Capturing the curious

Mobtown Modern's goal is to make new music less scary and more fun

The two men laugh. "Classical music could use a drink now and then, too," Sacawa says.

Symphony or chamber music lovers, as well as the pop/rock/jazz fans and the club crowd, should be able to find some comfortable points of entry into Mobtown presentations. "We're offering music that crosses boundaries," Spangler says.

"Our concerts are purposefully accessible and approachable. We want to build the audience's trust, so we can take them to more challenging territory in the future," Sacawa says. "Each programming decision has been calculated to appeal to a wide range of people. I want to make sure pieces flow together and form a bigger shape."

Adds Spangler: "Like a DJ set."

Judging by the inaugural season, the public is taking to Mobtown Modern.

"At the January concert, mostly people I didn't know were there," Spangler says. "And the audience doubled at the second concert in May."

"That blew my mind," Sacawa says. "I was very humbled by that."

if you go

Mobtown Modern performs at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Contemporary Museum, 100 W. Centre St. Tickets are $5 and $10. Call 410-783-5720 or go to mobtownmodern.com.