Curtis Glatter

Musician Curtis Glatter likes to explore the outer edges of the musical world, and he likes to share his discoveries with others.

The Michigan native who describes himself as a "composer, improviser and percussionist" recently relocated to Ann Arbor after spending five years in San Diego. While in California, he started a concert series called "New Sounds Downtown." And back in Michigan, he's brought along that concept.

"New Sounds Downtown" will be held at the Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Center on South State Street. It's initially conceived as a series of four concerts, with the first taking place at 8 p.m. on Friday.

Glatter wants to keep things affordable, so admission is $5. And he purposely sought out a small venue; the room at the center will probably seat only 25-30 people. "It makes it a lot more intimate," Glatter said.

Asked to describe what patrons can expect from the music, Glatter said it will be "basically chamber jazz," especially of an avant-garde variety. The slogan of the series might offer a good clue: "boundless music for boundless minds."

Piotr Michalowski (left) and James Cornish

The first show in the series will feature the Cornish, Glatter, Michalowski Trio. Glatter plays percussion, with James Cornish on trumpet/flute and Piotr Michalowski on woodwinds.

Featured performers for the rest of the New Sounds Downtown series:

• Dec. 18: pianist Henry Feinberg • Feb. 26: pianist Ken Thomas • April 29: Found Object Orchestra Internationale

"New Sounds Downtown" takes place at the Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Center, 2007 S. State St., at 8 p.m. Friday. Featured artist: Cornish, Glatter, Michalowski Trio. Admission is $5. More information: 734-925-1904.

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.