Boston Decompression

10/09/2019

Dear Community,

After 2018’s incredible event, we were looking forward to building an even better event for 2019. However due to unforeseen circumstances, we do not feel that this year we can produce the caliber of event that we would like, and that our community deserves. As a result, we have decided not to move forward with Decom 2019. We are already in talks with the Steel Yard to return in 2020, hopefully with an October date that will not conflict with NECTR.

Thank you to all the people who have recently expressed an interest in helping, and everyone who has been involved in coming to this decision. We will be reaching out to all interested parties after the New Year.

Warmly,
The Decom Team

11/08/2018

*** Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot thanks you!! ***

Ahoy ye Robots & Pirates!

We did it! Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot was one of our most successful events in recent memory! Building off of last year’s success Aye, Robot featured even more art, performance and participation, and for the first time ever, we had fire art and fire performance! The turnout, contribution and participation from our community was absolutely immense, and so from the bottom of our seafaring, metallic encased, bleeding heart-circuits, thank you!

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO ::

Please share your Aye, Robot pictures and videos with your fellow participants and with the planning team by emailing links to [email protected]. We would love to host some of your photos and videos with attribution on the Decompression webpage, so please let us know in your email if that is alright with you, and thank you!

PLANNING DECOMPRESSION ::

The Boston Decompression Planning Committee is a group of volunteers who came together starting in June to make Decompression happen. We always need more help - if you are interested in taking on a planning role in Decompression for next year provide your contact information in this form and we will be in touch: https://goo.gl/forms/aS6SQLHdHFKZLwxu2

This year’s amazing Planning Committee, in no particular order:
FiG - Event Captain, After Party Lead & BRE Representative
Talena - On-Site Manager / First Mate
Terry - Burning Man Regional Contact, Ticketing, Graphics/Design & BRE Representative
Eve - Ticketing, Budgeting, Art Grants Team & BRE Representative
Steve - Art Transportation, Art Grants Team & BRE Representative
Shello - Volunteer Coordinator & MX FIREFLY
Nick Binary - Sound, Lighting, Equipment & Infrastructure Lead
Andy - Art Curation Lead
Helen - Logistics/Infrastructure Coordinator & Art Team
Jen Hill - Deco & Art Team
Kel - Art Grants Lead, BRE Representative & Website
JenFish - Art Grants Team & Planner Accommodations Coordinator
Jeremy - Art Grants Team & BRE Representative
Dewb - Fire Safety & Fire Art Lead
Deb - Fire Safety & Fire Art Team
Katie - Fire Performance Coordinator & Fire Performance Safety Lead
Gary - Music Coordinator, After Party Coordinator
Amir - Performance Lead Coordinator
Kat - Performance Coordinator
JennZ - TrEAsure Station, Theme Camp Outreach & Art Team
Ken - Ranger Lead
Drew - Food Truck Coordinator
Anna - Providence Outreach Coordinator
Michael - Providence Outreach Coordinator

MORE THANKS ::

The people listed above are only the volunteer planning team, there are many other volunteers who helped make Aye, Robot happen: door volunteers, Rangers, greeters, day-of set up, art transportation helpers and heavy lifters, break down help… Thank you to everyone who participated by volunteering!

Even more thanks to the artists, fire artists, performers, fire performers, and DJs who brought their light, fire, color, and sound to our Temporary Autonomous Zone!

We’d also like to thank the our host venue the Steel Yard and their great staff, particularly Chris, David and Ben, for working with us to make this year’s Decompression truly our best yet! More thanks to SB Productions and VDA for providing critical infrastructure needs. Also, thanks to our security team from N.E.S. Solutions, Trinity Brewhouse for providing great beers and bar service, and the food trucks who provided delicious bites: Rhody Roots & Mamita’s!

Lastly, thank you to the artists and coordinators at The Reliquarium for hosting a wonderful after party in their amazing space! Truly a great cap to a great Decompression weekend!

