Black Frames

Gigging in the Kansas City area more often than most local musicians, Seattle’s Mike Dillon not only displays his talents in an area venue almost monthly but also does so with a variety of acts. Malachy Papers, Hairy Apes BMX and Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade are just a few of the groups to recruit the accomplished percussionist. The latest incarnation to come to town is Black Frames, an instrumental outfit that emphasizes vibraphones and marimbas. Dillon, whose trio Garage A Trois released one of the most compelling wordless works in recent memory earlier this year, often works as a freelance contributor, but with Black Frames he composes as well. A manic performer who brandishes his mallets like Keith Moon held drumsticks, Dillon is always worth seeing live, regardless of the project with which he happens to be touring.