2009-10-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCING DR. CHARLES BEARD

This Saturday's ZEPPELIN SHOW TAKES OFF WITH THE VISUAL PROJECTION ART OF CHARLES BEARD

When Will Taylor and Strings Attached with Tameca Jones perform the music of Stevie Wonder this Saturday night, music won't be the only energy form leaving the stage.

It's been over three years since Charles Beard approached me with the crazy idea of adding projection visuals to our rock tribute performances. At the time I was somewhat worried about the visuals distracting from the primary idea that the shows are concerts. Three years later I look at Charles' contribution to the concerts as a integral part of a rich experience on many levels. Sometimes just the right visual along with the song can even help the listener connect emotionally or find a piece of the song puzzle for themselves. As Karen says, "I think it helps you focus on the music. Give's your eyes something to chew on." Charles is Strings Attached family!

See a slideshow of Charles Work here:

http://www.flickr.com/search/show/?q=beard&w=22155125%40N00&z=t&ss=2

I thought it was about time to turn the spotlight on Charles, so I asked him to share a bit about himself.

Here's what he said:

Like many in Austin, I am an overeducated PhD (in computer technology) who is an "underground" artist. I am interested in visual arts including painting, sculpture, film, and multimedia.

I started doing lightshows in the 1960's as a way to maintain
my sanity in high school. I was influenced by artists in the
original psychedelic ballrooms in San Francisco and New York.
The earliest lightshows that I did years ago featured oil and
water overhead projections along with 35mm slides and 8mm movies.
Today my technology has changed to all digital media. I now
use 3 computers and 3 dvd players for Strings Attached Shows.
I also employ a live video camera and DMX stage lights at times.

Despite the changing tools, the objective of lightshows remains
the same through time--to enhance the emotional impact of the
music. Through the use of color, motion, images and film I try
to provide a beautiful visualization of the music. This artform
is quite natural to me because I have mild synesthesia (I am
blessed with the ability to naturally "see" sounds in my mind's
eye. "What do you see when you turn out the lights? I can't
tell you but I know that it's mine."--Lennon & McCartney).

Over the years, I've worked with a variety of local and national
musicians. My work has appeared in art studios, music festivals,
bars on 6th Street, as well as private parties. Recently, I
provided a lightshow for Wavy Gravy (the colorful "mc" at Woodstock
and reknown humanitarian) during a 2009 SxSW film premier.

Although lightshows are not appropriate for all music, it is
not surprising to me that this artform seems to be making a big
"come back" in the music world. Multimedia accompaniment to
music is not just an archaic relic leftover from the sixties.
Today's big live musical acts from U2 to the Rolling Stones
have huge visual productions. (Recently, even a James Taylor
performance at Bass Hall used projected video.) For those raised
on MTV-type video, an increasing number of audience members expect
their music to be accompanied with some visual media.

I've been doing shows with WIll Taylor since May 2006 (the White
Album). I always aim to add some pathos to his performances.
It has been a blessing to work with Strings Attached because
of the superb quality of these musicians.
For me, the most fulfilling experience with a Strings Attached
lightshow occurs when the audience gets involved and is moved
to dance. Those are my favorite gigs. I like to believe that
my contribution helps to inspire the audience to their feet.
I hope you will enjoy the show.

c.b.

Tickets at htp://stringsattached.org/shows.php

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Charles Beard Lightshow Artist