Matthew Kurtz

Relive Matt Kurtz’ “Drumroll to the Solar Eclipse” in the CapSoul Gallery

See the solar eclipse again but this time with the perfect lead-in: a drumroll! This recording documents a sound performance in collaboration with the total eclipse on April 8th, 2024, at the Chestnut Ridge Park Amphitheater in Akron, Ohio. A few minutes before the moon completely covered the sun, Matt Kurtz directed a seven-piece percussion section in a drumroll that crescendoed and stopped at the moment of totality, coinciding with the natural phenomenon known as the “blackout.” This drumroll acted as a gesture to build anticipation and amplified the audience’s observation of this momentous collision with the cosmos. 

This piece was funded by Akron Soul Train and performed by Maureen Joyce (timpani), Rubin Shirley (snare), Robin Guiler (snare), Mario Malachi (snare), Joe Bilinski (hand cymbals), and Matt Kurtz (gong).

About the Artist Matt Kurtz:

Matt Kurtz is an artist based in Akron, Ohio. His self-mythologizing artwork uses found objects, performance, and video documentation to reclaim identity in the ruins of industry and faith. Recent shows include a dual exhibition at Summit Art Space and an MFA thesis installation at Kent State University. His artwork strives to interact with the viewer through sound performance and site-specific observation.