Quiet Friend
thirteen concerts in Columbia, Missouri
taking place on nights of full moons in 2026
Yoga Sol, 210 St James St
7:30pm music start
free of charge; donations accepted
all ages welcome
shoes off at the door
2026 dates (also 2026 full moons)
Sat, Jan 3
Sun, Feb 1
Tue, Mar 3
Wed, Apr 1
Fri, May 1
Sun, May 31
Mon, Jun 29
Wed, Jul 29
Thu, Aug 27
Sat, Sep 26
Sun, Oct 25
Tue, Nov 24
Wed, Dec 23
PAQ *
What is this, in a nutshell?
A series of live music performances that are intended to promote quiet, contemplation, and reflection.
One set per event, roughly an hour in duration.
What sounds might I hear?
Probably, you’ll hear music that sounds like ambient, New Age, drone, or minimalism. If those concepts are unfamiliar, or you have pre-formed ideas about them, just know that this is partly an exploration of these music forms, which have always been tricky to define anyway.
Is it acoustic or electronic?
Primarily electronic, amplified at a moderate volume.
Is there video or a visual component?
As creative and technical limitations permit, there will be video elements. They will likely be abstract or non-narrative.
What is the goal?
Providing a focused, reflective group listening experience for all present.
Why does this exist?
Because a quiet friend is something we all need, want, and deserve. That friend likely won’t be the musician, but this is a space where you can conduct your own search for it, whatever it is.
And, to explore types of music that don’t often get played live in front of other people, and to see how that goes.
If I attend, what is requested of me?
Quiet attention; if this is impossible, just quiet. Conversations should be taken outside.
Am I cool enough for this?
Yes.
This is at a yoga studio. Is there yoga at this show?
No, this is not affiliated with any yoga tradition or practice. Yoga or dancing or movement by people in the room is certainly not discouraged. We value this yoga studio as a calming, welcoming, non-religious, and non-political space. While we recognize that a yoga studio, despite its best efforts, is not actually welcoming to all people, we hope this is pretty close to that.
Is this meant to heal in some way?
We are interested in the healing properties of music generally, and specific musical techniques or frequencies or rituals for healing. However, this series is not intended to provide specific healing, which at any rate would happen from within. It would be nice though, wouldn’t it?
Is there seating?
There are a number of folding chairs available, first come-first served. Otherwise, you might lie down, sit on the floor in a meditative posture (or not), stand, or a combination of these. Yoga mats and props are also available. In order to protect the floor, no BYO seating, but we’ll do our best to accommodate mobility needs.
What are the house rules?
- You must remove your shoes at the door. This is in order to protect the floor.
- No food or drink inside. But, you can eat/drink on the deck outside.
- There is a bathroom. You can use it.
- If you use yoga props, please put them back.
Is there chanting or group participation?
No.
Why the full moons?
To remind us that there are things happening outside and beyond us all the time, regardless of the circumstances of our day-to-day. Not just celestial things. The full moon stands in for any number of similar cycles, which you may wind up contemplating.
To bring attention, on some level, to the presence of the full moon and its effect on individual bodies and minds of all types. Thus, to detect any feelings or sensations, and to consider the effects of the moon on our bodies and minds.
How woo woo is this?
Entirely. All things are possible here. (And everywhere, which is something that may be brought to your attention.)
How ironic is this?
Not at all. Through these events, we sincerely want to explore and build connections in our community, or in the individuals in attendance. We realize that some sounds or ideas might be cheesy, dated, or otherwise unappealing. You can be assured that they’ll be used with sincerity regardless.
Do I have to be a yoga person or a member of the studio?
You don’t have to be a yoga person, or any other type of person, to attend. This is not specifically for yoga people, music people, or anyone else. It is for anyone and/or everyone.
Are the studio and event accessible?
Yes, the studio is accessible. There will be devices available that amplify audio. We would love to know about any requests for hearing assist devices, or any other accessibility questions, ahead of time.
So who is actually playing the music? Who is doing this?
Most of the time, probably the person who’s writing this, Travis Bird. (Despite using the “we” pronoun, which I’m doing in case in the future some part of this series is not done by me.) I live in Columbia, work with True/False, put on film screenings with my nonprofit Disarm Cinema, and am a musician and parent and etc.
On an event-production level, this series was conceived to be pretty simple. I initially wanted to curate performers, but right away that made it feel very big. Even though it’s more of a lift for me—as well as a serious privilege, to basically make up my own music gig—this way makes more sense at the moment.
Also, I want these events to be “you’ll hear a certain vibe of music here,” more than “this person is performing, come see them do what they do.” The music is meant to be sort of incidental to the experience, not to draw monthly attention to myself. Think of it like a projectionist in a movie theater: they’re there, guiding you through the experience of watching the movie, but you don’t really think about them.
That said, if you’re into this kind of music or happening, or want to play, please get in touch!
How did you decide on these dates? I looked it up and the full moon is actually occurring before / after &c. &c. &c.
The event dates are the full moon dates calculated for Columbia, Missouri, without further regard to what time the actual moment of the full moon occurs. This was the least confusing and easiest-to-look-up way to do it. One benefit of strictly following the full moon schedule is that it occurs regardless of what else is happening; it is conflict-proof. Scheduling our daily lives involves an exhausting amount of horse-trading, and this was a small opportunity, at least for the organizers, to bypass that.
What does the name mean?
“Quiet Friend” is the title of a piece from the 1984 album Structures from Silence by Steve Roach, whose music—on this album and in general—is foundational to our interest in these kinds of music and potential.
Who can I contact?
