In late 2020, Austin experiential art collective Rolling Ryot staged “Dumpster Fire.” Part outdoor installation and part concert, the sonic spectacle featured multi-instrumentalist percussionists, a pair of dumpsters, robotic elements, and, yes, fire.
“Dumpster Fire” was direct response to crisis the creative ecosystem suffered during the pandemic, and also, the frustration.
“Dumpster Fire” proved a hit, and even attracted some national buzz.
Now, Rolling Ryot and dadaLab present a second iteration of Dumpster Fire, timed to the mid-term elections.
Using an arsenal of modified and handmade instruments, the percussionists articulate assorted aural textures by tapping, striking, scratching, and slamming their implements against the resonant metal bodies of two dumpsters. Pre-programmed, robotic percussion elements that help carry the 45-minute performance and facilitate the dialog between the percussionists.
Performing percussionists are Lisa Cameron, Jeffrey King Coffey, Peggy Ghorbani, Alton Jenkins, Lyman Hardy, Thor Harris, Jeff Hoskins, Lacy Lewis and Thom Washburn.
“This work is a unique way to create big, unamplified sound while holding onto the belief that despite the circumstances, we can (and must) continue to create meaningful work,” says Barna Kantor, co-founder of Rolling Ryot. “Now more than ever, we must push artistic limits and the limits of our audiences as we create new opportunities for live performance to thrive and to connect.”
Shows are at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6. Tickets are $15. See events.humanitix.com/dumpster-fire-2
Rolling Ryot is also gearing up for “Ghost Line X” massive immersive sound and light experience installed at Austin’s historic Rosewood Park. Six composers from Mexico, the USA, and Canada have been commissioned to compose works a 400-feet stretch of speakers. It’s at 6 p.m. Nov. 19, and admission is free. Rosewood Park is in East Austin at 2300 Rosewood Ave.
“Dumpster Fire” and “Ghost Line X” are official event of the Austin Studio Tour. See other tour happenings at austinstudiotour.org/#/events
