Bio:

Now residing in New Orleans, interdisciplinary artist MIKEL PATRICK AVERY had been actively working out of Chicago for the past 12 years. Established as a jazz drummer, he is commonly recognized for his orchestral and melodic style of drumming that often involves the use of unconventional "non-musical" objects. 

As well as being a performing musician, Avery  is a dedicated filmmaker, composer, photographer, producer, and educator often examining the importance of adapting ‘free-play’ methods among adults that is commonly applied only to children in early education. 

 

As a sideman, Avery has become an integral voice in varying ensembles, including Rob Mazurek's Moon Cycles, Joshua Abrams' Natural Information Society, The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, and Theaster Gates's Black Monks of Mississippi; as well as leading several of his own projects, including 1/2 Size Piano Trio, Rats+Star, MPA & The Middle School All-Stars, and Mikel Patrick Avery PLAY. 

 

Mikel has had the privilege to perform and/or exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago), Documenta 13 (in Kassel Germany), Kepler Studio (Berlin), Drunk Lunch Gallery (Madison), Pitchfork Music Festival, & White Cube Gallery (London).