The 50 Shoes

The 50 Shoes" is a project that began in the mid-90s and is finally returning with a new lineup after a three-year hiatus. A "Shoe" is a short poem set to music. A "50 Shoes" performance entails the reading and performing of these brief pieces in rapid succession. "The 50 Shoes" is also the troupe of intrepid performers who perform these pieces at places like the Contemporary Arts Center, the Art Academy of Cincinnati, InkTank, VOLK, and the Playhouse in the Park.

Founding members Eric Appleby and Matt Hart are also the co-Editors of literary journal Forklift, Ohio: A Journal of Poetry, Cooking, and Light Industrial Safety, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2005. Hart is a widely-published poet and an instructor at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Appleby is an obscure composer by night and an Electronic Marketing Director by day. The pair are also behind a series of bands, including Clifford Nevernew, Travel, Seven Speed Vortex, and The National Trust.

Hart sings, whispers, speaks and shouts the words he wrote while Appleby accompanies on toy piano, bass guitar, and tap shoes. Multi-intrumentalist Matt Reynolds (Freekbass, 4Track Allstars) plays saxophones, flute, and clarinet. Christian Schmit (nee Uncle Glockenspeil) provides percussion and all manner of sound effects. Jane Carver (And How, Best Pedestrian) contributes keyboards and vocals, while Forrest Griffen (former 97X WOXY DJ and current WNKU personality) narrates The 50 Shoes. Sculptor Mary Anne Cowgill decorates the actual shoes that surround the stage.

The 50 Shoes are fun for all ages. Some are tuneful, some noisy, others poignant, but all are brief.