Bird-like is a multimedia performance and exhibition observing reflections of humanity in Missouri’s avian life. Don’t miss this free, one-night-only event at Kansas City Art Institute’s Epperson Auditorium.

Bird-like features the music of composer Cooper Ottum, a series of animated ink drawings by Cara Strever, and a video-installation and performance directed by Mark Allen.

Inspired by native bird species of the midwest and the documentary work of John James Audubon, Bird-like examines the human tendency to anthropomorphize bird behavior. A curated gallery installed within Epperson Auditorium becomes the stage for a series of scenes of live music, processed sound, projected animation, and performance art, with each scene reflecting on particular bird species or characteristics: the cold, distant circling of vultures; the bombastic, capricious thumping of nuthatches and woodpeckers; the the endearing monogamy of cardinals; the cruel subterfuge of cowbirds, and the flock mentality of starlings.

Featured performers include Gigi Harris, Jillian Youngbird, and musicians from the UMKC Conservatory (Yee Ling Elaine Ng and Yi-Miao Huang, violins, Mei-Chun Chen, viola, Qizhen Liu, cello, and Gayoung Park, piano), with fashion design by Rachel Anne Gottlieb.

Bird-like is presented as part of the ArtSounds 10th Anniversary season in conjunction with the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and the Kansas City Art Institute. The performance is free and open to the public. More event information can be found on this page, or on Facebook.