Conspiracy of Beards (Leonard Cohen Choir) @ Blue Six February 16, 2008

San Francisco's Conspiracy of Beards is 30-man choir from that performs gritty, original arrangements of the songs of Leonard Cohen. This a capella group has had a string of acclaimed performances at Bay Area venues, including the Cafe du Nord, the Great American Music Hall, and The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The choir has also been featured on National Public Radio's "West Coast Live," on KFOG-FM, and on PBS television station KQED-TV.

Transforming Cohen's simple melodies into complex 4- and 5-part harmonies, the group achieves a sound that is both robust and tender. One can hear influences of indie rock, jazz, gospel, barbershop, classical and even doo-wop in the unique arrangements the choir selects. Using the genius of Cohen's words, the Beards inspire their audience members to ponder romance, politics, sex, longing and spirituality, all amid laughter and cheers.

Also on the bill...

Aaron Novik's Floating World, a chamber pop band with vocals, horns, violin, piano, bass, and drums, will be opening and closing the evening.

Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/conspiracyofbeards