You know we love a good art + science combo. But throw moths into the mix?? We’re sold. We caught up with the creators of The Moth Project, an interdisciplinary project headed to the Long Center on February 8 centered all around — you guessed it — MOTHS. Read on to discover the ins and outs of this one-of-a-kind show.

Meet The Moth Project's Peter Kiesewalter & Whitney La Grange

Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview – anything come to mind?

The Moth Project: How about “Migration” from the album?

LC: So what exactly is The Moth Project? What can the audience expect?

The Moth Project: The Moth Project is a 75-minute multidisciplinary live show at the intersection of art and science. It features two musicians performing an eclectic set list in front of a large video screen while a range of macro photographs, slow motion video capture, and motion graphics are projected onto them.

The audience can expect moths, for sure — images, video, science, mythology — but also a between-song narrative arc about one family’s migration from Europe to North America and how we, as humans, connect with the natural world.

LC: You’re both multi-faceted musicians, as demonstrated in the show. Can you share a little bit about your backgrounds?

The Moth Project: Peter is from Canada, where he got a degree in classical clarinet performance by putting himself through school playing keyboards in rock, country, and jazz bands. He moved to NYC in 1997 and has worked as a composer and music director there since, including stints as resident composer at ABC Television and leading his own group, the East Village Opera Company, to a record deal with Decca/Universal, recording three albums (including the Grammy-nominated “Olde School”), and touring all over the world.

Whitney was born in Austin and grew up in McAllen, TX. She studied classical violin performance at the Julliard School in NYC, Yale, and earned her Masters from the University of Illinois. She plays in the pit for countless Broadway shows and performs with a wide range of artists, such as Billy Joel, Jon Batiste, Natalie Merchant, Andrea Bocelli, and Josh Groban to name a few.

LC: Why moths? What was the inspiration for the show?

The Moth Project: During the pandemic summer of 2020, Peter was in quarantine with Whitney, his three children, his brother Tobi (an Interpretive Naturalist for Parks Ontario) and his three children. Over evening campfires, while watching moths drawn to the flame, he began to imagine a show in which the mythology of “moth to the flame” is examined. What’s that about? Why do they go to the light, the flame?

Tobi began taking pictures of moths that summer, a hobby called “moth-ing.” He documented over 600 different species, a number and variety that was stunning to witness. His images, along with Peter’s own deep dive into moths in literature and art, were the catalyst for the show’s basic premise — a show with integrated visuals, noting the similar themes faced by all living creatures like life, death, transformation, migration… 

A big influence was the book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” a New York Times best seller written by the Indigenous author MacArthur Fellow and professor Robin Wall Kimmerer, who asks, “in a world that gives us maple syrup, spotted salamanders, sandhill cranes, Douglas firs… isn’t it time we paid attention?”

Peter Kiesewalter, The Moth Project
Whitney La Grange, The Moth Project

LC: As you said, this project is a combination of art and science. What is it like to turn what many think of as opposites into one shared performance?

The Moth Project: Art and science have been intertwined throughout history, particularly during the Renaissance. Artists like da Vinci used scientific inquiry to inform his art. More recently it seems like science has become politicized. We like to think of the two disciplines as two sides of the same coin — that the way we see and experience the natural world benefits from a “hearts AND minds” approach.

For example, when looking at biodiversity through both lenses, science tells us that it is important because it supports nutrient cycling, pest control, water purification, and climate regulation, while art would look at the same ecosystem and say that biodiversity is beautiful. Both are important. The case for the importance of cultural diversity is equally simple — organisms thrive in diverse ecosystems, be they natural or cultural.

LC: We know that music is a powerful tool for storytelling and introducing people to concepts and ideas they might be unfamiliar with (like moths). 

With such a wide-ranging set of music in the show — from Bach to KISS to original songs — how do you think these stories will resonate with the audience?

