sale, $30 at the door. Series Members - $15 Pre-sale, $25 AT THE DOORFREE for All-Access MembersTickets can be purchased at: http://roulette.org/events/john-zorns-cobra/

Roulette is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of John Zorn's Cobra which originally premiered at Roulette in 1984. One of the most often performed compositions in new music, the phenomenon of John Zorn's Cobra lives on into the 21st Century with continuous monthly performances in Japan, Europe, Australia and the United States. Under the direction of the composer himself this newest performance gives Zorn's infamous game piece a startling new reading by some of downtown New York's leading improvisers. Cobra is never really Cobra without Zorn himself at the helm-and here the music takes some surprising turns that even he never expected. A 21st Century update of a 20th Century classic.. Zorn has said of Cobra "deliberately chosen not to publish (or even write down) the rules".

Roulette - one of New York City's premiere venues for experimental music for over 33 years - has reopened bigger and better than ever. Located in a newly renovated 1920s Art Deco concert hall in Downtown Brooklyn, the new Roulette features two levels of seating for up to 400 people (600 standing), an expanded multi-channel sound system, projection screen for film and multi-media events, state-of-the-art lighting system, modular stage, and a specially designed floor to accommodate dance. Teamed with bold new programming, the new Roulette promises to be one of the most exciting places in New York City - if not the country - to experience adventurous music and art.