The Family that Plays Together…
A Music Collaboration with Nameless Sound
Hillerbrand+Magsamen: nothing is precious, everything is game
Date
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 6–8 PM
Location
FotoFest at Silver Street Studios, Entrance 1
2000 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007
RSVP
Program
FotoFest and Nameless Sound present The Family that Plays Together…, an evening of intergenerational music-making in an intimate setting, featuring CHALLENGER and House of Ward. These Houston-based “family bands” will bring their sibling, parental, and filial dynamics to the stage, blending deep-rooted relationships with the spirit of experimentation.
The performances draw inspiration from the concurrent exhibition nothing is precious, everything is game, a career survey of artists Stephan Hillerbrand and Mary Magsamen that transforms everyday objects and family rituals into profound reflections on art, life, and togetherness. Expect an unforgettable night where sound, family, and creativity intersect.
About
About CHALLENGER
CHALLENGER is comprised of sculptor/musician Randi Long and her mother Donna “Sally” Brannon. Described by themselves: "CHALLENGER is either a monologue with a bratty accompanist, or an instrument with an unreliable mouthpiece. Oscillating between tension and release, confidence and vulnerability, fact and fiction—CHALLENGER is an unhinged clash of mother and daughter fighting for recognized individualism with the immature hope for collective catharsis.”
Every CHALLENGER concert is distinct, and nothing should be expected. But we’ve been told that the “instrumentation” for this outing will be: “Rocks, paper, scissors/secrets and dialogue from movies/motors and microphones.”
About House of Ward
Led and parented by Mvskoke composer/woodwind player Aryn Ward and husband/trombonist/band director Jacob Ward, The House of Ward also includes: Jaycie (14 years old) on euphonium, Jaxton (11) on French horn, Joshua (10) on alto sax, and Journey (7) on recorder and percussion.
In their own words: “Whether performing original compositions, spontaneous improvisations, or playful family collaborations, the House of Ward invites audiences into a space of music, laughter, and shared story. Their concerts celebrate the joys of growing, learning, and creating together as a family.”
About Nameless Sound
Nameless Sound gathers communities for listening experiences with a diverse range of international, national, and local artists in the fields of experimental music and sound art. Though concerts are held at various Houston sites, Nameless Sound can be found every Monday night at Lawndale Art Center for their They, Who Sound series.
Nameless Sound’s workshop program embeds practicing musical artists in communities for participant-centered workshops that use musical improvisation towards goals of healing, learning, creative work, and play. In addition to open sessions for adults and children at MECA, 1500 youth per year are served in Houston public schools, homeless shelters, immigrant/refugee communities, and other after-school programs.
Volunteer
Interested in volunteering? Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.
Parking
Free parking is available at the lot opposite Silver Street Studios. The entrance to Silver Street Studios is located at 2001 Edwards St, Houston, TX 77007, under the Silver Street marquee. Drive all the way in, then turn left when reaching the large parking area. You will see a wooden deck leading to Silver Street Studio's Entrance 1.
Partner
This program is co-presented with Nameless Sound.
Image Credit
Courtesy of the performers.
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