The Northwoods Improvisers and Session at Cliff Bell’s

The Northwoods Improvisers came together in 1976, originally playing electro-acoustic improvised music before switching to all-acoustic instrumentation in 1980. The sextet includes Mike Johnston on bass, Nick Ashton on drums, Donovan Boxey and Dominic Bieringa on saxophones, Jack O’Brien on cello, and Mike Khoury on violin. Their music mixes composed pieces with collective improvisation, Eastern modes, and Native American elements. Members have a long shared history and previously collaborated with Detroit composer Faruq Z. Bey. Their performance at Cliff Bell’s showcased their rich and unique acoustic sound.