As great at Aye, Robot was, it was better next year, if we make it so! Here’s to 2019!

Yo ho ho!
2018 Boston Decompression Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com/decompression
~*~
http://www.thesteelyard.org/
http://www.thereliquarium.com/
http://www.trinitybrewhouse.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rhodyrootsri/
https://www.facebook.com/Mamitastruck/
http://www.vdainc.com/
https://www.northeastss.com/

If you would like to get in on the ground floor of planning Boston Decompression 2019, please submit your name and the best email for us to get in contact with you.

11/02/2018

*** Boston Decompression: Aye, Robot is nearing port! ***
~* Performances, Featured Art, After Party and more! *~

Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot is almost here! Tickets are currently on sale for $30 plus fees! Buy your ticket now; the ticket price increases to $40 plus fees at midnight tonight. In addition, lower-priced tickets will be available to volunteers, artists and contributors until midnight tonight. Read the full ticketing policy (including details for lower-priced tickets) and buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

Pirates don’t brave the seas or the highways alone. Share a spot in your vessel or get a ride on someone else’s vessel on this handy rideshare page: http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/pwc80j

:: PERFORMANCE ::

We are thrilled to have a variety of performers at Decompression this year! Details about the performances at Aye, Robot are below.

SHADOW PUNK::
Performers: Katya Popova and Nora Maynard
Time: 9:00-9:30 PM
Description: Experimental shadow performance with physical materials, objects and sound

SIENA MOON ::
Performer: Lauren Sullivan
Time: 10:00-11:00 PM
Description: Fans, Hoops and Fire
Sienamoon.com

LAKINA ROSE ::
Performer: Laura Rose
Time: 8:00 PM (energy will go as the music goes)
Description: Geometry Laka Invokation (Prop Dance), Led Hoop and Silk Flow Fan

DEI Xhrist ::
Performer: Deidre Christiansen
Times and Location: 7:00-7:30 PM & 9:00-9:30 PM at the Dome
Description: Shanghai'd Sing-a-long: A hat-tip to the way that music from different regions and eras travels through influence; how it is changed by instrumentation, skill level, and memory; and how theft of intangible ideas shapes language and communication.
Audience will be invited to improvise through music and movement. Participants will reproduce sounds from their youth or ancestral history, using whatever they have to make sound - clothing, props, body, voice. Participants will develop their sounds, steal others, and enact a sonic battle as both aggressors and victims. Attendees uncomfortable with simulated aggression may want to skip this activity.
https://deixhrist.wordpress.com/videos/

:: FIRE PERFORMANCE ::

For the first time in years Boston Decompression will feature fire art and performances! We featured two of the fire performers in an earlier message, and are excited to now provide the full line-up of performers.

Sienna Moon
Sterling Fire
Katastrophi
Magnetic
Terez
Cirque de Fuego

Fire Showcases are at 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM.

:: FEATURED ART ::

Now that we are bearing down upon our harbor, our anticipation is heightened! Here are a couple more pieces that will be featured at Aye, Robot tomorrow.

NooDome ::
By Carl Gruesz - Have a seat, lower the dome over your head and experience information UNDERLOAD. In the absence of recognizable visual references, computer-generated flashing light patterns and aural sounds cause the brain to substitute nonsensical information through the visual cortex. Information overload turned on its head! You'll likely be overwhelmed (and a little disoriented) by the sensations, regardless of their true origin. (see photo)

MarTuga ::
By Thomas Drudge, Jill Wegrzyn & Erik Hluchan - Having just returned from roaming the playa in BRC, MarTuga is a brilliantly lit Sea Turtle art car that melds the nature of Davy Jones' Locker and 21st century technology. She will be on full display at Aye, Robot bridging a connection between some of the very technical projects that are seen at burns, and tying them back into the sense of wonder that can be seen in nature. (see photo)

:: AFTER PARTY TICKETS ::

