Hi friend,
Happy World Listening Day! Timed to the birthday of Canadian acoustic ecology pioneer R Murray Schafer on July 18th, World Listening Day is an open source global event meant to deepen our understanding of the sonic worlds around us. Around the globe people self organize to explore sound - and listen! I spent the day driving between Nelson BC and Banff AB and couldn’t resist finding a little spot to plug in… and ‘listen’ to an aster flower. I hope you enjoy.
I’m in the midst of a summer jaunt through Western Canada - in Saskatoon, SK at the moment - and very much appreciating the many changing faces of summer. Along with my tour manager Jess, I’m hosting Field Trips - pop up performances in public parks - which combine foraging with friends, a bioelectric concert (made from the plants and fungi we find around us!), and a deep listening experience. We’re in Saskatoon on July 19th and Winnipeg on July 20th before I fly to Zurich to host a Taste Sound experience in the Swiss Alps at the Michelin starred Regina Montium on July 24/25. If you’re anywhere nearby, please don’t miss this amazing experience. I can’t wait.
And a special bonus for paid subscribers (because your support really really makes a difference in helping us run this DIY project!) please enjoy this almost 20 minute improvisation and thought experiment on the nature of bioelectricity from our recent Field Trip in Calgary at Bowness Park. I plugged into a baneberry bush - that’s the sparkling bell-like sound - and together we explored what it might be like to be more connected to our electrical nature, and the community of electrical beings around us. Find a comfy spot, relax, and enjoy 💚
