Billy Martin, best known as the drummer for Medeski Martin & Wood, has until midnight tonight to fund an ambitious new project. “The Start of Wind” combines a bamboo orchestra, actors, and dancers in a large-scale production “about a very resilient organism with ancient roots,” but the Kickstarter campaign needs to reach $23,000 or the project won’t happen at all.
The production centers on Martin’s handcrafted bamboo instruments, which he’s been experimenting with for years using bamboo he grows in his own garden. Martin is directing a full theatrical work that brings together an orchestra of these unique instruments with choreographed movement and narrative performance. Anna Sperber will choreograph the piece, which is set for a month-long residency at the Watermill Center in Southampton, NY this April.
The funding will cover the practical necessities of mounting such an ambitious production: transportation for performers traveling to the residency, lodging for the month-long stay, meals, and technical production costs.
The all-or-nothing nature of Kickstarter means that if the campaign doesn’t hit its goal by tonight’s deadline, none of the pledged money goes through and the project doesn’t move forward. Backers can choose from rewards including bamboo instruments crafted by Martin himself, handcrafted lamps, original art, private drum lessons, and more. Anyone who contributes will also receive a free ticket to the performance once it is in production.
Visit the Kickstarter page before tonight’s deadline to support the project.