Maker Faire

Austin Community Steelband   Austin Community Steelband
Austin Community Steelband is a Kids' Steelpan Trio.

Crafty Chica   Kathy Cano-Murillo
Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, talks about what inspires her new work.

Angeliska + Arpadelamar   Angeliska Polacheck
I play ocean-harp (also known as sea-harp, or waterphone). This mysterious instrument is a peculiar combination of whale and tea-pot. It looks like it was invented by mermaids - in fact, it was invented to serenade cetaceans. It has been used in many wonderful horror movie soundtracks.

Dare to Dream Different with Donuts   Jim Mateer
What can you make with 30 mini-donuts in 5 minutes? Come and impress the crowd with your fun creations and win cool prizes. Meet Microsoft Team Zero to hear the story behind the donuts and what they are planning to do next. This fun donut contest introduces Microsoft’s “Dare to Dream Different” challenge through which almost any developer can create their dream embedded device using the power of .NET Micro Framework – and win over $96,000 in prizes!

Austin Community Steelband   Austin Community Steelband
Austin Community Steelband is a Kids' Steelpan Trio.

ArcAttack!   ArcAttack
ArcAttack employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation (an HVDJ set up) to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. The music consists of original, highly dance-able electronic compositions that sometimes incorporate themes or dub of popular songs.

TheHeroCycle   TheHeroCycle
Indie rock fireballs TheHeroCycle sends out musical pulse waves of soaring vocals, haunting lyrics and cross-genre magic that pull audeinces in, up, and over the edge of the musical horizon.

RoboGames   ComBots / RoboGames
Fighting robots! Fire! Screaming fans! 102,000 pounds of steel and bulletproof glass. Who could ask for anything more?

BLUESQUEEZEBOX   BLUESQUEEZEBOX
"BLUESQUEEZEBOX... plays an eclectic mix of material from some of the greatest songwriters in history... You may recognize some or all of the songs you hear them play... gritty, world-weary vocals, Texas-style guitar heroics and slinky seven-string bass, all taken to the next level of madness by the driving undercurrent of their namesake instrument."

Boiler Bar Theater   Jon Sarriugarte and Kyrsten Mate
In the grand tradition of traveling sideshows, The Boiler Bar Theater comes to Austin. The bar and stage showcase not only Jon Sarriugarte's fine metalwork, attention to detail, and experience with fire accoutrements; they also provide a setting for several talented performers headed by Kyrsten Mate. The Theater evokes an earlier time in America, when acts were born in the backyard, and costumes were made out of whatever was at hand with a whimsical vision. The Bar is a fantasy of metal, rivets, and fire.

Bending Circuits, Bikes, and Musical Traditions in India   Benderella
Benderella, veteran circuit-bender and Maker, reports on discovering circuit-benders, bike modifiers, and electric analog musical instruments on the crowded streets of India. Stop by to see incredible photographs and a stage demonstration of modern trends in the evolution of Indian electronic musical instruments.

Hungry Scientist Cryogenic Ice Cream   The Hungry Scientist
We, the authors of The Hungry Scientist Handbook, believe that LN2 ice cream approaches the theoretical supremum of tastiness, and we like to share this wealth far and wide with our cryogenic ice cream truck, offering fans 100 flavors to choose from as they create their own micro-batches; then posting real-time photos and documentation of regional flavor trends to our website, creating the ultimate global ice cream.

Alexander's Dark Band   Alexander's Dark Band
Alexander's Dark Band is a 7-piece band from Austin, Texas. Best described as "quirky symphonic pop," they combine classical string melodies and harmonies, driving rhythms, and clever wordplay.

ArcAttack!   ArcAttack
ArcAttack employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation (an HVDJ set up) to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. The music consists of original, highly dance-able electronic compositions that sometimes incorporate themes or dub of popular songs.

Austin Community Steelband   Austin Community Steelband
Austin Community Steelband is a Kids' Steelpan Trio.

Science in the Movies   Steve Wolf
Science in the Movies is a live demonstration revealing how science is used to create spectacular movie stunts and special effects. The program was developed by stunt coordinator Steve Wolf who's done projects from "Crocodile Dundee" to "America's Most Wanted" to "Hustle and Flow". The program is now the basis of science education programs for students and teachers.