A few tickets are still available for the after party so buy yours before they sell out. The after party takes place at the Reliquarium from midnight - 4 AM and is a 21+ event. Tickets are $13 plus fees, no refunds. Respect the space and be correct. Buy your after party ticket here: https://decomafterparty.eventbrite.com

Volunteers are still needed, especially for breakdown after Decompression and on Sunday with the art truck back in the Boston area. Those who volunteer for breakdown will get in to the after party for free! Please sign up for breakdown or other volunteer slots here: https://goo.gl/Yaa6xH

FB Decompression 2018 event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/243568579816242/

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Boston Decompression Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com/decompression

10/30/2018

*** Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot ***
~* Tickets, Fire Art & $5 Beers from Trinity! *~

Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot is almost here! Tickets are currently on sale for $30 plus fees! Get your ticket now before the price increases to $40 plus fees. Lower-priced tickets are still available to volunteers, artists and contributors. Read the full ticketing policy and buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

Share a ride or get a ride to Providence and back. Sign-up to carpool to and from Aye, Robot: http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/pwc80j

We are still in need of just a few more volunteers for breakdown! Bonus: breakdown volunteers can get a free ticket to the after party at the Reliquiarum, see details below. Volunteer signup sheet is here: https://goo.gl/Yaa6xH

:: BAR BY TRINITY BREWHOUSE ::

We're thrilled to announce our bar vendor for this year is Trinity Brewhouse! This Providence based craft brewery has been serving the community for more than 20 years. They'll be slinging their own craft beers on draught for $5 in addition to cider, and batched cocktails for $7 - that’s not a lot of doubloons! Check out Trinity here: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityBrewhouse/

:: FEATURED FIRE ART ::

Several months of effort have made fire art possible at Boston Decompression, and we are so excited to highlight just a couple of pieces that will be featured at Aye Robot, including Critter Barbecue which received art grant funding!

WORD OF THE BURNING BRAMBLE ::
A 12-foot tall fire sculpture / generative poetry engine / problem-solving prophet. The installation, by Boston artist Michael Dewberry, was part of the Charnival at Burning Man 2015 and is making its second-ever East Coast appearance, last seen at NECTR 2015. (see photo by Duncan Rawlinson)

CRITTER BARBECUE ::
By Kosta - Witness the metal bones of strange and wondrous creatures. These specimens have been collected from across the globe for your viewing pleasure. Please though dear patron, do not fear, while ferocious in life, they are long dead, even though they are illuminated with the fire of their former lives. Be wary though, the fire may bring them back to life, and if you get too close, they may just take a bite out of you.

These sculptures are made of welded scrap and found metal and then lined with low pressure flame effects. Stabby the Safety Dragon and Doggo the Spring Dog. (see photo)

:: AFTER PARTY TICKETS ::

21+, midnight - 4 AM, @ the Reliquarium - Space and tickets are limited to a fraction of the capacity of our main event, so if you are interested, we recommend you buy a ticket now. Tickets are $13 plus fees, no refunds. Respect the space and be correct. Buy your after party ticket here: https://decomafterparty.eventbrite.com

FB Decom 2018 event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/243568579816242/

0100 1011 1001,
Boston Decompression Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com/decompression

10/26/2018

*** Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot ***
~* Big News! There’s an After Party! *~

Ahoy Boston & Providence Bots & Pirates,

We have big news! Boston Decompression is working with the amazing artist & stage design collective at The Reliquarium to host an after party for Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot! The after party will be a short 15 minute drive from the Steel Yard to the amazingly adorned live/work artist studio and private gathering space, The Reliquarium! (see photos) This is a private event open to Boston Decompression: Aye Robot attendees but you will need to buy a seperate ticket for the after party. Space for the after party is limited, so buy you ticket now! (ticket link below) The after party is 21+ and there will be dancing, music, art and fun times running from midnight to 4 AM. Please be sure to show The Reliquarium the respect this amazing space deserves. Obnoxious or bad behavior and obvious intoxication will not be tolerated. This is sure to be an amazing time capping of an amazing Boston Decompression weekend!

