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News and Events - Beirut 09
Workshop and demonstration of the new Airplane controller in Beirut (Lebanon)
October 2009

Future-Instruments.net was proud to be invited at Crea Numerica 09, an event taking place in Beirut from September 27 to October 6 in the framework of the 6th Games of the French-speaking communities, and gathering about 20 artists from different disciplines in the digital art area. Our contribution was related to the field of “Digital Luthery”, that is, the art of making new digital musical instruments. A three days workshop aimed at DJ’s and electronic musicians was organized around the Airplane controller, with the goal to prepare a short performance held at the Basement (Beirut’s most famous night club) on Friday 2nd. In addition, an Airplane controller was given as first prize for the winner of the Franco-Electro DJ competition that took place on Monday 5th, also in the context of the Games. The 10 days spent in Beirut were very intense in term of human encounter, sharing, and collaboration. For sure, an unforgettable experience, showing one more time that music and art are creating bridges over cultural differences, and making the world smaller.

A new version of the Airplane controller was developed for this occasion, much more functional and well-thought-out than the previous laboratory prototype. You can see it on some of the pictures below. A special thanks to all the team at MIS, ECAL, HEM-GE and JDC who worked very hard to finish on time for the event!

To see the new Airplane in action, please check the video of one of the two performances held at the Basement.
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Arrival at the Hotel
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Airplane 001 and 002
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Wha'ts in the box
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The Airplane on the balcony
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The workshop's classroom
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The workshop's classroom
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The busy bees
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Surface-Editor (top) and Ableton Live (bottom)
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More fun working in groups!
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First set at the Basement with Carole Issa
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With the mascot of the Games
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Carole Issa
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Second set at the Basmement with Abkom
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Abkom
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Abkom
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Monday 5th, Franco-Electro DJ competition
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Demo'ing the Airplane
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The Airplane did a good job!
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DJ Cosijay (Switzerland) in action
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The dancefloor is on fire!
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And the winner is... Jay K (left) with his friend Abkom and myself (Alain Crevoisier)
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