Thereoke in SF

note, this was originally published on here




I'm sure most folks that would read this blog are already familiar with Leon Theremin's famous musical invention, The Theremin. But I'd also bet that many of ya'll that have heard the device have never actually given one a try.

If you live in the Bay Area, you can easily remedy this situation by attending Thereoke this weekend at Artists Television Access in the Mission.

I saw Thereoke last year at a Dorkbot show and really had a good time. Otis Fodder and tradeMARK will be hosting the event which will probably start with Theremin history and demonstrations followed by an open mic set up. Any audience member can get on stage and try their hands at the theremin will being accompianied by midi file versions of popular theremin songs.

It's a fun chance to actually see for yourself what a theremin is actually like to control. I still have a special space in my heart for Theremin recordings, but I have to say trying one for myself actually put to rest any thoughts of ever mastering the device. It was fun but I'd still rather sample the great Clara Rockmore than create the sound myself. Besides I prefer the sound of my musical saw any ways.

Other than Thereoke, Otis and tradeMARK will be rocking out obscure theremin cuts on cd and records throughout the evening. I can't wait to hear what they have spinning.

From what I understand, there will also be an Optigan on hand too, hopefully with demonstration. The Optigan is similar to the classic Mellotron keyboard, but instead of using magnetic tapes it produces its sounds from celluloid discs. I've never seen one before so I'm pretty stoked.

Saturday May 6, 2006
Thereoke!
Other Cinema (ATA: Artists Television Access)
992 Valencia, San Francisco, CA
Show starts at 8:30pm, $6.66 cover