by Jeff Stoodt
What makes Roger run? A relevant question when one considers the activities of Roger Clark Miller, who will appear on Saturday, June 22 at the Milton Arts Center. Primarily known as the co-founder and lead singer of the influential indie rock group Mission of Burma, Miller is also a short-story writer and a Frottage artist.
From noon to 2 pm, Roger Miller will discuss Frottage. In this technique (named from the French frotter, meaning “to rub”) the artist uses a pencil or other drawing tool to make a “rubbing” over a textured surface. The drawing can then be left as is (for a surrealistic effect) or used as a basis for further creative development. During his workshop you can learn this simple and inexpensive technique from an artist who’s a master at it. (Admission to the workshop is $30.)
Roger Miller’s artwork will be on display at the Milton Art Center throughout the weekend, with select pieces available for purchase.
Then there is Roger’s music in the evening. He first hit the scene in a big way from 1979 to 1983 as a member of Mission of Burma, a local group whose ferocious, cerebral sound had a powerful effect on a generation of alternative rockers such as R.E.M., Blur, and Moby. The group reunited in 2004 and still perform throughout the United States and Europe.
You may also have heard of the other musical group Roger Miller co-founded: the Alloy Orchestra. This trio creates original music for silent films. But Roger’s range doesn’t end there – he also performs psychedelic music (with Sproton Layer) and composes viola sonatas and movie soundtracks.
At 7 pm, Roger Miller will give a rare solo musical performance at the Milton Art Center. Tickets are $20 and available at the door or through the Center’s website (http://miltonfava.tumblr.com/
Just added to the show is acclaimed singer/guitarist Cameron Keiber.
Sponsored by the Blue Hills Brewery, the evening promises to be a celebration of the beginning of summer and the Milton Art Center’s newly redesigned musical space. The center, the former East Milton Library branch, is located at 334 Edge Hill Road, next to the post office in East Milton Square.