The Moth Project: The general story about one family’s migration to North America is universal. Most of us on this continent have ancestors that moved here from somewhere else. In that regard, audiences of all ages and demographics can relate to the story being told. The music represents moments in my life and is, by design, wide-ranging in genre in order to reflect the diversity of the moth species. People our age will recognize the pop culture references for sure.

LC: As a half Native Texan, half New Yorker duo, what are you looking forward to about bringing the show to Austin?

The Moth Project: Whitney and I come to Texas every Thanksgiving — she has a lot of family in Austin and down in the valley. Hers is a family with more than a few football stars (her dad was Texas A&M’s starting quarterback, her brother-in-law played for the Philadelphia Eagles, and her nephew’s already being scouted and courted by football programs at some big schools) so we often get swept up in the excitement of the playoffs at that time of the year. Her family has rarely seen her play the violin — it’ll be wonderful to give them a chance to see and hear what she does on a very high level.

LC: Do you have a favorite moth fun fact you like to share with folks?

The Moth Project: I’m envious of their ability to metamorphosize — they literally annihilate themselves on a cellular level, turn into goo inside their cocoons, and emerge as fabulous, winged adults. I wish I could do that! They are, in fact, the most efficient pollinators on Earth — moreso than day-flying bees.

LC: We can’t wait for the show in Rollins Theatre on February 8. What’s something you’d like people to walk away with after seeing the performance?

The Moth Project: My aim for any audience member is to walk away with a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world… while humming one of our tunes and wearing a new Moth Project t-shirt.

Thanks, Peter & Whitney!

No better way to start your “moth-ing” adventure than to see The Moth Project!

February 8 @ Rollins Theatre

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

On January 18th, hundreds of music lovers will gather in Dell Hall for the 11th Annual Sonic Guild Ball, held for the very first time at the Long Center. An organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting artists in Austin’s music community, Sonic Guild will award $150,000 in grants to some of the best up-and-coming acts in Austin – who will show us what they’ve got with live performances at the event.  

In this Mid-Week Intermission, we caught up with Sonic Guild Co-Founder Matt Ott (and LC’s new Director of Sales!) to hear more about the organization’s mission and what we can expect to see at Saturday night’s Ball.

Meet Matt Ott, Co-Founder of Sonic Guild

Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview – anything come to mind?

Matt Ott: “With a Little Help From My Friends” 

Sonic Guild’s mission is to build community to support the creation and performance of new music. Austin’s music scene is the beating heart of our city. We believe that music is art and deserves the support of the community just as the opera, theater, and symphony have been supported for decades.

LC: So Sonic Guild – can you tell us what the organization does and what you do there?

Matt Ott: We are a member-based organization where people and sponsoring businesses come together to support Austin’s music economy and the musicians who play here. We identify the best-up-and coming musicians and provide them with performance opportunities, advisory services, and financial support to help them advance their careers and create & perform extraordinary music. Over the past decade we have distributed over six million dollars to support Austin’s music scene.

LC: How did it all start and how has it grown over the years?

Matt Ott: In 2013 we looked at our music scene and saw how hard it had become for our musicians to survive, let alone thrive. Imagine being a doctor and after training for eight years, when you started practicing medicine you realized that you had to get another job or two to make ends meet. Our musicians practice for years and then pour their hearts and souls into creating the music that fuels our souls, but they struggle to live on poverty wages. Everyone we talked to wanted to help change that but didn’t know how.

So, we built Sonic Guild (formerly known as Black Fret) to allow people to join as members and provide direct financial support to Austin’s musicians and music businesses. Over the years we have grown to hundreds of members and have gathered advisors from the music industry to help Austin’s best creative talent thrive.

LC: We’re so excited to be hosting the Sonic Guild Ball in Dell Hall in just a couple weeks. What is this event all about?

