Itchy-O Renews Itself

Like an Appalachian tent revival performing a Day of the Dead ceremony in the year 2500, Itchy-O's live performances have become infamous for a kind of digital spirituality, a bone-shaking sensory experience of complex instrumentation and feverish exigency. "We always plan a few surprises for all of our shows," says...

By Josiah Hesse

December 27, 2012

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Like an Appalachian tent revival performing a Day of the Dead ceremony in the year 2500, Itchy-O's live performances have become infamous for a kind of digital spirituality, a bone-shaking sensory experience of complex instrumentation and feverish exigency. "We always plan a few surprises for all of our shows," says Itchy-O (the 32-piece band insists on being quoted collectively), which will debut new material at the Itchy-O Marching Band New Year's Eve.

"Itchy-O absolutely relishes in ceremony. Because most of the band plays down in and amid the audience, our performances feel more like an event than a show,” the band continues. “These festival drummers take this already over-the-moon party and send it to Mars. Expect a spiritual experience...of the sweaty kind."

Since last year's NYE show, the band has bought/invented some new gear for its live performances, miking every last drum and creating a new bass kit out of a sub-woofer and sousaphone, which has created "a more dynamic and discernible sound." Not an easy task when your massive band is spread around the entire venue, weaving complex rhythms into the vibrating heads of a pleasantly menaced audience. Joining Itchy-O at 3 Kings will be Andrew Novick and his Get Your Going presentation, audio/video mash-up art from Dr. Whom, and an exhibition from Larry the Chinese Lion Troupe.

The annual 3 Kings NYE potluck dinner begins at 5 p.m., with music starting at 8; tickets are $20. 3 Kings is at 60 South Broadway; for more information, visit www.itchyo.com or www.3kingstavern.com.
Mon., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., 2012

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