Daniel Kraus' MUSICIAN premieres on Ovation in February

2007 AFF Official Selection Musician will have its television premiere 9pm CST February 17 on the Ovation Network, available in over 25 million homes. Find it on your local dial by entering your zip code at the bottom of this page.

Musician- Sunday, February 17th

Common sense says you can't make a living in America playing avant-garde improvisational jazz. But Ken Vandermark does it anyway.

Among musicians, Vandermark's work ethic is almost mythic. The Chicago reed player has released over 100 albums with nearly 40 ensembles, spends over eight months per year on the road, and lives every other waking moment composing, arranging, performing — and trying to discipline his two hyperactive canines. Though Vandermark was the recipient of a 1999 MacArthur genius grant, he still spends most of his life in smoky clubs and low-budget recording studios, hoping people will plunk down hard-earned cash to hear his wholly non-commercial music.

Following the artful cinéma vérité style of the internationally acclaimed Sheriff, Musician forgoes all interviews and voice-overs. It is a fly-on-the-wall time capsule that expertly captures every subtle sound and texture of this most American of art forms.

Biography, news, and music clips available at kenvandermark.com.