Shooting off pyrotechnics at a concert may be nothing new, but a music event where the instruments belch fire is certainly unique.
Fire the Band took the stage both on Friday and Saturday night at the Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn, a warehouse venue located on Scott Avenue in East Williamsburg, for their Mechasonic Sessions.
Dozens of artists came together for these sonic experimental collaborations, producing a storm of sound, pulsating light, and yes, fire.
Stefan Zeniuk, the musical director of Fire The Band, explained, “The goal is to provide a setting where musicians and artists can express themselves in ways they wouldn’t be able to in typical environments. It’s an initiative by artists and musicians, meant for artists and musicians, to pursue things otherwise unachievable in conventional shows or settings.”
This event, marking the fourth installment, aimed to push the boundaries of musical experiences for audiences. Zeniuk noted, “It’s about enhancing the experience not just for the audience, but also for the performers and for individuals who might not be professional musicians but are brilliant thinkers and dreamers. We have a continuous flow of ideas and discussions that evolve into extraordinary concepts.”
“We keep trying to explore new ways that they can happen, you know? Lots of new noises. We like to come up with lots of new noises.”
Horn player Chris Cortier’s trombone shoots fire thanks to a propane system.
The last event was staged two years ago, and attracted 600 people — and the FDNY.
Boasted Zeniuk: “Zero injuries to date.”
