Real Good for Free: River of Drone II @ The soundBarn, 5/16/10

The Albany Sonic Arts Collective and The soundBarn are joining forces for a unique musical experience on Sunday in Valatie. “River of Drone II: Seven Hours of Sound” is a very special, long-form event – a sprawling collective sonic improvisation and musical performance that will stretch from 12noon til 7pm.

Artist-musician Thomas Lail of The soundBarn describes it like this: “From quiet, peaceful soundscapes to full-on noise, the ever-shifting rhythm, pace and mood will evolve as the ebb and flow of performers, energy and instrumentation progresses through the seven-hour performance.”

Among the many musicians who will be performing are Jason Cosco, Matt Ernst, Tara Fracalossi, Eric Hardiman (Rambutan, Century Plants, Burnt Hills,) Ray Hare (Century Plants, Fossils From the Sun, Burnt Hills,) Holland Hopson, Thomas Lail (soundBarn,) Patrick Weklar (soundBarn) Matt Weston (Barn Owls), Linda Aubry Bullock, Mike Bullock, Jeremy Kelly, Mark Lunt and Chris Bassett, in addition to special guests.

Video artists Tara Fracalossi, Kyra Garrigue, Jason Cosco and others will provide plenty of visual stimulus to accompany the sonic explorations.

“River of Drone II: Seven Hours of Sound” takes place at The soundBarn (330 Maple Lane, Valatie), a former orchard cooler with a majestic view of the Catskill Mountains. Audience members are encouraged to make themselves comfortable – bring pillows, chairs, food and drink. Lounge, listen and linger for an hour, a few minutes or the entire performance.

Unlike a traditional concert setting, performers will be located throughout the venue, and listeners are encouraged to move around, watch the accompanying video projections, wander in and out and discover new relationships to sound through immersion, reflection, deep listening, meditation and concentration.