Idiot Machine Is:
(Currently) A Cinematic Band (?):
Idiot Machine uses short-form videos and interactive multi-media to create exciting, raucous events. Mixing and matching the short pieces from our repertory we are like a band, creating a totally absorbing experience from a series of "video songs".(Mentally) A Movement with a Quickie Manifesto:
We are an [arts] organization promoting creative work in public and casual spaces. We are advocates of: municipal festivals, street theater, micro-cinema, theme parties, open-mics, BBQs, murals, public gardens and anything creatively shared.
Despite the use of phrases like "creatively shared" and "casual spaces" we are not fucking hippies.
(Historically) A Performance Group:
Following is a selected list of IM events, from our founding performance in 2000 to the current tour:
Three Performances (2000) - The show that forged IM's creative core, featuring an aerial food-fight and an on-stage 40-drinking contest. Pure class.
More Weirdness Patrol (2000) - A series of surgical-strike performances and Happening-inspired events, video-taped as part of the pre-show video loop for Three Performances.
Harold and the Purple Crayon (2000) - An operatic, glow-in-the-dark adaptation of Crockett Johnson's classic children's books.
Cardboard Limousine (2001) - A 4-hour event at which a life-size cardboard limousine was built, "driven" around the streets, gave free rides to anyone in need, and was, ultimately, destroyed.
Idiot Machine Open-Mics (2001 - 2003) - A monthly open-mic and reception first held at The Pharmacy , featuring video shorts, live music, poetry and circus arts. In December 2002 the open-mics followed Idiot Machine to their new space, Frank's Livingroom.
Small-Change Casino (2002) - A one-night event in which a loft apartment was converted into a mini-casino, complete with poker, craps, lounge acts and cocktail waitresses - all with a $1.00 maximum bet.
Barbarian Raiding Party (2002) - A piece of social street theater, during which participants built Conan-style outfits from thrift-store faux-fur, then proceeded to storm the BART train and the city of San Francisco, converting new barbarians en-route.
Turkey Shoot (2002) - A sequel of sorts to Barbarian Raiding Party, this evening featured Pilgrim, Indian and Turkey costumes, as well as free pie and turkey sandwiches.
Beach Party (2002) - A one-night event during which a small apartment was converted into a beach, complete with sand, palms, water, lifeguard tower and nudist section.
Underwear Exchange (2002) - A "Santa's Hat"-style trade of home-made novelty underwear, culminating in a small-scale fashion show and party.
Dave vs. Dave (2003) - A free performance-art piece combining Gavin Kroeber's video designs, David Silverstein's humorously experimental poetry, David Bernbaum's rhythmic juggling and Logan Kroeber's music.
Multi-Media Clowning (2003) - A performance piece in which Owen Edson performs alongside his video-projected doppelganger.
The Life and Death of 1 and 2 (2003) - Something of a cross between an absurdist play and Shakespeare's 12th night, presented as part of the San Francisco Fringe Festival.
Recess (2003) - A one-night immersive event in which IM's space was converted into an elementary-school playground. The wall-ball tournaments were particularly notworthy.
Permanent Side Project (2004) - A hilariously engaging "interactive documentary" examining do-it-yourself street art, American subculture and friendship that incorporates interactive multi-media, live music and audience participation into a retrospective of Idiot Machine’s first four years.