Kluge: The Haphazard Evolution of the Human Mind   Gary Marcus
Are human beings “noble in reason” and “infinite in faculty” as William Shakespeare famously wrote? Perfect, “in God’s image,” as some biblical scholars have asserted? Hardly. If mankind were the product of some intelligent, compassionate designer, our thoughts would be rational, our logic impeccable. Our memories would be robust, our recollections reliable. Our sentences would be crisp, our words precise, our languages systematic and regular; in reality, or our minds besodden with irregular verbs (sing-sang, ring-rang, yet bring-brought, and we humans are the only species smart enough to systematically plan for the future —yet dumb enough to ditch even our most carefully made plans in favor of short-term gratification. (“Did I say I was on a diet? Mmm, but three-layer chocolate mousse is my favorite…Maybe I’ll start my diet tomorrow.”). I don’t mean to suggest that the “design” of the human mind is a total train wreck, but if I were a politician, I’m pretty sure the way I’d put it is: “mistakes were made.” The goal of this lecture is to explain what mistakes were made—and why.

The Tastydactyls   Kyle Randolph
Come see the Tastydactyls! Blake Rawlings: guitar and vocals, Kyle Randolph: keys and vocals, Brandon Oswald: bass, Gedden Gibson: drums.

ArcAttack!   ArcAttack
ArcAttack employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation (an HVDJ set up) to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. The music consists of original, highly dance-able electronic compositions that sometimes incorporate themes or dub of popular songs.

Authentic Innovation   Mister Jalopy
As consumers, we are armed with cash -- the most powerful and efficient mechanism to separate good design from bad. As innovators, we need to respect the cash and we can not begrudge people their inherent awesomeness. Authentic innovators design products that people will not only want to buy, but will want to protect these inspired objects from harm.

Foot Patrol   Foot Patrol
Foot Patrol is the premiere foot fetish funk band. In fact, it is the only one in existence. The singer/keyboard virtuoso is blind and happens to be very interested in feet, so all their songs are about that oft-underrated body part. Their music is funny, light-hearted and funky.

TJ Wade- Vocals and Keyboards
Hung Nguyen- Bass
Austin Schell- Guitar
Judge Jeffrey Hoskins- Drums
Kerim Peirce- Tenor Sax
Rick Redman- Trumpet
Nick Smith- Trombone
Toe Deputy Dance Squad- Choreography/Footography

RoboGames   ComBots / RoboGames
Fighting robots! Fire! Screaming fans! 102,000 pounds of steel and bulletproof glass. Who could ask for anything more?

Eco-modding with Illuminati Motor Works   Illuminati Motor Works
The Illuminati Motor Works Team is an official Automotive X-Prize Contender. They are competing for the “1 Gallon of Gas, 100 Miles — $10 Million: The Race to Build the Supergreen Car.” At Maker Faire, they will be conducting daily eco-modding workshops as they focus on how to get better mileage and improve performance on the Hyundai Genesis.

Walter Ehresman   Walter Ehresman
Walter Ehresman be performing original songs on acoustic guitar/vocals.

Make: television   Twin Cities Public Television
Stop by our booth and learn more about Make: television, coming January 2009. This will be a great opportunity for folks to learn more about the series, check out the projects we'll be highlighting and audition for a chance to be on Make: television. We'll be joined by members of the Geek Squad, the major funder of our series.

Toast   James Pate
Toast will be performing with their fusion of Prog rock, Jazz, Funk and Reggae.

Boiler Bar Theater   Jon Sarriugarte and Kyrsten Mate
In the grand tradition of traveling sideshows, The Boiler Bar Theater comes to Austin. The bar and stage showcase not only Jon Sarriugarte's fine metalwork, attention to detail, and experience with fire accoutrements; they also provide a setting for several talented performers headed by Kyrsten Mate. The Theater evokes an earlier time in America, when acts were born in the backyard, and costumes were made out of whatever was at hand with a whimsical vision. The Bar is a fantasy of metal, rivets, and fire.

ArcAttack!   ArcAttack
ArcAttack employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation (an HVDJ set up) to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. The music consists of original, highly dance-able electronic compositions that sometimes incorporate themes or dub of popular songs.

DIY laser cutter   Bilal Ghalib
A laser cutter made from two scanners and a DVD-R diode. Computer automation made simple.

My Daughter’s Wheelchair Safety System   Bryant and Katy Underwood
It's like OnStar for your daughter in college! Learn how one dad hacked a GSM cellphone with a Parallax microcontroller to make an on-call "telematics" phone system that's even better than the paid services. Plus: His latest version adds GPS.

