That 1 Guy

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United States

Often lauded for his invention of The Magic Pipe, That 1 Guy, aka Mike Silverman, should also be lauded as a classically trained bassist, as a winner of a Dave Brubeck Jazz Scholarship, and as a bizarre musical genius. His Magic Pipe is seven feet of galvanized steel and hardware store trinkets, and the metallic, one-stringed instrument is brought to life by an array of electronic gadgets. Silverman claims the pipe, “not only has a limitless harmonic and sonic range, but limitless rhythmic possibilities as well.” Drawing on his classical music training, Silverman writes songs that combine elements of classical music with indigenous tribal rhythms and electronic beats. 

When That 1 Guy performs live, sometimes singing two of his seminal arrangements from Songs in the Key of Beotch, “It’s Raining Meat” and “Weasel Potpie,” he is one of the most original performers you will ever see. He often uses both hands, both feet, and all thirty-two of his teeth to make The Magic Pipe, an instrument akin to a didgeridoo, produce wholly original melodies. Since the early 1990s, Silverman has shared the stage with artists such as Ani DiFranco, Soul Coughing, and Naughty By Nature. He has also performed around the world, and received the Tapwater Award for Best Musical Act at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

The songs from The Moon is Disgusting, his recent follow-up album, serve as further evidence that Silverman is a completely original songwriter who will be selling out shows for years to come. We are fortunate to have him with us at this year’s Festival.

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