Meridian Music: Composers in Performance presents a solo performance by Moe! Staiano.

Moe! Staiano is a percussionist whose use of found objects and "prepared" instruments characterizes his unique style. Playing since 1995, Moe! has explored different drum sounds and implementation, looking to find new sounds and possibilities in percussion playing. Recently, besides conducting his large rotating orchestra, Moe!kestra!, he is one of two drummers in the post-punk band, Mute Socialite. As solo shows of Moe! Staiano have been few in recent times, Meridian is especially fortunate to host his performance as its first concert of 2008.

Moe! Staiano has collaborated with many musicians including Ron Anderson (the Molecules, RonRuins, PAK), Tom Nunn, David Slusser, Karen Stackpole, Ches Smith, Michael Evans (God Is My Co-Pilot), Caroline Kraabel & John Edwards (Shock Exchange), Gino Robair, William Hooker, Tom Dimuzio, Henry Kaiser, Mark Growden's Electric Pinata, Amy Denio, Cheer-Accident, and sfSound Group among others.

Formally, Moe! was a member of two important bands: Vacuum Tree Head (formerly doing metal percussion and then playing trap set) and with Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (doing metal percussion), a band that consist of Carla Kihlsteadt, Nils Frykdahl, Dan Rathbun (all from Charming Hostess, two from Idiot Flesh) and Mathias Bossi.