June 4, 2010

DJ Competition and “Ears-on” Science Activities
By Explorit Staff

How are science, math, and physics connected to your favorite DJ and music? Come find out on June 11 at “Science of Sound II,” an evening event filled with opportunities to listen, try, and play music. Explorit Science Center and Black Diamond Productions, a local music production company, will be hosting this ‘club style’ event, which will be teen-friendly and alcohol-free (recommended for ages 12 and up).

In the first portion of the event, local DJs and music producers will give presentations about creating digital music using software and midi controllers, as well as the ‘FUN-damentals’ of learning how to DJ. The presentations—designed for people who want to produce their own music using the leading software in the music industry (such as Logic Pro, Reason, and Ableton Live)—will provide a chance to learn the science behind turntables, music, and sound.

After the presentations, there will be a workshop where guests can learn the basic mechanics of mixing and ‘beat-matching.’ The DJ Workshop will provide an introduction to standard-professional DJ equipment. A sign-up sheet will be available at the event for guests interested in participating in the workshop.

Following the workshop, there will be Round One of a three-part DJ Competition. Twelve previously signed-up DJ contestants (sign up at www.bdpcali.com) will have a chance to show the audience and judges their DJ skills and abilities. The contestants will be competing for a position in the finals at Sci-Sound IV. The winners of the Sci-Sound II and Sci-Sound III Competitions will receive free registration ($300 value) to the Sci-Sound IV Finals, where they will compete to win prizes. Nabor Contreras, owner of Black Diamond Productions, says, “This revolutionary competition is to discover and promote new talents in the local DJ scene. So bring your CDs and friends for a chance to win Pioneer Pro DJ Gear and have some fun!”

Sci-Sound II, from 6-11pm at 2801 2nd Street, features:

• “How to Build a HIP-HOP beat with Reason” by Producer Sav Wesson and Producer/Singer/Songwriter John Wayne (SAV IT OUT Records)

• “How to DJ Using Ableton Live” by DJ Johnny (Black Diamond Productions)

• “Reason Rewired to Apple Logic Pro for Soundtracks and Commercials” by DJ Nabore (Black Diamond Productions)

• DJ Workshops and DJ Competition

Tickets (for ages 12 and up) are available at www.sci-sound2.eventbrite.com for $5. They will also be available at the event ($5 for Explorit members, $10 for non-members, cash only). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Explorit to support science education.

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Upcoming Explorit events:

Friday, June 4: Explorit will host its Member Appreciation Event from 6-8pm for members and special guests at 2801 2nd Street. Please join us!

Explorit is one of three finalists in the Yolo Federal Credit Union "Give A Click" Program. To vote, visit www.yolofcu.org/promotions.htm?yolotabs=2. You do not need to sign up for anything or provide any personal information in order to vote. The organization that receives the most votes between now and June 15th will receive a $1,500 donation. Thank you for your support!

Saturday, June 5: Visit IKEA West Sacramento from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. and check out Explorit's mobile van display at the store's entrance. Explorit will provide hands-on science activities and information about its 2010 Summer Science Camp that begins June 14th. Visit www.ikea.com/us/en/store/west_sacramento/activities for more information.

Saturday, June 5: The Astronomy Club will host a "20 Years of Hubble” meeting at Explorit’s Nature Center, 3141 5th Street. The free meeting, suitable for all ages, will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 20: To celebrate Father’s Day, Explorit will provide free admission to dads at 2801 2nd Street from 10am-5pm.

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Explorit Science Center, at 2801 Second Street, has two exhibitions on currently on display: “Move It! Science in Action” and “Take Matter Into Your Own Hands,” opening June 5. Admission is $4 general, free for teachers, and ages 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org.