Mark Stewart, better known by his stage name, Stew, compares the tight-knit art scenes in New York and Berlin to the independent one in Los Angeles.

As a musician, Stew said he’s finally accepted Los Angeles for what it is.

“I don’t blame L.A. for not being Berlin or London or New York anymore. I always wanted it to be like other places,” said Stew, Tony Award-winner and leader of the Afro-baroque band the Negro Problem.

Stew and his long-time musical collaborator, Heidi Rodewald, will be kicking off their UCLA artist residency tonight at the Billy Wilder Theater.

Since leaving Los Angeles in 2004, Stew and Rodewald have written a semi-autobiographical rock musical, “Passing Strange,” which was nominated for seven Tony Awards in 2008.

Stew was nominated for four Tonys and was awarded one. Stew and Rodewald have been working together for more than 15 years, and are currently working on a new musical,“The Total Bent.”

The new musical is about a black gospel prodigy from the South who collaborates with a producer from South London.

During their stay, they will be working, as well as visiting classes on campus to talk about their art encounters and gain material for their show in March.

The two will not only be performing tonight, but will also share their memories of Los Angeles and discuss their creative process as local artists.

“I expect L.A. to be more like what I wanted it to be when I was young. … My aesthetic is tied to the time that I was growing up, the radio stations I was listening to in L.A. while my sister was driving me around in her light blue, VW bug in the ‘60s,” Stew said.

According to Stew, the performance will be somewhat reminiscent of his early days as a musician. Stew’s laid-back charisma and cool tone foreshadow the evening’s lighthearted and nostalgic atmosphere.

Meryl Friedman, director of Education and Community Programs for UCLA Live, said the event will not be a typical concert and those attending should expect the unexpected.

The event will also give a sneak preview of the duo’s new song cycle “West Side of Your Mind,” a music theater piece about Los Angeles, which they will be performing when they return to L.A. in March.

The cycle will incorporate their impressions of Los Angeles as well as any thoughts fans may have on the topic.

Tonight’s sneak preview not only gives fans a chance to learn more about Stew and Heidi, but also gives them the opportunity to become a part of their music. A Tumblr page has been set up for fans to post any memories or impressions they might have about Los Angeles.

The night will also include a Q&A by friend and former bandmate Barry Smolin, who said he will ask Stew and Rodewald what it means to be an artist in Los Angeles and what really makes L.A. art.

Friedman said Stew tends to feed off of the energy of the audience.

“Stew has a unique voice. He likes to keep things interesting and surprise his audience. He … has a spontaneous and improvisational way about his shows,” Friedman said.