Hammer and Nail

Hammer and Nail is an evening-length multimedia performance that employs autobiographical storytelling, dance, and sound design with imaginative use of props, motion sensors, hydromics, and projections. Jon Anderson is the collaborator and performs with Jonutz as a sound engineer.

Jon Anderson
Writing for a variety of music for traditional acoustic ensembles such as orchestra, band, and chamber groups, as well as less traditional ensembles involving interactive computer music, Anderson frequently incorporates physical movement and dance as structural elements. With awards and honors from institutions such as the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, SCI/ASCAP, and the Pierre Schaefer International Competition of Computer Music, his works have been commissioned and performed by orchestras, ensembles, and soloists throughout the world. Anderson teaches music theory and composition at Wayne State University and is the resident composer for the modern dance company Take Root Dance. Originally from Minneapolis MN, Anderson holds a DMA in Composition from the University of North Texas, the MM in Composition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a BA in Music from Luther College.

Thayer Jonutz performed with Repertory Dance Theatre before moving to Michigan, immersing himself in both historical and contemporary works. He earned his MFA dance degree from the University of Michigan before beginning his professorship position at Oakland University in 2009 where he has taught Modern dance technique, improvisation, composition, dance pedagogy, partnering and the student Repertory Dance Company. Thayer has guest performed with Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company, Rustic Groove, Agua Dulce Dance Theater, Eisenhower Dance Detroit and Rebudal Dance. Thayer has also co-founded Mise en Place Dance, soduo, and Take Root, which have served as artistic building blocks. As a seasoned educator and artist Thayer strives to continually challenge his comfort zone. His current multiyear creative process on the solo concert Hammer and Nail has pushed Thayer outside the typical modern dance aesthetic and has merged acting, vocalization, sound engineering and integrative props to tell his Pandemic survival narrative. Hammer and Nail has enjoyed much success winning the 2023 Oakland University President’s Colloquium award, presenting it at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University January 2024, and performing it in Spanish for the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica July 2024.