Minitek Festival Hits NYC in Sept
Although New York City is no stranger to music festivals, from live events in Central […]
Although New York City is no stranger to music festivals, from live events in Central Park to the annual CMJ Music Marathon, few recent events have put dance music and technology in the spotlight. A new one called Minitek looks to change that and bring top techno performers, digital art installations, and green business practices together. Minitek–co-titled The New York Electronic Music and Innovation Festival–takes place September 12-14, with day events in venues to be announced and night events at Penn Plaza Pavilion on Seventh Avenue
The announced music lineup includes Plus 8/Minus producer Richie Hawtin, Tiefschwarz, Audion (Matthew Dear, pictured above), Get Physical’s M.A.N.D.Y., Butane, Exercise One, Adultnapper, Jeremy P Caulfield, and DJs Heidi and Magda, among others.
In addition to the music component, Minitek’s Innovation Pavilion will feature digital art installations and new technologies to create interactive sounds and visuals. Among the exhibits will be Jordan Hochenbaum, Owen Vallis, and Memo Akten’s Roots, an interactive installation for the Brick Table’s tangible and multi-touch interface, where multiple people can make music and collaborate in a dynamic and visually responsive environment.
The festival, which costs $80 for a weekend pass and $175 for a VIP pass, will use RFID wristbands, a technology-driven device that acts as proof of admission and a means for cashless payment. Money can be loaded onto the wristband (cash or credit) at “loading stations” throughout the festival site.
The Minitek village will feature exhibits by Ableton and other music technology companies, and the event is collaborating with Clean Vibes to bring responsible, on-site waste management, including recyclable and compostable items provided by Eco Products. Thus, the “mini” name is deceiving. True to its larger-than-life New York locale, Minitek looks to present big tech ideas with a sustainable, humanist touch.