CALL FOR PERFORMERS - KCCMF

Kansas City
Contemporary Music Festival


What: The Kansas City Contemporary Music Festival (KCCMF) - 20-minute performances

Who: Hosted by newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (newEar.org)

Where: ArtsKC Southwest Blvd. KCMO

When: June 7, 2024, 6PM-9PM

Deadline: March 14, 2024, 11:59PM

Submission Requirements: 

  • Two musical samples (links to audio, video,or scores if applicable)

  • An artist statement, bio, or resume

  • Written proposal of performance. Proposals that clearly connect with our season’s theme will be given preference

  • Links to websites, social media, reviews, etc.

  • Headshot/ensemble photo 

  • A tech rider, or list of all technical needs.

More about newEar and the KCCMF:

For 31 years, newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble has been dedicated to performing the works of living composers across the region, country, and world. It is our mission to give voice to a diverse background of composers and to provide audiences with unique artistic experiences they would not find elsewhere. We program music that challenges the listener to find a new understanding of what music can encompass. 

newEar began the Kansas City Contemporary Music Festival (KCCMF) in 2017 to coincide with First Fridays in the Crossroads district as a way to engage audiences with the contemporary music scene in Kansas City. The mission of this festival is to highlight the diverse work of other performers and ensembles in the region who are contributing to contemporary music as well. KCCMF consists of a full evening of contemporary musical performances, free and open to the public, culminating with a set of acoustic and electro-acoustic chamber works by the newEar Contemporary Chamber ensemble. This festival typically attracts an audience of 300-500 people annually and is sponsored by local businesses and foundations in Kansas City.

What the Panel is looking for:

We are looking for live performances, installations, electronic music, experimental music, or interactive performances. The space can get crowded and loud throughout the evening, so ensembles that are comfortable with some background noise and/or pieces that are loud enough to cut through will be given preference. newEar will be partnering with KcEMA (the Kansas City Electronic Music Arts Alliance) for this festival to help facilitate technical needs with sound/electronics.

For newEar’s 31st season, our theme is “Escapes.” It is a season exploring the need, want, how, and why we escape. Whether its because of a dire situation we need to get away from, or the longing to change our way of life. The term “escape” is broad and can have varied meanings, we invite you to consider including these ideas in your proposal.

newEar is asking that proposals include as much technical needs and information as possible. This can be written in a document or organized in a tech rider. Proposals that have clear explanations of technical needs for the performance will be given preference.

Artists will be paid after the event with an agreed upon percentage of donations collected throughout the festival, plus an honorarium pending grant funding and sponsorships.

Proposals will be assessed by a committee made of members of newEar’s artistic committee, the KcEMA board, and other members of the Kansas City contemporary music community. newEar and KcEMA will not discriminate any submission on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. Performers will be notified by mid-to-late March with a contract and further guidelines/instructions for the performance.

Technical and logistical requirements

Performers MUST be available during the afternoon of June 7th for setup and soundcheck between 1:00 and 5:00pm. All soundchecks must be finished by 5:00pm. After the performances all equipment and personnel must be out of The Bauer by 10:00pm.

Due to the limitations of the space newEar is unable to provide a piano for performances. Any ensemble wishing to use a piano must provide their own electric keyboard.

Performers must provide their own music stands and/or small tables as needed.

Because of the noise level in the space with such a large audience all acoustic performers will need to be amplified, which will be provided by KcEMA. Any ensemble utilizing electronic elements must provide audio connection details for KcEMA as well, and should include these in the proposal form.

Due to the limited availability of projection space, video projection will not be available for performances. 

For further questions or concerns contact newear.production.coordinator@gmail.com.