As if walking through the galleries of the National Aquarium wasn’t dream-like enough, imagine doing it in the evening, with original music inspired by ecosystem feedback loops performed live and echoing throughout.
Baltimoreans will have that opportunity during the sixth installation of Voyages, the National Aquarium’s adults-only event series where conservation, science, and art converge in a completely original experience.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, attendees will be immersed in this sonic journey courtesy of Baltimore-based recording artist, composer, and performer Dan Deacon. His original musical composition will be performed by a collective of Baltimore musicians, whose soundscape will flow throughout the Aquarium’s galleries.
Deacon was inspired by research at the Aquarium and insight from Patuxent Riverkeeper, Fred Tutman to create a piece based upon the concept of feedback loops. The term “feedback loop” refers to how natural systems react to environmental changes and how these same systems undergo exponential transformation.
He envisions guests interacting and engaging with the musicians, thereby influencing the music and helping shape the dynamic soundscape that evolves from their interactions. Deacon imagines this echoing the intricate balance found within different ecosystems.
“I hope voyagers leave (this upcoming chapter) feeling a greater connection to and role in the feedback loops they are a part of—their actual ecosystem, those around them, and within themselves,” Deacon said. “My favorite part about interaction is that even by choosing not to participate, you’ve interacted with the work that’s asking you to participate. That’s been an aspect of my performance practice for many years now, but I think this performance will expand upon it in ways I’ve never done before.”
He added, “I’m hoping the performance, and the audience’s role in it, will help highlight the endless fractalizing of the connectivity we all have with everything around us.”
After exploring the Aquarium’s exhibits, guests are invited to end their night with fellow voyagers at an exclusive after-party featuring an intimate performance by Deacon. The evening will also include a curated bar menu crafted by Cane Collective, alongside delicious offerings from local eateries, including Ekiben, Arepi, Sistah’s Sweets, and Crust by Mack.
Voyages: Chapter 6 takes place on Nov. 21, from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. This event is for guests 21 years of age or older. Tickets cost $60. To learn more about the experience, and purchase tickets, click this link.
The Aquarium is located at 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD.
