Shemie sets new musical stage in Westmount Park

The 28-year-old native Westmounter will be back in his old childhood stomping grounds, bringing with him a unique blend of electro-acoustic music and contemporary electronica performed against the backdrop of the park’s natural environment.

“I wanted to work with the sound of the park itself,” said Shemie at his home studio on the Plateau. Rather than competing with the ambient noise of the outdoor setting, both live and recorded natural sound is incorporated into the show. Though in essence a computer-generated production, Shemie’s 'Stages' includes samples of instrumental music previously captured in the park, contributing to the diversity of sound sources he uses.

'Stages' promises to be a multi-dimensional sensory experience. Broadcast in eight-channel surround sound, Shemie’s music will be accompanied by video projections from visual artist Paul Warne. Over the course of the approximately hour-long set, the rhythm and mood of both sound and image will progress in synch with the gradual fading of daylight to darkness.

Audience members are invited to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. “It’s casual,” said Shemie. “You’re encouraged to get up and walk around, get different perspectives. It’s not a formal thing.”

Though he has staged similar live performances in the past, this will be Shemie’s first Westmount showcase. Originally slated for presentation at the Summit Circle reservoir, logistical planning with the City over the past year proved Westmount Park a more feasible location.

Shemie acknowledges the personal significance of performing in this milieu: “I grew up right next to the park and spent more than half my life here, so I know it inside out. It’s close to my heart.”

Sunday night’s electro-acoustic experience is free and Shemie encourages residents of all ages and musical persuasions to come and check it out. “I think anyone who comes will enjoy it,” he said. “Just the fact that it will be outside — the experience of being there will trump whatever one’s aesthetic tastes in music.”

Shemie has but one concern for the success of the show: 'Stages' will only take place weather permitting.

• 'Stages' by Ben Shemie will be presented at 8 p.m. this Sunday, Aug. 24, in Westmount Park. Free admission.