"the energy to power the equipment on stage was generated by audience members pedalling bikes."
If you get the chance to see a musical performance where the group on stage doesn't want to be anywhere else but right there performing for you, then sit back and take a second, because you're witnessing something special.
On Sept. 25, Mr. Something Something did precisely that, taking the stage for a free Noon Hour Concert in the University Centre courtyard with an energetic performance that was powered entirely by bicycles.
Comprised of Johan Hultqvist (vocals), John MacLean (tenor sax), Larry Graves (drums/percussion), Paul MacDougall (guitar) and Liam Smith (bass), Mr. Something Something filled the UC with their unique sound drawing from funk, jazz and afrobeat influences.
The only thing possibly cooler than the band's cookin' rhythms and Hultqvist's revolution rock vocals, was that the energy to power the equipment on stage was generated by audience members pedalling bikes.
You might be thinking, "How is that possible?"
Well, seven bikes, hooked up to small generators, were connected to a central power inverter, which in turn sent power to the sound system and instruments on stage. Members of the Central Student Association and other volunteers peddled for the cause, creating enough power to sustain an hour-long soundtrack to a "joyful revolution", provided the energy generated by the bikes.
The bikes were the perfect platform to promote Sustainability Week on campus and raise awareness of energy consumption and conservation. The idea of a pedal-powered performance is the fundamental point of Mr. Something Something's SoundCycle project. The project aims to play shows, known as "eco dates," using only alternative energy sources. While not all their shows are powered by bikes, they do try to employ them when they can.
As an activist-minded band, Mr. Something Something hopes to inspire their audience to become aware of the true cost of electricity and its impact on our environment, while still balancing their musical endeavours.
They are definitely not your run-of-the-mill commercial band. Mr. Something Something has a distinct and diverse sound and has gained international attention in Europe and throughout North America, even being nominated for a Juno Award in the past.
Young as they may be, Mr. Something Something comes with a heavy resume of accomplishments, including a headlining performance at the Guelph Jazz Festival earlier this month.
And with the release of their fourth coming studio album this fall, there is definitely a silver lining on the horizon for this tight and talented band. If you get a chance to see these guys, check them out because you can't help but feel like dancing. And if you ride your bike to the show, don't bother bringing a lock, just bring your bike in with you.
10/01/09
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