Special Event
Invented Instruments
Thursday, Sept 5, 2024
2–8 p.m.
Gina and Stuart Peterson White Box, Floor 4
Free with museum admission. This event takes place on a First Thursday when museum admission is free to Bay Area residents.
“New music: new listening. Not an attempt to understand something that is being said, for, if something were being said, the sounds would be given the shapes of word. Just an attention to the activity of sounds.”
Explore a showcase featuring one-of-a-kind hand-built instruments and sound sculptures crafted by inventors from across the Bay Area. Each of the participating musicians and makers offers a unique approach to their craft through works ranging from large sculptural sound-makers to objects that repurpose familiar materials to unexpected aural effect. Many makers incorporate electronics, as well as ways of listening to natural materials through their instruments. Engage directly with the instrument makers as they share their creations and invite conversation and hands-on exploration. This event coincides with John Cage’s birthday!
Artist List
Krys Bobrowski
Bryan Day
Steve Dye
Larnie Fox
Bodil Fox
Bart Hopkin
Sung Kim
Sudhu Tewari
Tim Thompson
Peter Whitehead
Performance Schedule
Throughout the day, artists will participate in a range of improvised performances ranging from solos to collaborations and call and response.
3 p.m. Short sets from all artists
4 p.m. Krys Bobrowski, Bart Hopkins, and Peter Whitehead accompanied by visuals by Tim Thompson.
5 p.m. Bryan Day
6 p.m. Sung Kim
7 p.m. Steve Dye, Bodil Fox, Larnie Fox, Sudhu Tewari with visuals by Tim Thompson.
7:25 p.m. dailybell, created by composer and sound artist Brenda Hutchinson in 2008, is an ongoing aspirational project based on the premise that something as inarguable as the movement of the Earth can be used as a point of unity and awareness among large groups of people who might otherwise find it impossible to agree. For this work facilitated by Jenny Holland, you will be one of the musicians as we distribute 100 bells to be collectively rung at sunset.
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Presenting support for First Thursdays is provided by Penny S. and James G. Coulter.
Major support is provided by Concepción S. and Irwin Federman.