Culver City Arts District First Annual Summer Solstice Art Walk: Wax Cylinder Recording and Live Musical Performances at Century Guild

In 2013 a number of galleries, restaurants, and retailers in the Culver City Arts District worked with the city to establish a proper designation as an “arts district”- the first landmark being a series of banners running the length of Washington from Helms Bakery to I-10.  The first event that we all planned (thanks to Josetta at Fresh Paint for starting this off!) was the first annual Summer Solstice Art Walk, which presented over twenty-five live bands at creative venues in the area across the day.  That evening, our gallery was host to musical guests Adrian Bourgeois, Kevin Dippold, and Emmett Skyy, as well as a performance by Thomas Negovan.  Jason Louv of the website Ultraculture joined us to speak about the summer solstice and shared a unique perspective on the pressing importance of creative imagination.  Most exciting was Shawn Borri’s demonstration of Edison’s wax cylinder recording, a process invented by Thomas Edison in the 1880s and the very first recording medium in history.

The presence of songwriters from this moment in time paired with a process dating back to the first moments in recording history was a very special experience to witness- and somewhat cathartic to celebrate given today’s digitally preoccupied musical culture.  Emmett Skyy has the voice of an angel, like Marvin Gaye in his prime; Kevin Dippold complimented him with an earthy vibe that reminded me of California music from the late 70s.  Adrian Bourgeois writes smart pop masterpieces that makes me think of Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney, and listening to Thomas Negovan is like nesting in comforting, mystical poetry.  All in all, this was a fantastic night at the gallery and overflowing with wonderful talent and camaraderie.

-Kat

Jason Louv shares a hymn celebrating the art of imagination and resistance to current artistic clichés.

Thomas Negovan demonstrates the wax recording process as Shawn keeps masterful tabs on the cylinder.

Adrian Bourgeois performs “Parachutes” on wax cylinder; Shawn monitors the wax heating process.

Emmett Skyy sings into the phonograph

The dynamic duo of Kevin Dippold and Emmett Skyy

Tommy-squared enjoys the music of Adrian Bourgeois.

The phonograph saw its share of action that evening.

Adrian performing into the recording machine.