Tickets to Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot main event can be bought here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

:: AFTER PARTY TICKETS ::

Space and tickets are limited to a fraction of the capacity of our main event, so if you are interested, we recommend you buy a ticket now. Tickets are $13 plus fees, no refunds. Additionally, we will have free tickets to the after party available for volunteers who help with main event breakdown! Please sign up to volunteer for breakdown on the Aye, Robot volunteer signup sheet below. Buy your after party ticket here: https://decomafterparty.eventbrite.com

Aye, Robot Volunteer Signup Sheet: https://goo.gl/Yaa6xH
Aye, Robot FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/243568579816242/

Yarr!
The Boston Decompression Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com/decompression

10/24/2018

*** Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot ***
~* Transportation Info & Featured Art Grants *~

Blimey, Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot is riding a tailwind and will be upon us soon! Mechanically, the ship is running like clockwork and the seas ahead are calm. Read on, ye scurvy salts, for the latest news on all things Transportation and some featured art! Tickets are $30-$40 plus fees and are available along with the full event details linked here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

:: TRANSPORTATION ::

Full transportation and parking information is posted on the ticketing site:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

Transportation highlights:
- It is assumed most people are coming from and returning to the Boston area.
- Driving - If you choose to drive please consider the ride share option. Good robots and good pirates share space in their land ships!
- Parking - Plentiful on-street parking is available on the streets surrounding the Steel Yard. Some parking spots may be metered before 9pm. No overnight street parking between 2 AM - 5 AM. As always, pay attention to posted parking signs.
- More Parking is available at the Providence Place Mall Garage at 11 Providence Place about a mile from the Steel Yard. Rates are FREE for up to 2 hrs, $2 for up to 5 hrs, $15 for up to 8 hrs, and $20 for up to 20 hrs. $25 limit per day.
- RIDE SHARE - Offer a ride, ask for a ride. Please use as much detail as possible when filling out the form. Get in touch with your riders or driver to finalize pick-up location, time, and other details. There will be a ride share meeting spot at Decompression with the ride share list posted and additional sign-ups on-site.
http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/pwc80j
- Public transportation - Full details are posted on the ticketing site. Options include trains, buses, and sharing a hired car (Lyft, taxis, et cetera.)

:: FEATURED ART GRANT PROJECTS ::

A tsunami of art is heading our way! We are excited with the response of art submissions we have received as well as the art projects we have been able to help fund through the art grants program. Here are two more exciting projects Decompression helped to fund:

LEDCUBE ::
By Pip - It’s hip to be square! LED cubes will light the night with a variety of visual effects. (see photo)

WALLS OF THE CAVE ::
By Joe Winograd - This is a modular, portable arts and crafts project and interactive video projection that has been built, destroyed and rebuilt in a variety of venues and public situations across the Globe. It is a dynamic combination of high-tech media and low-tech materials to transform everyday objects and ordinary spaces into sensational experiences. (see photo)

Keep your eyes here for more event info, features and updates!

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/243568579816242/

Ahoy,
2018 Boston Decompression Planning Committee
https://www.blackrockeast.com/decompression

10/19/2018

We had a glitch! Early bird tickets are on back on sale till tonight at 11:59pm

*** Boston Decompression Ticket Price Increase Saturday ***
~* Buy Now! Also, FIRE! *~

Last call! Tomorrow, Saturday October 20 at 11:59 PM regular ticket prices will increase to $30 plus fees - buy your ticket right now for $24 plus fees. Save yourself the bucks! As always lower priced tickets are available to contributors and volunteers who need one. For more, please review the full ticket policy and buy tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

We need more volunteers, particularly with breakdown and knowledgeable, friendly people to help greet. We are an all-volunteer event, and we really need your help. Please sign up for a shift by putting your name & email on the volunteer sign-up sheet: https://goo.gl/Yaa6xH

:: FEATURED FIRE PERFORMERS ::

Great news! All of the flaming hoops have been jumped through and we have finally been given a permit for fire art and fire performance at Boston Decompression! To celebrate and hopefully ignite your excitement, here are some details and a photo of just a couple of the amazing flow fire artists that will be performing at Aye, Robot!

