Upstaged by bugs! Credit where credit’s due, Mirah, along with backing from the lute, percussion, accordion, and cellist super-combo that is Spectratone International, performed on par, consistently delivering professional numbers blending a quasi-klesmer vibe with a folky, sometimes lullabyish demure softness. Still, the accompanying circular projection screen showing stop-motion films about insects seemed to take center stage (even though it was kinda off to the left a bit)…

The animated stop motion movies by Britta Johnson seemed to transfix the audience, all the more understandable by the fact lead singer Mirah stands behind a music stand as if she’s reading a speech. So if she won’t reach out to the crowd, perhaps a dung beetle will. Although somewhat looping in their action, the insects (created by yarn, buttons, tin cans, etc) garner the majority of attention, and while the music doesn’t necessarily sync up with any of the film’s corresponding action, it’s certainly interesting even if you’re not into entomology.

posted by sean mcgrath