(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) – Singer, songwriter, multimedia artist and producer JD Samson, best known as a member of the legendary electro-feminist-punk project Le Tigre, headlines a live concert and a DJ dance set at MASS MoCA on Saturday, September 5, at 8pm.
An eloquent activist, feminist, writer, and performer, Samson was raised in a Cleveland suburb by two artists. Coming out at the age of 15, Samson overcame hardships to become a strong activist for feminist and LGBT rights. She pursued her passion in film by attending Sarah Lawrence College, where she landed a job managing projections for the electronic, feminist group Le Tigre – an all-female band with roots in dance, punk, and pop music. Shortly thereafter, in 2000, Samson became a contributing member of the band. As a part of Le Tigre, Samson channeled her personal life to produce electrifying, upbeat music with strong sociopolitical and LGBT ties. When the band took a break in 2006, Samson formed a new project, MEN, with Le Tigre’s Johanna Fateman.
As a leader of MEN, Samson continues to tackle similar issues in her music. Despite going through numerous structural changes, MEN – now coined “JD Samson and MEN” – produces fresh, electronic tunes that are as catchy as they are political. In addition to her performing career, Samson has written songs for Christina Aguilera, Cobra Starship, and Pussy Riot, wrote an op-ed for the Huffington Post about living as a starving artist, and, most recently, collaborated with the members of Pussy Riot. Despite her busy life and varied accomplishments, Samson still manages to put on one of the most energized and exhilarating shows around. Her strong stage presence and incredible fashion provide yet another dimension to her thought-provoking work.
JD Samson’s night of music will take place outside in Courtyard C (or in the Hunter Center, if the weather doesn’t hold) on Saturday, September 5, at 8pm. Fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and burritos the size of your head — as well as thematic dinner specials — are available from Lickety Split before and during the show. A full bar serves Berkshire Brewing Company beers and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits. Tickets are $5 for members and students, $10 in advance, and $16 day-of. Members receive a 10% discount. Tickets for all events are available through the MASS MoCA box office located on Marshall Street in North Adams, open 10am–6pm Sundays through Wednesdays, and 10am–7pm Thursdays through Saturdays. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 413.662.2111 during box office hours or purchased on-line at massmoca.org.
MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest (and largest) centers for making and enjoying today’s most important art, music, dance, theater, film, and video. Hundreds of works of visual and performing art have been created on its 19th-century factory campus during fabrication and rehearsal residencies, making MASS MoCA among the most productive sites in the country for the creation and presentation of new art. More platform than box, MASS MoCA strives to bring to its audiences art experiences that are fresh, engaging, and transformative.
Through September 7, MASS MoCA’s galleries are open 10am to 6pm every day, with extended evening hours to 7pm on Thursdays through Saturdays, when performing arts events are often featured. Gallery admission is $18 for adults, $16 for veterans and seniors, $12 for students, $8 for children 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under. Members are admitted free year-round. Beginning September 8, MASS MoCA’s galleries are open 11am to 5pm every day except Tuesdays. The museum is closed on Tuesday, September 8. For additional information, call 413.662.2111 x1 or visit MASS MoCA.