STERLING FIRE ::
Sterling is a fire and LED performer with six years of experience within the flow arts community, and have been performing professionally for the last two years. They are the most recognized in their knowledge and performance with rope dart, and in 2015, they have received a ICMAC Boston Gold Metal in Open Weapons. (Instagram: sterling_fire)

KATASTROPHI ::
Katastrophi is a multi-prop insured and licensed performer in New York City and New Hampshire. She is well-known in the spinning community for her mastery in tech fan, and has been touring the country this year to share her practice with the masses. (Instagram: Katfirearts)

Stay tuned for more spotlight features including fire art, and more updates including transportation details all in the works.

Yo ho ho,
Boston Decompression 2018 Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/243568579816242/

10/17/2018

*** Boston Decompression: Aye, Robot ***
~* Ticket Price Increase Ahead (Buy Now!) & Featured Art Grants! *~

Hello robots and pirates!

Beware! Thar be a ticket price increase up ahead! On Saturday, October 20 at 11:59 PM regular ticket prices will increase to $30 plus fees -- buy your ticket right now for $24 plus fees and save a few hard-earned cryptocurrency-doubloons! Review the full ticket policy and buy tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

:: FEATURED ART GRANTS PROJECTS ::

The art grant review process has ended, and we are super excited to have funded a great crop of awesome projects. We thought it would be fun to share just a couple of them here with you. Let’s get excited!

BRIG O’ CUPS ::

Ahoy, Scallywags! Behold the Brig o' Cups! Constructed for Firefly by the scrappiest crew on the Seven Seas and putting into port in Providence for one night only! Walk the plank and broadside the enemy with smoke cannons. Sea why it's better to be a pirate!
(see photo)

UV JELLIES ::

Jump ship and find yourself underneath a bloom of UV jellies, waiting to entrance you with their bioluminescent glow!
(see photo)

See these and several other grant-funded projects at Boston Decompression: Aye, Robot on Saturday November 3rd. Stay tuned to this channel for even more ARRht and performance features from our artists!

FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/243568579816242/

Beep-boop,
2018 Boston Decompression Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com

10/10/2018

*** Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot - Here, there be Music! ***

Greetings Pirates and Robots,

We are very excited to announce the music lineup for Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot! We have motley crew of musical technicians, but be they man or machine? Find out on November 3rd! Buy your tickets to Aye, Robot now, ticket prices increase in just 10 days! Ticket link is below music.

:: Aye, Robot MUSIC schedule ::

Stage 1 ::
11-close :: Fox
10-11 :: Jeff Mission
9-10 :: DJ 841
8-9 :: Gougey
7-8 :: DJ Tara-Ma

Stage 2 ::
11-close :: Keith Mattar
10-11 :: Progressions
9-10 :: Madrone
8-9 :: Citron
7-8 :: DJ Dekichan
6-7 :: Single White Female
5-6 :: Urbanowski

:: TICKETS ::

Tickets to Aye, Robot are currently $24 plus fees and are available now! Ticket price increases to $30 plus fees on October 20th. “Booty” tickets are $40 plus fees for those who have a few extra dollars to support Boston Decompression. As always, there are a limited number of lower-priced tickets available for contributors, performers, planners, and volunteers who need a discounted ticket. See the full ticketing policy at the Eventbrite link for information. Tickets are refundable until 7 days before the event.

Review full ticket policy and buy tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-decompression-2018-aye-robot-tickets-50471192696

Yarr!,
2018 Boston Decompression Planning Committee
www.blackrockeast.com

Boston Decompression 2018: Aye, Robot Our modern 21st century lives are awash in information. Many of our waking moments are spent buffeted on all sides by interruptions, notifications and alerts. Algorithmically directed content pulls us in like a current and we are swept away on streams of data, p...