Minor Empire’s ‘Sonic Colliders’ Series sees award-winning

Toronto group collaborating with world-renowned guitar and oud

virtuosos from New York to Oslo

Toronto’s Minor Empire is planning a busy year of new

releases and a unique collaborative concert series under the banner Sonic Colliders. The three-part series will see the band performing with world-renowned virtuosos Avi Bortnik, Eivind Aarset, and Ara Dinkjian as they explore and expand on the full spectrum of their vaunted outer-national, Anatolian-inspired soundscapes.

Their music takes listeners on a voyage of the imagination. It’s a unique sound and style that largely defies categorization and stereotypes, but their heady mix of middle-eastern roots, rock, jazz and lush contemporary sonic ambience has attracted fans far and wide.

This three-part series of concerts will feature Minor Empire’s full ensemble performing and collaborating in real time with its special guests in electrifying presentations. From deep grooves to scintillating solos and unexpected

explorations, these concerts promise to be unique sonic experiences for fans of cinematic, diverse and soulful music.

Co-leader Ozan Boz said of the series: "These are the musicians who have shaped our taste in music and had a grand impact on how we approach music making. Avi’s powerful propulsive rhythm, Eivind’s swarming otherworldly soundscapes and Ara’s soulful melodies have all inspired and influenced us over the years. We are beyond excited about the magic that will be created and shared on stage."

SONIC COLLIDERS SERIES – GROOVE SERIES

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Avi Bortnick is an American jazz guitarist who became widely known for his association with jazz legend John Scofield. Bortnick joined Scofield's jam-oriented band in 2000 and appears on Überjam, Up All Night, and Überjam Deux as both a player and co-producer. Avi has one of the deepest pockets on the scene and his deep groove will be a guaranteed highlight of the opening series.