Art is contemporary if it is fluid with its environment.” —John Cage, courtesy of a David Shields tweet; check back or “search” for photos of the actual event, “!Taylor Ho!”
Rachelle a Peet’s clerk and former In N Out burger manager, prepared for me, free of additional charge, her special egg salad I paid $1.25 for, as a pre-concert, pre-concert-meal meal — breakfast.
Recently my wife and I decided to try something new at mealtimes. We agreed to eat a little slower, to finish each bite before shoveling in more food. (That description probably applies more to me than to her.) This simple step was somewhat revelatory. We taste the food more, we enjoy the meal more, while eating less. I want to apply a similar lesson in mindfulness to my use of technology. I am not a full-fledged Luddite, I just want to consider the need before embracing the new. I will happily maintain my website, and occasionally post something on my blog. Email offers its conveniences: I certainly never want to organize a ten-person rehearsal through phone calls or the post. But I refuse to let technological addictions dictate my time, or to blindly accept every social media construct foisted upon us. As a musician, I try to move away from standardized forms or an assumed sonic palate; my instincts as a composer and improviser lead me to explore what other options are out there. It is past time I apply the lessons of my creative practice to my work habits.
Taylor Ho Bynum, Sept, 2011. “Technological Austerity Manuel”
Rachelle’s egg salad, stage 2
Meanwhile, at 9:07 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 I am advancing the show, sitting at Peet’s writing on my computer (?!), checking my Android (?!), watching my (unlocked) bike, thinking simultaneously (like a Danny Hillis?) about jazz, football and people who sleep on the sidewalk, and so excited.
I’m also producing an event tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 21, called “3 to 5 By The Pool” which might include 3 to 5 City Council candidates including myself Mark Weiss from 3 to p.m. post meridian at 1850 Oak Creek Drive or 1850 Sand Hill Drive — yikes I told two people it was “Santa Cruz drive –????—!!!!” — it is technically a private event, on the account of Oak Creek limited pool guests to 2 per actual resident, but if anyone reads this and wants to come, just call me or yell my name from outside the fence and I will let you in, speaking of Ludditism. Smoke signals. Vibes.
Safe ride for Taylor. Good on Boldgerb.
Rachelle egg salad stage 1 or initial stage — requires plastic knife and fork
Plastic Alto with Mark Weiss 