Speak and Spell

The exhibition features a collection of circuit-bent instruments, a kinetic sound installation, paintings, and multimedia work dealing with sound, audio technology, time, and the environment. Many of the pieces have a QR code allowing viewers to hear an audio file of the device on display. The exhibit features work and contributions by Alien Devices, Boris Allenou, David Battino, Edward Bennett, Diabolical Devices, Reed Ghazahla, Jack Hertz, Derek Holzer, Matthew Lewis, Elisa Reutinger, Jon Rudolph, David Simpson, Marguerite Schaffron, Mark Vail, and Andrew Wayne.

In addition to the displayed work, there will be performances, discussions, and demos of many of the displayed instruments. Several performers will also have CDs available. Mark Vail, former Keyboard magazine writer and author of Vintage Synthesizers: Pioneering Designers, Groundbreaking Instruments, Collecting Tips, Mutants of Technology and The Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide To Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording The Ultimate Electronic Music Instrument, will be signing and selling his books. Musiclandria, a nonprofit in Sacramento that offers instrument checkout, will have an information table.

Scheduled performances:
-6:25pm: Jack Hertz
-6:45pm: Buddy Hale
-7:00pm: Jon Rudolph
-7:20pm: Mark Vail
-7:40pm: Edward Bennett
-7:50pm: Andrew Wayne

The term “circuit bending” was coined in the 1960s by Reed Ghazala (the exhibit is fortunate to have one of his historic instruments as part of the display), but the concept of circuit bending predates the term by several decades. Circuit bending typically involves random short-circuiting of battery powered toys and musical instruments or other common electric devices that usually make some sound (for example, a transistor radio). The end result is hopefully to make an instrument that produces new, chance sounds and/or visuals. Success is never guaranteed.