We would love to hear from you for any reason. Contact [email protected]
* possibly asked questions
thirteen concerts in Columbia, Missouri
taking place on nights of full moons in 2026
Yoga Sol, 210 St James St
7:30pm music start
free of charge; donations accepted
all ages welcome
shoes off at the door
2026 dates (also 2026 full moons)
Sat, Jan 3
Sun, Feb 1
Tue, Mar 3
Wed, Apr 1
Fri, May 1
Sun, May 31
Mon, Jun 29
Wed, Jul 29
Thu, Aug 27
Sat, Sep 26
Sun, Oct 25
Tue, Nov 24
Wed, Dec 23
PAQ *
What is this, in a nutshell?
A series of live music performances that are intended to promote quiet, contemplation, and reflection.
One set per event, roughly an hour in duration.
What sounds might I hear?
Probably, you’ll hear music that sounds like ambient, New Age, drone, or minimalism. If those concepts are unfamiliar, or you have pre-formed ideas about them, just know that this is partly an exploration of these music forms, which have always been tricky to define anyway.
Is it acoustic or electronic?
Primarily electronic, amplified at a moderate volume.
Is there video or a visual component?
As creative and technical limitations permit, there will be video elements. They will likely be abstract or non-narrative.
What is the goal?
Providing a focused, reflective group listening experience for all present.
Why does this exist?
Because a quiet friend is something we all need, want, and deserve. That friend likely won’t be the musician, but this is a space where you can conduct your own search for it, whatever it is.
And, to explore types of music that don’t often get played live in front of other people, and to see how that goes.
If I attend, what is requested of me?
Quiet attention; if this is impossible, just quiet. Conversations should be taken outside.
Am I cool enough for this?
Yes.
This is at a yoga studio. Is there yoga at this show?
No, this is not affiliated with any yoga tradition or practice. Yoga or dancing or movement by people in the room is certainly not discouraged. We value this yoga studio as a calming, welcoming, non-religious, and non-political space. While we recognize that a yoga studio, despite its best efforts, is not actually welcoming to all people, we hope this is pretty close to that.
Is this meant to heal in some way?
We are interested in the healing properties of music generally, and specific musical techniques or frequencies or rituals for healing. However, this series is not intended to provide specific healing, which at any rate would happen from within. It would be nice though, wouldn’t it?
Is there seating?
There are a number of folding chairs available, first come-first served. Otherwise, you might lie down, sit on the floor in a meditative posture (or not), stand, or a combination of these. Yoga mats and props are also available. In order to protect the floor, no BYO seating, but we’ll do our best to accommodate mobility needs.
What are the house rules?
- You must remove your shoes at the door. This is in order to protect the floor.
- No food or drink inside. But, you can eat/drink on the deck outside.
- There is a bathroom. You can use it.
- If you use yoga props, please put them back.
Is there chanting or group participation?
No.
Why the full moons?
To remind us that there are things happening outside and beyond us all the time, regardless of the circumstances of our day-to-day. Not just celestial things. The full moon stands in for any number of similar cycles, which you may wind up contemplating.
To bring attention, on some level, to the presence of the full moon and its effect on individual bodies and minds of all types. Thus, to detect any feelings or sensations, and to consider the effects of the moon on our bodies and minds.
How woo woo is this?
Entirely. All things are possible here. (And everywhere, which is something that may be brought to your attention.)
How ironic is this?
Not at all. Through these events, we sincerely want to explore and build connections in our community, or in the individuals in attendance. We realize that some sounds or ideas might be cheesy, dated, or otherwise unappealing. You can be assured that they’ll be used with sincerity regardless.
Do I have to be a yoga person or a member of the studio?
You don’t have to be a yoga person, or any other type of person, to attend. This is not specifically for yoga people, music people, or anyone else. It is for anyone and/or everyone.
Are the studio and event accessible?
Yes, the studio is accessible. There will be devices available that amplify audio. We would love to know about any requests for hearing assist devices, or any other accessibility questions, ahead of time.
So who is actually playing the music? Who is doing this?
Most of the time, probably the person who’s writing this, Travis Bird. (Despite using the “we” pronoun, which I’m doing in case in the future some part of this series is not done by me.) I live in Columbia, work with True/False, put on film screenings with my nonprofit Disarm Cinema, and am a musician and parent and etc.
On an event-production level, this series was conceived to be pretty simple. I initially wanted to curate performers, but right away that made it feel very big. Even though it’s more of a lift for me—as well as a serious privilege, to basically make up my own music gig—this way makes more sense at the moment.
Also, I want these events to be “you’ll hear a certain vibe of music here,” more than “this person is performing, come see them do what they do.” The music is meant to be sort of incidental to the experience, not to draw monthly attention to myself. Think of it like a projectionist in a movie theater: they’re there, guiding you through the experience of watching the movie, but you don’t really think about them.
That said, if you’re into this kind of music or happening, or want to play, please get in touch!
How did you decide on these dates? I looked it up and the full moon is actually occurring before / after &c. &c. &c.
The event dates are the full moon dates calculated for Columbia, Missouri, without further regard to what time the actual moment of the full moon occurs. This was the least confusing and easiest-to-look-up way to do it. One benefit of strictly following the full moon schedule is that it occurs regardless of what else is happening; it is conflict-proof. Scheduling our daily lives involves an exhausting amount of horse-trading, and this was a small opportunity, at least for the organizers, to bypass that.
What does the name mean?
“Quiet Friend” is the title of a piece from the 1984 album Structures from Silence by Steve Roach, whose music—on this album and in general—is foundational to our interest in these kinds of music and potential.
Who can I contact?
We would love to hear from you for any reason. Contact [email protected]
* possibly asked questions
