Call for Adventurous Musicians
Location: MN — Twin Cities Metro
Type: Call for Submissions
Categories:
Music
Deadline: 05/18/2025
No entry fee required
Open to artists statewide
Paid opportunity ($175 per artist per set)
Call for Adventurous Musicians
Music in the Trees: ecologically based music event
August 16-17, 2025
Belwin Conservancy is looking for four duets (or solos) with strong improvisational skills to perform from tree hunting stands (16’ high, individual seats attached to trees within Belwin’s seven-acre, red pine grove). Open to vocalists, instrumentalists, body percussionists, and all combinations. Through music in communion with the sounds of the forest, we will create community with the land and with one another.
EVENT
A diverse group of instrumentalists and vocalists will perform among Belwin’s red pine restoration at this two-day outdoor event. Both days will feature musicians collaborating and improvising among the red pine grove, one of Belwin’s oldest areas. Music in the Trees will feature a different set of performers and a fully accessible hour-long performance will be held during the final hour each day. Past performers have included Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, Titambe West African Drum Group, and more! This is a one-of-a-kind event!
DATE AND TIME: Saturday, August 16th 11am – 3pm & Sunday, August 17th 11am – 3pm
LOCATION: Red Pine Grove on Belwin’s Education Site next to the Hilltop Classroom – 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton, MN 55001
SCHEDULE
● Saturday, August 16th 11am – 3pm
● Sunday, August 17th 11am – 3pm
● Tree Stand Ensembles will play between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on a rotating basis. Each ensemble will play either one or two, 50-minute sets.
● There will be two sound installations located in other parts of the woods with found materials for audiences to use as percussion to play along.
● From 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm each day will be a fully accessible performance.
GOALS
1. Provide a setting for musicians to work surrounded by and with nature.
2. Expand audience learning and understanding of music/sound through performances that feature natural sounds.
3. Create an event featuring musicians from diverse communities.
4. Foster a fun, creative, and curious exploration of ecology for youth and adults.
5. Create a sensory-friendly experience where diverse audiences can participate.
6. Create an aesthetically beautiful event to match the complex beauty of the grove.
7. Create a welcoming atmosphere where audiences and performers from diverse cultures feel connected to one another and to nature.
REQUIREMENTS:
● Must be “attuned” to nature and willing to improvise with surrounding natural sounds.
● Must meet with event’s music director Susan Haugh in June/July to discuss music and practice playing in the trees – bring your ideas to the meeting!
● Must be able to play instruments in sun or rain.
● Must be comfortable with heights.
COMPENSATION
Each individual will be paid $175 per 50-minute set.
TIMELINE
Application Process: Go to https://forms.gle/KbN5r3hi9U12EYBu5 to fill out the form to express your interest Application
Dates: April 4 – May 18th, 2025
Final Day of Application: Sunday, May 18th, 11:59pm CT
Notification of Selected Artists: Friday, May 23 rd, 2025
Site Visits: May 27th – July 3rd, 2025
Rehearsals (Optional): August 1st – August 15th, 2025
Event: Saturday, August 16th 11am – 3pm, and Sunday August 17th 11am – 3pm
Feel free to reach out with any questions to:
Amanda Hanlon: amanda.hanlon@belwin.org
Susan Haugh: susan.haugh@belwin.org (651) 425-1147