Coming to Hamilton’s waterfront this fall from November 1 to 26, Sonic Runway is a light-art installation that translates audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down a 432 ft. (132 meters) corridor of 25 LED lined arches at the speed of sound.
Sonic Runway creates an unforgettable experience as you walk through the arches. At the front of Sonic Runway, you see musical sound waves rippling away. Walking down the corridor, sound and light are always in sync. Looking back from the far end, you can see the sound waves coming towards you in light, and hear the music as the pattern reaches you.
Sonic Runway will be on display at Pier 8 along the Waterfront Trail near the Discovery Centre (57 Discovery Dr.) and is best experienced in the evening from 5:00-10:00pm when the light and sound components will be activated. This outdoor experience is free to attend.
In addition to Sonic Runway, temporary art installations by local artists Jim Ruxton, BluHeron Collective and Hamilton Craft Studios will be on display. Sonic Runway was created by Rob Jensen, Warren Trezevant and is tour produced by Creos.
A series of live performances and community events on select evenings:
Nov 3 – Hamilton Day celebration with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Programming from 6-9pm
Kick off Hamilton Day Weekend! Special programming will include DJ Donna LoveJoy and DJs A Side B Side, plus Pepe the Hamilton Day mascot, Fire Spinner, Hot Drinks, and Glow Sticks
Nov 4 – Republic Dance Co. featuring Janessa Pudwell
Performances at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
Republic Dance Co. presents a concert style exhibit that showcases street dance. An exciting dance performance with talented movers and shakers.
Nov 12 - Salsa on the Sonic Runway with SalsaSoul Productions
Programming from 5:30–9pm
Experience an EPIC and ELECTRIC evening of Latin music and dance with SalsaSoul Productions. The evening starts with a free beginner salsa dance lesson on the Sonic Runway with SalsaSoul Productions and will also include live music by singer Luis Franco, a performance, and more!
Nov 16 – Diwali Lights in collaboration with Samaj Hindu Temple
Programming from 6-9pm
Diwali on the Runway! Celebrate Diwali with the lights of Sonic Runway in partnership with the Hindu Samaj Temple. Free glow sticks, Diwali snacks and more.
Nov 18 – Experimental Flows with Sabian Crosswell
Performances at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
Experimental Flows featuring Sabian Crosswell’s improvised world/jazz/funk music inspired by the spontaneity of the Sonic Runway lights.
Nov 24 – Hamilton Glowriders waterfront ride night
Ride the Sonic Runway with the Hamilton Glowriders! Soup up your ride with LED fun and ride the runway on your bike, board or scooter! Take a waterfront ride with the Hamilton Glowriders. Free hot drinks, glow sticks and snacks, music by Demon & the Murmurs and more!
Nov 25 – Nelken Line by Pina Bausch performed by Tanis MacArthur and Grace Loney
Performances at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
The Sonic Runway hosts a rendition of the Nelken Line by Pina Bausch. Dancers rhythmically traverse the length of the runway indicating the four seasons through Pina's signature gestures, repeating four times with playful variations each cycle. The public may join in at will.
People who are sensitive to strobe lights should use caution.
Parking at Pier 8 is limited and the public are encouraged to walk, bike or bus to the waterfront.
