In December 2011, Mobile Performance Group was invited to perform in the Wynwood district of Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach. The event was hosted by Juraj Kojs as part of the 12 Nights Electronic Music and Art series at the Harold Golen Gallery.

In preparation for this performance, MPG decided to split into two audio-visual teams and develop distinct ideas with parallel aesthetics. The first group, Team 1UP, focused on creating audio-visual pieces that each explored particular found objects, which for this performance meant a spray paint can and a water bottle. Sounds from these objects were sampled in advance and used as a percussion kit driven by an sequencer. These objects were used during the performance to create sounds that were looped live along with the pre-recorded sounds. The objects were shared with our visual performers, who used a camera and battery-powered light to explore the different shapes and contours of these objects via real-time video processing. This video performance was integrated with images of graffiti collected around the Miami Wynwood district earlier that day.

The second group, Team Dose, focused on performing only with material collected from the location of the performance. They collected sound samples and video footage from the Wynwood district and South Beach. Their two pieces evoked contrasting moods: a more percussive, upbeat piece and an ambient piece. Music was created by manipulating and improvising with the sound samples collected throughout the day. The visual performer selected and manipulated clips from among the video footage, focusing on images of traffic and cityscapes. In addition, information from the audio performers was used to drive elements of the visual processing, making it more responsive to the music. Although the results from Team Dose contrasted greatly with the results of Team 1UP, both groups successfully pushed the MPG aesthetic in new and exciting directions.

After setting up our equipment, we performed an hour-long set outside the Harold Golen Gallery. MPG then moved to another location several blocks up the street and put in one more set. Overall, it was a successful trip and MPG hopes to see Miami again in 2012.

Hunter - Performing in Miami was, of course, a great experience. Getting to the performance and having it go off without a hitch was really exciting; seeing the realization of an entire semester of work was very rewarding.

Kim - Participating at Art Basel was one of the best parts of my semester. It was amazing to have the opportunity to perform in Miami and collaborate with the members of MPG. I’ve taken away so much from this semester and look forward to future projects.

Meg - This performance in Miami with MPG was a great experience. It was both exciting and challenging to create a musical performance using material collected less than twenty-four hours. The class this semester really prepared us for this performance and I'm glad I had a chance to work with so many people as a part of MPG.

Joe - I’m taking a lot away from the semester largely due to this class. I had an all around crash course with recording and some aspects of sound design, I’m also walking out feeling comfortable in the Max environment.

Matt - What a great class! This was the first time that many of the students performed live and programmed their own instruments, which is not an easy task. However, they met every challenge and put together a great performance in Miami. It was a great honor to work with this group of students.

Mark - Taking part in Advanced Digital Arts Studio was a highlight of the semester. I really enjoyed the trip to Art Basel Miami Beach and must say, the food was excellent

Phil - Having our project go from the drawing board to being rehearsed in the studio to being played on the streets of Miami felt awesome.

Nathan - We set some high goals and pushed the students hard this semester. It was a lot of hard work to extend the MPG idea and implement some of the new techniques like live looping and improving the interplay between audio and video. I am proud of the results. MPG 4 life!!!

Dan - Watching ideas develop and eventually turn into really interesting pieces of art was amazing.