School Performance: Kaki King: BUGS (KCYS)

This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, weekday performances for public schools, private schools, and home school groups.

One of the most acclaimed guitarists today blends music and technology with the wild and wonderful world of BUGS!

This new piece for young audiences incorporates Kaki King’s signature guitar projection mapping and drum-triggered effects into a fun exploration of bugs, beetles, critters, and all things sugar. Audiences will experience magically synched visuals, emotionally rich music, playful effects, as well as audio samples and multiple kinds of insect sounds from field recordings in nature. This interactive performance encourages audiences to participate: they will be invited to shout out to their favorite bug, dance like one of the insects jiggling around on the guitar, and embrace their curiosity about the world around us.

Composer and musician Kaki King is known both for her technical mastery and for her constant quest to push the boundaries of the guitar. Visually, the show features three custom projection screens in the shape of a bug; a guitar with images projected on it; a custom ukulele; a snare drum that is used to trigger sound, video, and lights; and several LED light structures that are placed onstage and inside the drum. An enchanting concert that combines music, light, and imagery to encourage children to think about nature, ecology, and the animal kingdom.

Recommended for grades Pre K–3.