Here on the west coast earth- quakes have always been a big concern, living on the San Andreas Fault and all those goodies. Thankfully this constant threat on our dear coast has very possibly had an awesome influence on our sound technologies. Did the earthquakes give Stan Shaff and Doug McEachern the idea to make an earthquake of sound, who knows? However the pair has nonetheless succeeded in creating an earthquake of sound in their theatre by “pioneering the exploration of space in music.” The Audium is a one of a kind sound theatre featuring almost 200 speakers above, below and on both sides of you. 

Upon walking into the theatre, one enters a ‘70s time capsule by design. Before the show starts, Shaff (one of the Bay Area’s oldest living DJ’s,) will undoubtedly make an appearance before the lights go out into pitch dark. This blacked out atmosphere along with the surround sound gives one a feeling as though they might be flying when the sound is coming from below or underground when the sound is coming from above. Regardless the space in congruence with the sound becomes a whole new reality.

The Audium holds performances at 1616 Bush St. every Friday and Saturday at 8:30, however it is recommended that you arrive at 8:15. Either way, don’t be late. The doors close at 8:30 and do not reopen for entry until the next performance. At the end of the performance there is an open discussion with the inventors to go deeper into the ideas and concepts surrounding the Audium. Tickets are $20, a small price to enjoy a “sound sculpture.”

List Image: "Audium"