((( O ))) and Küf Knotz / Christine Elise at August Hall

by Jon Bauer

Who is ((( O ))) ? Her website says that the name is “not pronounceable” and that the correct spelling is:

1. open parenthesis x 3
2. (space)
3. (capital…) O
4. (space)
5. closed parenthesis x 3

Ok, so that’s her name and we know how to spell it. But WHO is she? She’s a force. She’s a flutist, she’s a dancer, she’s a singer, she’s an anomaly in all the best ways. She’s June Marieezy – a Filipino-American singer and songwriter who has created some of the most delicate and compelling music I’ve heard in years.

Last night’s show at the beautiful August Hall (a perfect backdrop to the earthy and etherial elements of the show) was a celebration – for both ((( O ))) and for the enthusiastic audience. Starting with some slow and sensual dancing on a small platform on the back of the stage, she then dove into her discography of the 5 “sundrop” released albums. She has pledged to be releasing one of these “sundrop” albums once every year. Every full moon, for 12 years – she’ll release “moondrops” – individual songs.

On stage, her presence is intimate and atmospheric. Her music is celestial, dreamy, and introspective. Throughout the night, you could feel the audience get more and more drawn into her world. Her vocals and emotion are central to her music. Her voice – delicate and haunting, conveys a wide array of emotions. Just as captivating, her music has roots in R&B and soul, with subtle electronic elements woven in adding depth and texture to each song.

It was a captivating and emotionally resonant experience. Highly recommended.

Opening for ((( O ))) was a super interesting duo – Küf Knotz and Christine Elise. Küf’s hip-hop, soul, and new age vibes melded beautifully with Christine’s ethereal falsetto voice and moving harp playing. The audience loved their vibe and were dancing and singing along with each song.