Broken Toys

May 1, 2008 12:00 PM

           
 

Courtesy Bent Festival 2007 LA Gallery

The Bent Festival is making its way to Minne-apolis, L.A., and New York City for three days (per city) of hardware-hacking fun in late April/early May. Those fortunate enough to attend will experience in its full glory the fantastic art form known as circuit bending, which involves the transformation of existing instruments and toys into new, unique instruments. If you like modifying hardware, messing with do-it-yourself electronics, and making weird noises, you'll enjoy getting Bent.

The festival boasts the largest number of circuit benders and DIY electronics performers in one place; they will teach workshops, perform nightly concerts, and inspire attendees with their interactive art installations. The Bent Festival is produced by the Tank, a nonprofit organization run by volunteers. To learn more, visit bentfestival.org.

Want to circuit bend? The following sites will help you get started:

• The Art of the Creative Short Circuit emusician.com/diy/art_creative_short

• Reed Ghazala's Anti-Theory Workshop anti-theory.com

• Oddmusic Circuit Bending Section oddmusic.com/illogic

• GetLoFi Blog getlofi.com