A fusion of senses will hit the Valley this weekend in the latest addition of Phoenix's First Fridays.
Fat Cats', located on Grand and Seventh Avenues in Phoenix, will host "FF.001.002.003," a production of art and music using multimedia, lo-fi technology. Scot McKenzie, an "electronic experimental," and Justin McBee, "sound guru," have developed a "listening environmental experience," which involves combining sound and lighting with art.
Instead of walking from gallery to gallery, as most art lovers do on First Friday's, this weekend, they'll be able to experience art in an entirely new way. McKenzie and McBee are enhancing the musical and artistic experience of a typical gallery, giving patrons a more active part in viewing art.
McKenzie began his career in 1991 mixing beats and music, always trying to make strides that deviated from the norm. Since then, he has worked around the Valley and has traveled to Germany to work with Richie Hawtin, otherwise known as Plastic Man. Hawtin is said to be one of the pioneers in the techno-world, with his influences stretching through the nation and overseas and right here into the Valley.
"When I was in Berlin, I would walk right downstairs to this little club where music, video and art integrated into an atmosphere of experimental entertainment, unlike anything I have ever seen in the United States," McKenzie says. "I see no reason why it can't happen here."
In his quest to enhance the art scene around the Valley, McKenzie will bring his international influence and his brimming talent to a small, eclectic bar in downtown Phoenix this Friday.
Fat Cats', even though it is just about to celebrate its two-year anniversary, is a bar with an old-town feel and is conveniently located in the hub of all the downtown action-surrounded by dozens of galleries and venues. Fat Cats' owner, Jimmy Seagraves, says he is very excited about working with McKenzie and McBee.
FF.001.002.003 at Fat Cats', 915 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix. 6 p.m. Friday and Sunday. Free. 602.252.0988.
"These guys are really on the cutting edge of things. They are really dedicated to their work and interested in their investments. You have to be a hustler to be good at what you do, and these are some hustlers," Seagraves says about the duo.
With innovative interests and a renovated side room, Fat Cats' promises to be an interesting new venue for First Fridays, steering away from the norm.
Fat Cats' weekend events will include music by 'Back Ted - n - Ted' and '[No]' on Friday night and 'Nasty Nate', 'Aw.ol', 'Rex' and 'Excel' on Sunday night. Artwork featured by Michael J. and The Colby will be displayed all weekend.
Besides his work at Fat Cats', McKenzie will also be performing live on Saturday night under the name 'waveformanalogueresearch' at Flop on Pierce Avenue in Phoenix.
This weekend's First Friday, not only marks a momentous collaboration of efforts by McKenzie and his contributors, but also begins the 'Art Detour' weekend throughout the downtown area.
Art Detour is an art walk including all mediums of artistic ability and composition. This event is held once a year in downtown Phoenix and incorporates the old genre galleries with the new edge of aspiring artists like McKenzie and McBee.
To find out more information about the Art Detour go to artlinkphoenix.com.
Reach the reporter at christina.chomut@asu.edu.
