This event is a musical performance with the Deciphering Broken Rhythms Collective. The collective will play compositions that combine Jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music with traditional Japanese and Okinawan music. In addition, these compositions will include computer improvisation and music generation systems using cutting-edge and emerging technologies. The collective will play and improvise with these systems to show how these technologies, which Silicon Valley has leveraged to displace communities of color in the Bay Area, can be used to reclaim, liberate, and expand upon our cultural narratives. In addition, these carefully curated compositions also form a parallel and cohesive narrative, delving into my upbringing in a mixed heritage household and tracing my journey through life's different stages. They explore themes of generational trauma, mental health, and racial and cultural identity and how it relates to my and my family's relation to science and technology. Following the concert, there will be a panel where the musicians will discuss their approaches, philosophies, and experiences interacting with the computer systems and how they believe these technologies can be used to explore the transformative power of Jazz and futurism.

Deciphering Broken Rhythms Bios Musicians

Scott Oshiro is a fluatist, composer, and music technology researcher. As an African and Okinawan American, Scott’s work combines influences from his heritage with Jazz, Hip Hop, and Electronic music. He recently received his Ph.D. at Stanford University, where he researched the intersection between quantum computing, music, and culture. 

Francis Wong is a longtime musician and community worker with roots in the Asian American Consciousness Movement. He is proud to be faculty in Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. In his 42 year career, he has an expansive legacy of performances, recordings, and publications.

Kumi Maxson is a bass player and anti-imperialist activist. They utilize improvisation to explore pathways to liberated states of being and create sonic spaces where imaginations of resistance and restructuring can thrive. Their artistic practice is grounded in connection and material analysis of the role of music in society. 

DJean Vasciannie is a creative improvisatory musician and technologist, residing in San Francisco. Originally from Rochester, NY and trained in Jazz studies/Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music, DJean hopes to influence the way society creates, consumes, and learns about music and sound via technology. This is especially true for marginalized communities.

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