Date: November 2000Place: National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum Chicago Il
What I Remember From the War (WIRFW)
Project Description
WIRFW was a fund raising program that showcased the chamber music of Kimo Williams. Specifically, the world premiere of his Quartet For the Sons of Nam (QFSON) definitive version. Initially written in 1987, this quartet has gone through major revisions and rearrangements. In that QFSON was the first classical work written by James Kimo Williams, it represents his attempt at providing the listener with a scrapbook of his recollections from the Vietnam War. The symphonic version of his work was premiered in November 1990 and has been played annually by major orchestras throughout the United States.
This concert presentation of QFSON represented the clarity that the composer was attempting through the many revisions of his symphony. In February of 1999, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performed the definitive final symphonic version of this work. WIRFW is the premiere of the string quartet definitive version.
The event began at 6pm with a catered reception at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum (NVVAM). At 6:45pm attendees moved to the first floor of the NVVAM for remarks by the executive director of ArtSynergy, Kimo Williams. Following his remarks, QFSON was be premiered. Audience members were be asked to experience the art and music as one by positioning themselves throughout the museum next to a selected art work while the Revolution String Quartet preformed.
Date: January 4th 2001
Place: Getz Theater Columbia College Chicago
Vet Conversations - Vietnam and the music of Jimi Hendrix: a multi media presentation
Project Description
With his band, "The Band of Jimis"(BOJ), Vietnam Veteran Kimo Williams performed the music of Jimi Hendrix, presented photographes that he took in Vietnam and talked about the music of Jimi Hendrix and its impact on him both as a soldier in Vietnam and as a composer. This event was a benefit for ArtSynergy.
BOJ is Kimo Williams - bass and vocals, Ernie Denov - guitar, and Rick Vitek - Drums
BOJ formed in the summer of 1992 after guitarist Ernie Denov heard Kimo Williams' War Stories rendition of The Wind Cries Mary.
