Bobby Previte’s Diorama
2010-2011 Swing Space Resident, 14 Wall Street, 31st Floor
Bobby Previte prevents Diorama, a solo drum concert performed for one listener at a time in LMCC newest Swing Space on the 31st floor at 14 Wall Street donated by Capstone Equities.
In Previte’s Diorama, each listener enters a small room and sits directly behind the drum set. Unaware of their identity, Previte plays an improvised piece for his solo audience member. The strange, heightened intimacy of the interaction and the expansive, panoramic view of the space create a concert of extremes and oppositions.
Bobby Previte’s first stage appearance came in 1956 at the Niagara Falls Community Talent Show where, dressed in an over-sized suit and slinging a guitar, he belted out a solo rendition of Elvis’ hit, “Hound Dog.” After discovering his love for music, Previte saved up for a 1965 Rogers "Holiday” model drum kit in blue sparkle, which he still uses today. Since then he has played an astonishing range of venues, from the Palace Burlesque House in Buffalo, to Gloria’s Corral Club in Kentucky, to New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and in South America, Europe, Russia, Japan, and Australia.
In 1968, while walking in the West Village, Previte spotted Jimi Hendrix in a limo. He quickly unfurled the Jimi poster he happened to have with him, and watched in amazement as Hendrix smiled and flashed Previte the peace sign.
All the rest, as they say, is noise.
Diorama will be presented Friday, March 12, 6-10PM, Saturday, March 13, 1-5PM, and Friday, March 19, 6-10PM
