International Noise Conference Returns to Churchill's

Title: International Noise Conference Returns to Churchill’s

The International Noise Conference returns to Churchill’s Pub this week for nine consecutive nights of experimental sound performances, bringing nearly 200 acts from around the world to the venue.

The 22-year-old festival runs Friday, January 30, through Saturday, February 7, at Churchill’s at 5501 NE 2nd Avenue. Admission remains free for those of drinking age, with a $10 cover for patrons under 21.

Frank “Rat Bastard” Falestra founded the conference in 2004 as a three-day event that has expanded significantly over two decades. The festival survived Churchill’s temporary closure in recent years, finding homes at various Miami venues including Bar Nancy and Locust Projects before returning to Churchill’s after its reopening last autumn.

Falestra faced a serious setback last November when a car accident left him in a coma, but he has recovered to organize this year’s lineup.

“It’s going to be nine nights of whatever crazy combination of music you can imagine,” Falestra told New Times. “Putting noise in the name represents the concept of a slippery when wet sign. It lets people know what they’re in for.”

The conference maintains its signature format: each artist performs for exactly 15 minutes, allowing audiences to experience multiple acts throughout each evening.

This year’s international roster includes Anti Itch Cream from Japan, Alessandra Zerbinati from Italy, and This Is My Condition from Lawrence, Kansas. Several Chicago-based groups will also perform, including 500 Geckos.

“We have a lot of groups from Chicago coming like 500 Geckos that are staying at my place nearby,” Falestra said.

Local artists feature prominently throughout the nine-day run. Thursday, February 5, serves as a dedicated local showcase featuring Miami favorites Rafa, Gucci Handelsman, and Black Mayonnaise. Miami performers will appear on every night of the conference, including Falestra himself.

“I’ll play. I’ll be in and out of sets,” he said.

The International Noise Conference does not pretend that attendees will hear conventional music with melodies and harmonies. Instead, it celebrates experimentation with sound in all its forms.

For Miami music fans curious about the outer edges of sonic expression, the International Noise Conference offers nine nights of unpredictable performances from artists willing to push boundaries and challenge traditional musical structures.