Matt Ott: The Sonic Guild Ball is the culmination of our annual season. It is where we are introduced to the next class of Sonic Guild artists. These musicians have been recognized by our members, advisors, and prior year Sonic Guild Artists for extraordinary talent and potential. At the ball we will distribute $150,000 in grants to these 20 Sonic Guild artists and ten of them will perform on the Long Center’s iconic stage. In between bands, we will hear stories of how past grant winners have used the funds to supercharge their careers by recording albums, going on tour, buying instruments, etc… It’s a great party. It’s an incredible night of music. And it’s a chance to recognize and give back to a community that does so much to drive the culture and economy of Austin.

LC: Anything different about this year’s Ball that you’re excited about?

Matt Ott: This year’s Sonic Guild Ball has the potential to be our best one yet. This year we are holding it at the Long Center for the first time and cannot wait to see these incredible local bands perform in such an inspiring setting. We will also be showcasing videos and live testimonials about all the ways Sonic Guild has supported the Austin Music Scene. Everyone is aware that Sonic Guild provides grants, but at the Ball you will hear about many of our other programs like sponsoring writing and recording sessions, lining up corporate gigs, artist advising sessions, music producer support, and others.

LC: Of course, we live in a city that lives and breathes local music, but what does it mean to be able to open up this celebratory event to the broader Austin public? Anyone can buy a ticket, right?

Matt Ott: We are thrilled to be opening the Sonic Guild Ball up to the public for the first time. In the past it was a private event for our members, advisors, and sponsors. But this year we are excited to share this incredible experience with Austin’s music fans and supporters. Anyone can buy a ticket. We encourage people to gather up their group of music-loving friends and join us for an exciting and inspiring evening.

LC: Any teasers about what to expect or nuggets about the lineup you can share?

Matt Ott: At the Sonic Guild Ball, we will give away $150,000 in grants to 20 bands who have been selected as this year’s class of Sonic Guild Artists by our members, advisors and previous Sonic Guild artists. We will feature performances from ten of those bands including a number of KUTX artists of the month. We want to keep most of the line-up a surprise, but I can share a sneak preview. If you come to the Ball on January 18th, you will see performances from 10 great bands including West 22nd, The Point, Parker Woodland, and Geto Gala.

LC: How can folks get involved and continue to advocate for music and musicians on their own?

Matt Ott: The best way to get involved is to join Sonic Guild. For less than what most of us spend on coffee each month, you can become a member and get to attend public and private concerts throughout the year, vote for your favorite musicians, and know you are providing the financial and advisory support to fuel the Austin Music Scene. Go to Sonic Guild’s website to learn more about membership options, and don’t forget to buy your tickets for the Ball on January 18th.

Thanks, Matt!

Get your tickets for the Sonic Guild Ball on January 18 and support Austin’s music scene and the artists that make it special. 

Support the Soul of Austin with a Gift Today

Here at the Long Center, we believe that creativity is the center of community. That’s why we’re proud to be Austin’s go-to spot for countless interests that bring the community together. Your donation to the Long Center this season doesn’t just support this work, it celebrates it!

We’re not just about moments like these… we’re also a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the creativity they create! On this Giving Tuesday, we want to thank you for all the support you’ve given the Long Center in 2024. Your year-end gift today will help us do even more in 2025! 

Too stuffed for savings? Get $20 tickets to select shows at the LC! Get ’em now before the sale ends on Cyber Monday 12/2 at 11:59pm

Go all out — take advantage of our Black Friday sale NOW by getting a Friend Level Membership for only $95! These year-round benefits usually start at $120.

Year-End Gift 2023 | Long Center
Your Support Today, Transforms Tomorrow

We’ve made it our mission to support creativity in all its forms, and we hope this season you’ll join us and do the same. Your donation doesn’t just support our work, it’s a declaration that creativity belongs to everyone

LEVEL UP YOUR DROP-IN

Become a LC member today and and get first dibs on RSVP before the public, early entrance into the venue for you and your guests, members-only bars, and other surprises!

Amplify Austin is here – and we need your help to provide free arts experiences for K-12 students through our Long Reach for the Arts program.  Because the kids need art!