The Winter Solstice Improvisation Jam

In 1994 a tradition was birthed out of old traditions.   The organizers of 848 Community Space, Keith Hennessey, Jess Curtis, and Med-o announced a gathering for the winter solstice.  The idea was simple... keep some form of improvised activity -- dance, theater, music, performance art, ritual -- happening in the space with at least one person from sundown to sunrise.  Others could be in and around the space lending their energy to the improvisation through their attention and non-disturbing conviviality.  The event magically morphed over the course of the evening from abstract dance improvisation to contact jam to theatrical exploration through wild dance party with live music, and into and through spontaneous indescribable ritual in the wee hours, and into meditative explorations of sound and movement into first light.

Inspired by his participation, Karl picked up the torch in his travels and instigated the event in New York (1995, 1996), Vienna (1997, 1998), Lasqueti Island (1999), and then again in Seattle (2003), while it continued on for many years in San Francisco.  It is now a yearly event in both Vienna and Seattle.

below is a copy of one year's invitation.  You are hereby invited to pick up the torch and instigate it in your community...

An Invitation to dancers, musicians, movers, actors, performers, and anyone with the creative fire and desire

It is a tradition to keep a bonfire going for the whole night during the longest night of the year to help the sun in its time of need and to keep the spirit alive during the time of darkness.  This year, again, we make a bonfire with our own creative energy.

From Sundown on December 21st to sunrise on December 22nd, we keep an ongoing improvisation happening in the space…at least one person at all times engaged in...

Movement, Sound, Music, Voice, Words, Image, Dance, Theater, Ritual

Dive into the darkness!

Surrender to the Unknown, the Unplanned, the Intuitive!

Keep the fire burning!

Together, we keep at least one person improvising in the space throughout the longest night.

Come to improvise.  Come to support by watching.

Come for part of the time.  Come for all of the time!

Bring your body.  Bring your friends.

Bring instruments.

Bring Food and Drink to share in a potluck

Bring your attention and creative fire!