Chicago-France improvised-music exchange the Bridge taps into the city’s diverse venues for its final iteration

Since its inception in 2013, The Bridge has served as a vital conduit between improvising musicians from France and the American Midwest, fostering creative collaborations that transcend stylistic boundaries. This cultural exchange has typically involved assembling hybrid ensembles from both regions, which then tour either Chicago or France, occasionally extending to other U.S. cities. The initiative's core mission has been to challenge musicians by placing them in unfamiliar contexts, encouraging experimentation and potentially sparking lasting artistic alliances.

The current and final iteration of The Bridge features the group ConstelNation, a quintet merging talents from both sides of the Atlantic. The Chicago contingent includes Angel Bat Dawid, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist known for her versatile approach, alongside bassist Nick Macri, whose extensive experience spans various avant-garde projects. The French lineup contributes a distinctive sonic palette with Magic Malik, a flutist noted for his airy tone and jazz-pop fusion; Richard Comte, an electric guitarist who prioritizes sound texture over traditional technique; and Toma Gouband, a percussionist who incorporates unconventional materials like stones and branches into his drum setup.

ConstelNation first convened in France during the winter of 2025, and their upcoming Chicago engagements mark their final U.S. performances under The Bridge banner. Due to recent funding reductions, this exchange will not continue beyond this phase, making the upcoming concerts a significant cultural moment for the local and international improvisational music communities.

The ensemble's schedule spans October 30 through November 15, with shows not only in Chicago but also in Madison, Milwaukee, and Urbana. Chicago serves as the focal point for a series of concerts, educational workshops, and community engagements designed to deepen the connection between visiting artists and local audiences. Workshops and classes will allow musicians to interact directly with students, while smaller subsets of ConstelNation will explore collaborative opportunities with other artists or offer solo performances.

Notably, Angel Bat Dawid will be unavailable for the last five days of the residency. During this period, trombonist Jeb Bishop and vocalist-keyboardist Sharon Udoh will join the group, expanding it to a sextet and adding new dimensions to the ensemble’s sound.

The performances will occur in a variety of Chicago venues that reflect the city’s diverse cultural landscape, including Constellation, Elastic Arts, the Alliance Française de Chicago, and the Old Town School of Folk Music. The group will also appear at the Intuit Art Museum in Milwaukee and Pro Musica Audio in Chicago’s Wrightwood neighborhood, among other locations.

Additional events feature collaborative sets by participants from The Bridge project, highlighting the collective improvisational spirit that defines the exchange. These performances aim to showcase the dynamic interplay between musicians who have been brought together by The Bridge’s decade-long commitment to cross-cultural dialogue.

As The Bridge concludes its operations, its legacy remains embedded in the innovative partnerships it has nurtured and the audiences it has engaged. The final series of concerts and workshops not only celebrates this history but also underscores the challenges faced by arts organizations dependent on external funding. The Bridge’s closure prompts reflection on the importance of sustaining platforms for experimental music and international collaboration.

For those interested in witnessing this unique blend of French and Midwestern improvisational artistry, the upcoming concerts offer a rare opportunity. As ConstelNation and its members traverse the Midwest one last time under The Bridge’s auspices, their performances stand as a testament to the creative possibilities that emerge when diverse musical voices converge.