Ava Mendoza and Jessica Pavone, two titans of experimental avant-blues, play for free at Avalon Island

A rare pairing from two new titans of experimental and improvised music, this double bill of guitarist Ava Mendoza and violist/violinist/bassist Jessica Pavone promises to be a mind expander. Whether in countless collaborative ventures or individual sonic excursions, each has carved out her own distinctive aesthetic.

Brooklyn-based Mendoza has equal footing in the noise, punk and experimental scenes of her hometown, whether with her new trio Unnatural Ways or countless collaborations with everyone from Weasel Walter to Nels Cline. Expect solo avant-blues fireworks. Fellow New Yorker Pavone combines classical chops with free jazz sensibilities, carving out a unique sonic path. Her long list of collaborators includes Mary Halvorson and Elliott Sharp. Recent works have been stripped down to viola and voice, experimenting with tone and repetition.

On this particular evening, you get two solo sets from improvisers at the top of their respective games, all for the price of one. And that price is free. 

7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 | The Gallery at Avalon Island, 39 S. Magnolia Ave. | 407-317-8367 | avalongallery.org | free

This article appears in Aug 24-30, 2016.