El Compadre’s Taste and Sound series bridges the senses with live music from the kitchen
Sometimes a restaurant doesn’t have to just be a restaurant in the traditional sense, especially when its owners have a passion for music and sound, as well as food. Musician and co-owner of the South Philly Mexican restaurant El Compadre, Ben Miller has something up his sleeve — he’s organized an event that combines the best parts of taste and sound, called, fittingly, Taste and Sound.
On normal days, El Compadre is a cash-only, BYOB joint that’s only open for breakfast and lunch. But for three evenings next week, the Bella Vista restaurant will open its doors for a truly unique musical performance that “incorporates the sounds of a meal being prepared,” as Philly Mag’s Foobooz reports. Miller performs as a trio along with North Philly percussionist Shakoor Hakeem and German bassist Vincent Op; the three musicians have played together in unusual spaces like the Free Library and the studio of mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar.
Here’s what you can expect at the Taste and Sound event, according to Philly Mag:
“Miller has had a custom chopping block built that’s got a contact microphone inside it to capture the sounds of food being sliced and diced. That will be hooked up to an effects pedal to distort and modify the sound. The sounds of crushing spices, simmering pots, and other food prep tasks will also be incorporated into the performance. Afterwards, guests will enjoy a vegetarian meal prepared by Miller during the musical portion of the evening.”
Taste and Sound happens at 7 p.m. on April 2, 3 and 4 at El Compadre. Just 20 spots are available each night, for $40 per person. Reserve a ticket by emailing tasteandsound3@gmail.com.
(h/t Foobooz)