Meet the Performers
Chicago Magazine's "Drum Roles" by Jessi Roti spotlights Third Coast Percussion - and their February 25 appearance at Nova Linea Musica.
Publish Date:
February 26, 2026
Nova Linea Musica Featured in Chicago Magazine: Third Coast Percussion's Bold New Chapter
Nova Linea Musica's February concert with Third Coast Percussion was featured in the February 2026 issue of Chicago Magazine. The article, "Drum Roles" by Jessi Roti, explored the ensemble's fearless creativity, their collaborative process, and the new music shaping their season - including a new work by composer JaRon Brown that received its NLM premiere on February 25, 2026 at Gottlieb Hall.
This recognition highlighted Third Coast Percussion's ongoing artistic evolution and celebrated Nova Linea Musica's commitment to presenting today's most compelling voices in contemporary classical music.
Inside the Feature
The article opened with a vivid rehearsal moment: the four members of Third Coast Percussion gathered around a single marimba to navigate the intricate choreography of JaRon Brown's new piece, This Too Shall Pass. Brown's music was described as imaginative and tightly crafted, infused with lightness, playfulness, and rhythmic clarity - a catalyst for collaborative movement among the players.
The quartet reflected on how this kind of writing challenges them in the best possible ways: energizing rather than overwhelming, stretching their artistry in unexpected directions. They described these challenges as "musical vitamins" - invigorating, nourishing, and essential to their growth. Throughout, Third Coast Percussion emphasized the power of working with new composers to expand their artistic world. Each collaboration becomes an opportunity to discover fresh sonic colors, new ways of shaping time, and a deeper connection to audiences.
A Year of Artistic Exploration
The Chicago Magazine feature highlighted the ensemble's wide-ranging artistic partnerships, spanning collaborations with Philip Glass, Wilco's Glenn Kotche, and electronic innovator Jlin. Their album Staggered Stages also appeared prominently - a project reflecting their continued commitment to bold, genre-crossing creativity.
The Evening at Nova Linea Musica
The February 25 concert brought audiences an unusually intimate encounter with Third Coast Percussion's artistic world - the kind of close-up experience where musicianship and physical energy feel immediate and alive. The program featured JaRon Brown's inventive new composition, the dynamic interplay that defines the ensemble, and the creative spirit that has carried them through twenty years of groundbreaking performance.
