SPUNKandCOmpany Dance will be among the many dance troupes scheduled to perform at this year’s ArtBeat event. – Photo by Rob Loud

By Cathleen Twardzik

On July 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy ArtBeat 2013 in Davis Square. A rain date of July 20 at the same time of day has been set.

The fun will continue on July 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A rain date of July 21 at the same time of day has been set.

The event will occur on Holland Street, on Elm Street, behind the Somerville Theatre and in Seven Hills Park. All of the streets will remain closed to traffic.

The theme of ArtBeat 2013 is “micro.”

Curious individuals whom would like a sample of what performing participants may do at the event may expect attractions dissimilar to the following types. For example, dancers may showcase their art “within a confined space” or utilize “small gestures.” Technology experts may delve into “the power of microprocessors.”

Buying items on a local “micro” level could be present at the event.

“Every year we come up with a new theme for the festival. This is a way to keep it fresh, for the public and for us. So, this year, we decided we’d go with micro. It’s always interesting to see how applying artists interpret our theme,” said Rachel Strutt, Program Manager of the Somerville Arts Council (SAC).

The young gifted musicians of El Sistema will be entertaining on Saturday, July 20.

This year’s event will showcase “a flea circus from NYC, a band called Burnkit2600 that plays on instruments made using micro-circuitry and a micro museum, among other infinitesimal artistic contributions.  The micro museum was created and curated by Judith Klausner,” Strutt said.

A meeting was held to select this year’s ArtBeat theme. Rodeo and wheels were among the other suggestions. Past themes have examined spaces and places, water, red and migration, as well as ArtBeast.

This event will include more than a dozen bands, 83 craft vendors, 27 community organizations, street performers, puppeteers and seven dance troupes, as well as additional types of participants.  Food and micro-themed activities will be available.

“The Either/Orchestra will play a set of jazz, with lots of influences, Ethiopian music, Latin music, even American pop.  This is what we’ve been doing since 1985,” said Russ Gershon of the Either/Orchestra and ArtBeat 2013 Participant.  His band will play on July 19.

Since approximately 1994, this is the first time that The Either/Orchestra has been at ArtBeat. Gershon’s band is still “a ten piece band with lots of horns.”

“It’s always fun to play outdoors, especially for a mixture of people who know the band and people who have never heard us. After being together in this town for so long, it seems crazy that somebody hasn’t heard us, but I’m never surprised. There’s so much music here. With 10 albums out and all this history, we’re kind of an underground institution, with an emphasis on both parts of that phrase,” Gershon said.

“One suggestion for ArtBeat’s theme for next year is ‘freak.’ Then, we could call it ‘artFreak,’” said Strutt.

Interested individuals may view the schedule of ArtBeat 2013 at http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2013/schedule.

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Road Closures

The festival will begin Friday evening, July 19th from 6 to 10 p.m. with live music in Seven Hills Park. On Saturday, July 20th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., craft vendors, live music on several stages, and local artists will set up throughout Davis Square. The events are free, though a small donation is suggested.

For Saturday’s festival, several road closures and detours will apply as follows.

Beginning at 8 a.m., Davis Square will be closed to all vehicle traffic.

Westbound traffic from Highland Ave. will be diverted right onto College Ave, left onto Winter Street and back onto Holland Street.

Eastbound traffic from College Ave. will be diverted right onto Winter Street, left onto Cameron Ave. and onto Mass Ave.

Eastbound traffic from Holland Street will be diverted onto Cameron Ave. and Mass Ave.

Closures will remain in effect until 8 p.m., and MBTA buses through Davis Square will be reroute

If you have any questions, please visit www.somervilleartscouncil.org. or call 311