Camp Sherman hosts concert

Camp Sherman residents were treated to an unusual musical concert Saturday evening, March 25, at the Camp Sherman Community Hall.

Labirynt, a quintet of musicians playing improvisational and experimental tunes, presented the 75-minute event. Led by Western Oregon University Professor Tom Bergeron on woodwinds, the group consisted of three players from Poland and one other Western Oregon University faculty member, Keller Coker.

Bergeron had met the Polish players while touring Europe in 1994, made friendships, and joined them in European concerts. This was their first American concert and the venerable hall served up the musical notes well.

“We offer a variety of music because of our backgrounds,” said Bergeron. “Some eastern European rhythms, some jazz and some Brazilian melodies.

“The acoustics worked well for our group,” said trombone player Coker.

The band set up in the small alcove in front of the fireplace facing their audience and the half-century plus walls resonated beautifully.

Bergeron has been living in a small cabin in Camp Sherman this winter composing some of the tunes presented during the evening concert.

The opening number was a 16th century European dance melody. This was followed by compositions presented in two sets. The first presented four of Bergeron’s works and included cards and dice, these being used to select subsets randomly for the particular musical piece.

The second set featured four works by Polish bassist Krzysztof Majchrzak, who has a reputation as a highly accomplished and creative bassist in Europe.

Overall, the audience enjoyed the evening’s music.

“It’s nice to see the hall being used in so many ways,” said Camp Sherman resident Sue Shaull.