Rachel Jackson

A detail from the 27-year-old Atlanta artist Rachel Jackson's work for Gathering Wild's dance performance “27,” which pays tribute to four rock icons who all died at age 27: Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain.

Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain. At least part of the myth that's grown up around the four legendary rock musicians is due to the fact that they all died when relatively young, at the height of their power, at 27 years old. Something of the mystery and fascination that hangs over the so-called “27 Club” is also the motivation behind the new work “27” by Gathering Wild, which will have its world premiere at the Variety Playhouse this Thursday, April 21.

Choreographer and founder of Gathering Wild Jerylann Warner created 12 new dances for the Decatur-based modern dance company to the music of the four rock icons, along with guest choreographers Bubba Carr and Daphne Scandrick. “Something of each era is in the movement,” says Warner, “but also something of each artist's style, their mystique.” The multi-media production also features artwork by local artist Rachel Jackson, who is herself 27, and who kept an art journal chronicling the year and her thoughts about the four legendary musicians. Her work will be displayed in the lobby and also projected as part of the multi-media performance.

Gathering Wild will perform “27” at the Variety Playhouse on Thursday, April 21, at 8 pm. Tickets are $20-22. For more information or to purchase tickets visit Variety Playhouse or call 404-524-7354.