Phil Kline’s UnSilent Night is a free, amazing, outdoor "sound sculpture event" which is actually created by anyone who wants to participate. Definitely an event for all ages.
It consists of people who simply gather and walk along a route while simultaneously playing four different, glorious soundtracks of bells from their boomboxes.
Anyone can take part in this extraordinary experience! Simply downloads a soundtrack onto cassette, CD or amplified mp3 device.
Then, on the same day in December, on the streets of an increasing number of cities worldwide, they bring their own boomboxes, join together and become a contemplative, sidewalk-strolling procession, drifting peacefully through a cloud of resonating, echoing sound which is different from every listener’s perspective.
You can also just show up and enjoy the experience! Since 1992, this 45-minute walk has grown into a global, annual communal event which has become an essential part of many winter holiday celebrations.
Start Time: 7pm or 8:30 pm
Route: Route 1 goes through downtown Dallas Business & Entertainment Districts. Route 2 goes through Dallas Arts District. They start and end in the same place: the Akard DART station.
For more info about UnSilent Night Dallas, to unload one of the four digital tracks, and to help get the word out about this magical event, visit the official website.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1) Download one of the four soundtracks and put it onto a cassette or CD, whichever your boombox can play. You may also play the mp3 file on device capable of playing it loudly. Some people even use portable docking stations or other devices with speakers and pull them in a cart or wagon. Last year someone had backpack-mounted speakers.
2) Bring your friends, family and boomboxes or similar players with you on December 17.
3) Once there, at the signal we will all turn on our various machines and soundtracks, creating an echoing, mesmerizing, sound sculpture. After about 2 minutes, we will begin a slow, contemplative and utterly fascinating procession through downtown Dallas which will last for about 40 minutes, ending where we began.
NOTE: We will stay on the side of the sidewalk closest to the buildings, allowing others to pass, and carefully observe all lights and traffic rules at every crosswalk and intersection.
4) Be The Experience!
The starting and ending point is Downtown Dallas at DART Rail's Akard Station, located on Pacific Avenue between Akard and Field streets (north side of the tracks).
