Both my link above and this video (and the one below) may give you a taste of what is in store for those who attend. LUMA is the outgrowth of something that happened in the small upstate New York city of Binghamton, New York in 2015.
Artistss envisioned a festival and hoped 3,000 people would show up.
Instead, between 20,000 and 30,000 people (including spouse and I) came. No one was expecting the crowds but we waited patiently for the show to begin. The projections held just enough promise for a sequel. Each year, it gets better.
Quoting from their website:
" Using powerful projectors and 3D animation, we create the illusion that enormous structures are transforming as if by magic. City hall turns into a gingerbread house. The courthouse becomes Stonehenge. The light overpowers the surface and the effect seems real."
This is what the festival has grown into. Most of the events are outdoors and free (funded by corporate sponsors now, and a kickstarter). A couple are paid and you have to buy tickets. It's a two day festival now - September 6 and 7th this year.
The top video is projections from 2018 onto the old First National Bank building.
LUMA isn't a joy to everyone. It runs from around 9pm to midnight on the first Friday and Saturday night of Binghamton and it is very, very crowded - very noisy and full of the type of noise that (I read this in an op ed written by a war veteran in our local paper)can terrify war vets suffering from PTSD. Some are so bothered that they find it necessary to relocate during the festival, and these people are far from wealthy.)
But, I am fortunate enough to be able to enjoy it. The art and storytelling are wonderful. If you enjoy a venue like this, I suggest you block out your calendar and visit Binghamton, New York next September.
Will I go this year? (I skipped last year as I had hurt my back the night before and didn't want to try to maneuver through throngs of people in the dark) If I do, I'll blog about it.
Tomorrow, though, is Skywatch Friday, and I'll be watching the natural skies.
I'm familiar with this art form - Saks 5th Avenue does it every Christmas on the flagship store, and Walt Disney world uses this on Cinderella's Castle. It's very impressive. I hope you get the chance to go and enjoy this year's festivities.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it could be fun. Sorry about the vets, though. That would be rough for them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a rockin' good time. I might have to take a road trip to Binghamston one year.
ReplyDelete