Automusik   Automusik
Automusik, Austin's self-proclaimed "greatest band in the world," offers a sensory-overload blend of pulse-pounding electronic pop, synchronized computer visuals, and robot voguing. You will never be the same after Automusik unleashes their deadpan vision designed to simultaneously break your spirit and transform you with their uniquely Teutonic brand of robotic rock.

Diet Coke & Mentos Mega-Fountains   Eepybird.com
Help the original Eepybird guys build their amazing Mega-Fountain using Diet Coke and Mentos! Soda practically explodes as carbon dioxide rapidly escapes from the bottle.

RoboGames   ComBots / RoboGames
Fighting robots! Fire! Screaming fans! 102,000 pounds of steel and bulletproof glass. Who could ask for anything more?

Fashioning Technology   Syuzi Pakhchyan
The author of Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro to Smart Crafting, will talk about incorporating a tech flair to your crafty projects and style. She'll be armed with LEDs, phosphorescent ink, and polymorph plastic, among other "smart materials."

Southern Drama   Southern Drama
An eclectic blend of sultry and sour vocals, erratic and experimental violin, haunting and rhythmic piano, carnival-esque bass lines that thunder like a stomping circus elephant, and ramshackle guitar and percussion sounds.

Refashioned Fashion Show   iLoveMikeLitt
Come see creations made on site at Swap-O-Rama-Rama and more, modeled for your enjoyment!

THAT Damned Trio   THAT Damned Trio
A roving acoustic trio of musicians playing the songs of hobos, pirates, and circus folk from around the world. THAT Damned Band sounds like a circus trainwrecked into a hobo camp where Eastern European klezmers are learning Irish drinking songs from Tom Waits.

ArcAttack!   ArcAttack
ArcAttack employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation (an HVDJ set up) to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. The music consists of original, highly dance-able electronic compositions that sometimes incorporate themes or dub of popular songs.

7 Seals and the Wingless Angels   7 Seals and the Wingless Angels
Words Sounds and Power! Our band is Seven Seals and the Wingess Angels, a positive 5-piece band from international origin with the same passion: reggae music. Our music is very entertaining and aims to touch all people of any age. We've played at several festivals and are working on an album release project for the end 2008.

RoboGames   ComBots / RoboGames
Fighting robots! Fire! Screaming fans! 102,000 pounds of steel and bulletproof glass. Who could ask for anything more?

Furby Youth Choir   Thomas Fang
Furby Youth Choir is a small army of modified Furbys which together produce a surreal and stochastic cacophony of tones, buzzes, squeals, and glitched-out demented laughter. Newly installed switches and potentiometers offer some degree of control, but the aleatoric sounds emerging from the bent circuits frequently surprise even the conductor of this robotic choir.

El Tule   El Tule
For three years El Tule has been honing its unique sound combining influences of Cumbia, Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Rock, Salsa and Reggae. The music is influenced by art, history and culture often focusing on legends and tales of the mystical. El Tule is for those who love to dance, feel good and enjoy the positive expression of music.

The Painful Leg Injuries   Bill Byrne
The Painful Leg Injuries are multimedia digital artist Bill Byrne, and his wife, Suzanne. They combine Bill’s Nintendo Wii-mote controlled instruments, homemade electronics, gameboy, circuit bent toys, software based instruments, warped old instruments and audio data gathered from file conversions of his visual art with Suzanne’s lovely cello drones. Bill Byrne wrote the article "Wii Will Rock You" for Make Issue #14.

ArcAttack!   ArcAttack
ArcAttack employs a unique DJ set up of their own creation (an HVDJ set up) to generate an 'electrifying' audio visual performance. The HVDJ pumps music through a PA system while two specially designed DRSSTC's (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) act as separate synchronized instruments. These high tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt and put out a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. The music consists of original, highly dance-able electronic compositions that sometimes incorporate themes or dub of popular songs.

Belaharr Drum and Dance troupe   Belaharr
Music/Drums/Dance performance

Operation Playmate   Operation Playmate
A musical act performing live improvised electro/techno using original-design handmade electronic instruments and vintage synths. Danceable, and not-too-noisy. Featuring synchronized video art with circuitbent sources.

Sangre del Sol   Sangre del Sol
Sangre del Sol's performances include stunning and extraordinary costume design and original fire and LED props, with live music and graphic art installations.