Feestet (ft. Frank McKearn IV) at North Street Cabaret

Feestet—who have finalized their name after previously appearing as Feest, Helen Feest Quartet, and Helen Feest Quintet—have covered a lot of ground as an eccentric jazz act that’s not afraid to take risks. Made up of vocalist Helen Feest, pianist Luke Leavitt, bassist Ari Smith, guitarist Anthony Utehs, and drummer Matty Benjamin Allen, Feestet’s musical imprint should be familiar to anyone versed in Madison’s jazz scene. For their forthcoming show at North Street Cabaret, Feestet will be joined by Frank McKearn IV on EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument). An ancestor of the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument), the EVI has a fascinating, tumultuous history that ultimately ends with its production being abandoned in 1996. As a result, the instrument—created by studio musician Nyle Steiner in the early 70s—is now considered a relative rarity.

McKearn—a Beloit native—is presently a Chicago-based audio engineer who has a long history with Madison-based jazz musicians (McKearn cites Darren Sterud as a significant mentor). While McKearn is most often regarded as a trumpet player, his work of late with the EVI has allowed his reputation within the jazz circuit to take on an additional dimension. On May 11, Feestet and McKearn are set to perform “a special blend of arranged jazz classics, collaborations, and original music,” per the show description on their website. For attendees, it’ll be a chance to familiarize themselves with a bit of musical history. 

—Steven Spoerl