Stanley Schumacher and the Music Now Ensemble to Perform Friday

Bethlehem-based Stanley Schumacher and the Music Now Ensemble will perform at the Nazareth Center for the Arts beginning at 8 p.m. Friday.

The ensemble performs contemporary art music that is both spontaneous and diverse.

Schumacher and the Music Now Ensemble, which is a quartet, was founded in 2003. Members include:

• Stanley Schumacher (trombone, voice)
• Jason Smeltzer (theremin)
• Matt Engle (double bass)
• Mike Szekely (percussion)

According to Schumacher’s website, the band has released five CDs, the most recent being, “Way Cool."

"Way Cool,” Stanley Schumacher and the Music Now Ensemble’s fifth recording, finds this avant-garde ensemble once again balanced precariously on the cutting edge of new art music.  And once again, the Bethlehem-based artist has proved that German expressionism and the anarchy of Dadaism are still very much alive and well.” - Steve Siegel - The Morning Call

When it comes to his music, Schumacher simply says, “Relax, open your ears and your mind, turn on your sense of humor and enjoy the music.”

Admission is free. Donations to benefit the Nazareth Center for the Arts are welcome.