Pangaea Sky

In a world where geographical boundaries increasingly blur, the concept of Pangaea—a supercontinent that once connected disparate lands—serves as a fitting metaphor for the music of Pangaea Sky. Through performances of highly arranged traditional tunes, coupled with original compositions that draw from both folkloric & modern sources, the quartet explores the traditional and contemporary global music scene and emphasizes how global influences and technology are shaping soundscapes and influencing music. Pangaea Sky draws from a global palette, creating hybrid genres that reflect a more interconnected world.

Peter Kienle - guitars, guitar synth

Born, raised and having spent the first 28 years of his life in Germany, Peter Kienle picked up a guitar for the first time at age 14. Early on he taught himself to read and compose music. Starting out by learning some of the folk music of the day, he soon gravitated towards classical guitar, especially J. S. Bach, and then Brazilian Bossa Nova. After his first jam session with a band, his interest shifted towards Jazz and improvised music, which lead to studies at Jazz School Munich in 1978. Early live experience with experimental Jazz group ‘Super Susy’, guitar trio ‘The Real Guitarists’ and fusion group ‘BeebleBrox’. Peter worked at Musicland recording studio in Albstadt, Germany, as session player and engineer until relocating to the US in 1988 where he taught guitar at various public and private music schools.

In the United States he established himself quickly as a capable sideman on guitar and electric bass while teaching a small group of private students and picking up studio work, first around Birmingham, Alabama, then in Bloomington, Indiana starting 1991. Together with his wife Monika Herzig he reformed the fusion group ‘BeebleBrox’, which recorded seven albums and performed from 1988 until 2002. He has written over 100 works for classical guitar and about 1200 compositions for past and present groups which include 3rd Man, Kwyjibo, Splinter Group, Earplane, Nutpicker and most recently The Time Flies and Pangaea Sky. International touring to Europe and Asia with The Time Flies, MoReJazPIgs, Joni Mitchell Project and Sheores (as last minute substitute on bass).

Tom Clark - saxophones, flutes, keys, electronics

Saxophonist Tom Clark, a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, has spent decades captivating audiences worldwide with his mastery of saxophones, flutes, and clarinet. Holding a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and a Performer’s Certificate, Tom has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier woodwind musicians. Tom’s career has taken him across the globe, with performances throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and Russia. He has toured and recorded with renowned artists such as The Temptations, The Spinners, The Doobie Brothers, Barry Manilow, Michael Feinstein, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Closer to home in Bloomington, Indiana, Tom performs regularly with groups like Pangaea Sky, the Woomblies Rock Orchestra, The Flying Toasters, and Cool City Band. He is also a frequent performer at prominent events, including the Elkhart Jazz Festival and the South Bend Jazz Festival.

Tom’s artistry and dedication continue to inspire audiences and musicians alike, making him a valued contributor to both local and international music communities.

Ron Kadish - double bass, electronics

Since graduation from the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, bass player Ron Kadish’s musical journey has taken him down many roads: from touring string sections backing up John Denver and the Moody Blues to rhythm sections backing up jazz legends David Baker and Gene Bertoncini; from jamming in a hotel room with the Master Musicians of Jajouka to jamming on stage during the 1997 Lillith Festival tour with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sarah McLachlan, and Paula Cole; from the bass section of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra to cutting demos with John Mellencamp. In the process he has played in concert halls, arenas, historic theaters, outside amphitheaters, university student buildings, public school auditoriums, private golf courses, public downtowns, bars, and countless other venues and recording studios throughout the United States and Europe.

Ron continues to tour and record and performs nationally with a variety of acts in many different genres of music. He’s currently Principal Double Bass of the Danville (IL) Symphony, and regularly plays with the Carmel Symphony, Lafayette Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, ‘Gypsy jazz’ band Bleu Django, Pangaea Sky, and the JC Clements Band, among others.

Ron holds a Bachelor’s in Music (1989) and a Master’s in Jazz Studies (2009) from the IU Jacobs School of Music. While not on the road, he resides in Bloomington, IN.

Julian Douglas - Frame drums, darbuka, djembe, cajon, congas, bongos, other percussion

Julian Douglas is a world percussionist, composer, and educator with over 25 years of experience recording and performing adventurous improvisational music. Raised in a musical household by a jazz pianist, Julian's rhythmic foundation is deeply rooted. He has performed, recorded, and taught extensively throughout the Eastern United States, drawing inspiration from diverse traditions including those of the African diaspora, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and India. Julian is a founding member of the progressive world percussion ensemble Rhythm Quest, the world jazz quartet Pangaea Sky, and the experimental improvisation trio Fractured. He is also a Remo Health Rhythms trained facilitator and a recipient of the Indiana Arts Commission On-Ramp Fellowship.