At our 2025 Festival, before the lights could even come up after the work-in-progress version of “through-lineage”, a friend turned to me and said:
“I could’ve watched that all night.”
It was the first of many, many rave reviews. After a year and a half of development, Joe and I are so excited to share the full show with you!
Joe Kye was gracious enough to sit for an interview on his process in developing “through-lineage” over the years, both before and after his work-in-progress showing at our 2025 Festival of New Performance. Check it out here!
Video and editing by Jason Rouse, archival footage shot by Seth Nehil, featured visual artist in archival footage is Qi You
Or head over to Joe’s instagram, where he’s been doing his own “making-of” series!
Show Description:
Joe goes on a musical, storytelling journey to unravel the story of his grandfather, who escaped from North Korea twice. Using looping violin and vocals, live manipulation of photographs, and a fusion of modern and ancient ritual, a full story of love, survival, and war across generations will create a concert, a ceremony, and a place of collective healing.
Artist Bio:
Portland-based musician and storyteller Joe Kye discharges worlds of emotion with his lush string loops and eclectic style. Born in Korea and raised in the United States, Joe shares his multifaceted identity with humor and vulnerability. Kye has performed for Carnegie Hall’s Migrations festival, recorded a TedX Talk, and been featured on PRI’s The World.
Thank you to Qi You, Theresa Bear, OX, Mia at Fumi, as well as Victoria Fortuna, Kate Bredeson, Liam Kaas-Lentz, and everyone else at Reed College for hosting the show.
The world premiere of “through-lineage” will be presented by Risk/Reward at Reed College, October 23rd and 24th, 2026.
For tickets, visit risk-reward.org
