Audio Illusions

Thomas Steed, owner and financier of Polygamy Productions, has simple things to say about the first installment of his two-part music and sound festival, Illusions in Sound: "People loved it. It was received very well; we got a lot of fan mail."

But there was a hitch: Part one took place at hippie haven Cervante' Masterpiece Ballroom on February 23, and "there was a little bit of a problem," notes Steed. "They had a jam band scheduled, so the band had to play a one-hour set during our show." That must have been interesting, since the headliner that night was the electro/breakbeat act Jackal & Hyde.

But the second part of Illusions in Sound, which takes place tonight, is bound to be free of such distractions. Live art will still be on the agenda — maybe even some more black-light painting — and this time the show will go on at the Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Avenue. "We're going to try to keep all of our artists upstairs in the balcony," Steed says, which means there should be room to dance when Bunny, from the legendary group Rabbit in the Room, works his groove.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets start at $25; get yours early, because the price is likely to go up at the door. Visit www.groovetickets.com for tickets and www.illusionsinsound.com for information.
Sat., March 8, 6 p.m., 2008