From: avatarp@well.sf.ca.us (Peter Rothman)
Subject: Re: MEETING: VRG #4, San Francisco, March 16
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1993 14:33:18 GMT
Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link



CORRECTION, UPDATE,  ETC. FOR VRG #4

*Music & Low-Cost Virtual Reality* are the focus of the VRG
meeting which takes place next week:
Tuesday, March 16
7 p.m.
At The Exploratorium's McBean Theater
San Francisco

Several innovative artists will present us with demos and
performances, using varied spin-off VR devices (some of their own
invention) to make music. We'll learn how these artists define
"virtual reality" and get a chance to try their instruments. Confirmed
guests include David Javelosa using the new Sega system, Chris Van
Raalte on "Body Synth," Dave Ray with his MAXified Powerglove, and
members of D'Cuckoo discussing their D'Cuckoo MidiBall.

David Javelosa will perform with Sega's recently-announced
"Activator," a low-cost, full-body interactive controller
(designed for the Genesis game system) that uses infrared
light to track body movements for game control. David is
the music/audio manager for Sega/America's multimedia division.

Chris Van Raalte's "BodySynth" transforms muscle electrical
activity into MIDI notes and commands. Chris is a dancer and
performance artist.

The D'Cuckoo MidiBall is a 5' floating sphere that the band
tosses out into the audience (D'Cuckoo, btw, is the world's
only neo-classical, post-industrial, cybertribal world
funk ensemble, based in Oakland, California; their performances
are multimedia dance fests). When audience members hit the
MidiBall, it triggers sound samples and affects the appearance
of real-time computer graphics projected on a large screen
behind the band.

Dave Ray has modified the Mattel Powerglove (a Nintendo game
system controller) to work with Opcode's Max object-oriented
programming environment for the control of external music
synthesizers. Dave Ray is a space scientist and the organizer
of the new CyberBBS.  We request a $5 donation as entry fee to
cover costs of mailing, copying, site rental and
refreshments.  Also at the next meeting will be NEW & IMPROVED
refreshments. LindaJ promises, no more Granny Goose Bean Dip!

The Exploratorium is located by the Palace of Fine Arts at 3601
Lyon Street and Marina Blvd. near Golden Gate Bridge; call
415-531-0360 for directions.

Hope to see you on the VRG!