Wired Magazine‘s NEXTFEST happens in Chicago next week. The two-day event is modeled in part on past World’s Fairs, and presents glimpses of the future with experiential, hands-on exhibits from all over the world.
They’re kicking it off with NEXT MUSIC, an evening of musical performances on Wednesday, June 22 curated by free culture advocate and Wilco founder Jeff Tweedy. SF Bay-Area harpist Joanna Newsom and Chicago’s Handsome Family are among the acts. Here’s what Jeff Tweedy has to say about it, snipped from the press release:
I love thinking about what the future holds, so I was thrilled to be invited to be part of WIRED NextFest and to share my vision of the future,” said Jeff Tweedy. “Which is not very futuristic really and admittedly a little bleak.
Honestly, I had a lot of trouble conjuring up a rose-hewn vision of our collective tomorrows. Instead I have focused my attention on music with the kind of sturdiness and self-sufficiency the post-apocalyptic lifestyle I’m anticipating might require. The kinds of artists making the kinds of music that won’t be interrupted or even miss a beat when the power goes out.
The kind that would be fleet-footed and nimble if the Man came crashing down in the middle of the night. In other words, I pictured folk music. All there ever was in the first place.”
God, I love this guy. You should too.
Link to NEXT MUSIC details, 6/22/05.
Previously on Boing Boing: Audio of Lessig/Tweedy/Johnson discussion in NY last month; Interview with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy: “Music is not a loaf of bread.”