Trance Mission
Formed by world-renowned didgeridoo pioneer and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Kent and award-winning clarinetist and composer
Beth Custer, the San Francisco-based “4th World” band Trance Mission makes genre-bending music perhaps best described as a new form of contemporary global jazz, with driving intricate rhythms & gorgeous soaring melodies – worldly and otherworldly soundscapes that invite audiences into a unique universe of groove and new possibility in music.
With a classic catalogue of four globally acclaimed CDs and an upcoming NEW release dropping in summer 2019, Trance Mission, now a trio with virtuoso drummer/electronic artist Peter Valsamis, is reentering the musical stratosphere with energy and vitality.
Beth Custer (bass clarinet, alto clarinet Bb clarinet) is an Emmy award-winning composer and performer writing for film, TV, theatre and dance productions. Both as a solo artist and bandleader she has recorded many acclaimed original works and is renowned for her exquisite & diverse clarinet playing across the entire clarinet family. She has toured internationally with Trance Mission, Club Foot Orchestra, Clarinet Thing, Eighty Mile Beach, and The
Beth Custer Ensemble.
Stephen Kent (didgeridoo, cello-sintir, percussion) has received international acclaim as a driving force in bringing the Australian Aboriginal didgeridoo into contemporary music. A multi-instrumentalist & composer, he is well established in the global music scene, collaborating with an extraordinary range of luminary musicians including Airto Moreira (Brazil), Omar Sosa (Cuba), Zakir Hussain (India), Habib Koite (Mali), Leonard Eto (Japan), Chirgilchin (Tuva), Steve Roach/R. Carlos Nakai (USA). His catalog of releases includes 7 solo albums and many more with group projects including Trance Mission and Baraka Moon. Stephen also hosts Music of the World and Off the Beaten Path on Pacifica Radio's KPFA (94.1FM)
Peter Valsamis (drum set, dumbek, electronics) is based in Los Angeles. His extraordinary approach to drumming synthesizes a variety of musical styles into his own unique sound. He has performed with Cecil Taylor, Emeline Michel, Martine St. Clair, Mitsou, Don Preston, Walter Aziz, Steve Lacy, Trance Mission and many others. An accomplished composer and sound designer he has worked on titles such as Transformers, Star Trek, Battleship, The Price is Right, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. Peter received his M.F.A. in Electronic Music and Recording Media from Mills College.
What critics say about Trance Mission:
“This dynamic trio gives urban tribalism a whole new soundtrack!” - San Jose Mercury News
“The digital aura remarkably marries the indigenous instrumentation with a rare naturalness, resonating with the full flame of world-derived trance power.” — Sam Prestianni
“A unique Aboriginal, African and European fusion. Their rhythmic, trance-inducing music for didgeridoo, drums and electronics makes a perfect soundtrack.” — j. poet
“This is such deep, exploratory, soulful music...unlike anything I’ve ever heard...its progressive, jazzy, tribal, traditional, jamming, driving, trance rhythms...I hear something new every time I put this CD on.” — Dirty Linen
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available at the link below, or you may purchase your tickets at the door the night of the show. Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby).
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!
Tickets Here