Maestro of Mayhem with Larry Reid
In the second of a two-part series, Larry Reid returns to explore the Pacific Northwest’s meteoric rise as a global cultural force. Reflecting on his leadership of the Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) in the mid-1980s, Larry recounts how the region’s unique identity was forged in a crucible of creativity, rebellion, and unorthodox collaborations. His stories uncover the underground movements, bold choices, and iconic spaces he helped shape—elements that would ultimately define the Northwest’s cultural identity.
A watershed moment in this evolution came when Larry envisioned and orchestrated the legendary Big Black concert at the Georgetown Steam Plant. This seminal gathering brought together live music, performance art, film, poetry, and spoken word in a singular, electrifying experience. Larry takes us inside the industrial space at that moment, recounting how his bold curation captured the unfiltered spirit of the Northwest and cemented its status as a creative epicenter.
Throughout his career, Larry has bridged the worlds of independent and institutional art. From his trailblazing work at CoCA to his curatorial role at the Experience Music Project, he has consistently championed innovation. Now serving as curator and events coordinator at Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery, Larry continues to nurture emerging artists while staying true to the rebellious spirit that defined his roots.
Host: Edward Krigsman
Guests: Larry Reid
Sound Engineering: Daniel Gunther
Recording Studio: Jack Straw Cultural Center, Seattle
Photography: Travis Lawton
Administration: Mary Mansour
Series music: Theme by Tomo Nakayama as performed Grand Hallway. Additional music by Andrew Weathers
Episode Work: Featuring contributions from Big Black, Teenage Sex Fiend, Einstürzende Neubauten, Kathy Acker, Kathleen Hanna, and Jesse Bernstein
We record on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Jesse Bernstein and of Steve Albini.
“In the moment, you don’t realize that the things you’re involved with are going to have any kind of lasting impact. I never had the time to take a breath to even think about it because one thing led to the next and you just don’t have time to sort of sit back and contemplate the impact you’re having. You just move on to the next thing.”
