To be sure I wasn't misinformed, I contacted organizer Reverend Bubba Levi Greenacres, who explained that the Bubble Rally promises "a good variety of local free-range musicians making excellent music, an Electronic Bubble Symphony, poets, a fire circus, and bubbles. A whole bunch of bubbles." The music ranges from pop to the avant. Avant-oriented ears should catch performance artist Detonator Beth as well as the Monktail Creative Music Concern's flagship performing aggregate, Non Grata, who spewed some tumultuous, hell-raising out-jazz on a live KEXP Sonarchy show several Saturdays ago.
As for the Electronic Bubble Symphony, organizer and analog synth aviator Ffej elaborates, "The Electronic Bubble Music Symphony will consist of about a dozen musicians on various types of electronic instruments (keyboards, laptops, effects, theremins) conducted by a troupe of bubble-blowing mimes. The sounds will be directed by the size, shape, motion, and character of the bubbles." And why bubbles? Reverend Bubba sounds an idealistic note for this free festival. "After making bubbles regularly with friends and strangers, I discovered that making bubbles put people in a position to lower their inhibitions and be happy and silly. That's what the world needs. You can fix all the world's problems by individuals finding out what makes them happy now and then." CHRISTOPHER DeLAURENTI
The Bubble Rally starts at noon Sun Aug 3 and concludes at 10:30 pm (Volunteer Park, 1400 E Prospect on Capitol Hill), free. Visit www.hometowngravy.com for a full roster of performers.
