lxxxii
2.7.08
published on 04/21/06
What’s to do? New York City Edition
Mutant toys on display at Bent ’06
Have you ever looked at your cousin’s Furby and wanted to make it sound like Darth Vader screaming through a megaphone? Or wondered what to do with the decades-old Speak N’ Spell under your bed at home? Answers to these and other hot-wired questions can be found at the Third International Circuit Bending Festival: Bent 2006, taking place in New York City this week.
Sagely Wikipedia defines circuit bending as “the creative short-circuiting of low voltage, battery-powered electronic audio devices such as guitar effects, children's toys and small synthesizers to create new musical instruments and sound generators.” Be prepared for all manner of hokey electronics infused with the technological acumen that defines today’s overeducated, and often unemployed, 20-somethings.
Catch the circuit-bending lessons—or how not to blow your hand off as you rewire a talking Winnie the Pooh—and the chance to fiddle with an array of co-opted children’s toys. The festival also includes installations and performances by some of the field's leading sound artists.
If you thought Short Circuit was the cultural high point in doctored electronics, think again. And if you’re still confused, read Anti-Theory (anti-theory.com/soundart) and Oddmusic (oddmusic.com/illogic) before heading to Bent 2006, which will be held at 15 Nassau St. in Lower Manhattan through April 23.
—Freddy Deknatel, Arts Editor
Friday, April 21
Vassar:
Cleansed Sarah Kane’s play explores connections between violence and love, presented by Unbound. Shiva, 9 p.m.
New York City:
Nouvelle Vague Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux play francophiliac-pleasing pop cover songs with guest vocalists. Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place, 9 p.m., $20
Saturday, April 22
New York City:
Islands with Why? Ex-Unicorns Nick Diamonds and J’aime Tambeur with their new band. Avalon, 47 W. 20th St., 6:30 p.m., $15
Sunday, April 23
New York City:
Ayn Rand Walking Tour Lower Manhattan’s changing architectural landscape via Fountainhead protagonist. Meet at 1 Broadway, 11 a.m., $15
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Alumnae/i posters are strongly encouraged to include their class year with their name. The maximum length for comments is approximately 100 words; longer responses should be submitted as letters to the editor to misc@vassar.edu. More information about our letters policy can be found on our Policies page.
