Winter Solstice Fire Festival @ The Seattle Center

Fire, Fire!

This fire festival was supposed to happen on the Solstice (hence the name) but didn't due to, well, we all know what. I was really looking forward to attending this. I saw some of these performers at Bumbershoot before and they are awesome. It is completely free and starts at 4PM and goes on through 8PM or so. After the fire we can go out and get some food and drinks, if anyone is interested. Below is the Science Center info on all the festivities.

The Winter Solstice Fire Festival, a spectacular Winterfest premiere, radiates flames and fiery drama. Towering steel infernos will illuminate the darkness, along with dynamic movement and music – all to celebrate the Solstice return to light.
The spectacle begins at 4pm with a performance recognizing the Winter Solstice. Orbis and Solaris create a dynamic outdoor performing art installation that weaves together words, movement, music, fire performances and large luminaries to transform the Seattle Center International Fountain into a stunning celestial wonder.

At the conclusion of the performance, around 5pm, the sculptures in the open spaces around the International Fountain will be illuminated; and throughout the evening, fire performances by local artists will entertain as audiences take in the brilliant works.

This collection of fiery sculptures includes some dramatic, organic, inspired forms:

Fire-Pod

Created by Mark “Buphalo” Tomkiewicz, Fire-Pod, a steel sculpture, stands 11’ high with a 20’ diameter footprint. Six claw-like tendrils jut out of the ground to define a spherical negative space from which fire performers emerge. Each tendril hosts two propane cannons; one at the top facing upward/outward and another at the bottom facing inward, for a total of 12 firing points controlled through a midi interface. www.fire-pod.com

Pnuema

Pnuema, an organic kinetic fire sculpture by San Francisco artist Charles A. Gadeken, takes the form a lotus flower erupting in flames. Created from stainless steel and copper, the flower stands 7 feet tall and is comprised of 12 lotus petals, a spinning central stamen, three large leaves, and a pin-rod stem and root system. When lit the leaves glow red hot and tiny fingers of blue and yellow flame twinkle around its edges and down the leaves’ central spine. The stamen spins at 200 rpms with over 100 small flames creating a 3-foot tall 3-D solid form in fire, simultaneously creating tornados of fire. rising from it.

Water Candle

This 6-foot tall water fountain, created by Chris Piper, with an adjustable flame shoots as high as four feet. Water is pumped up a tube with air bubbles to show the circular flow of the water. Lights at the base of the unit give color to the bottom of the fountain. Propane is pumped through an airtight tube in the center of the water and is ignited at the top. Chris Piper is based out of Oregon. www.fireartistry.com

PyroBeat

Artist Chris Piper has created an interactive experience that melds music and fire. A user interacts with a keyboard that directly controls the flame effect for 41 rod-like units that produce flames ranging from 3 to 12 feet. The computer also drives a sound system so each key sounds a note and lights a flame effect. www.fireartistry.com
Participating performing artists include:

Open Flame Dance Theater - 5:30pm on the Fisher Pavilion Roof

Open Flame Fance Theater (OFDT) is a contemporary dance company that plays with fire. In a departure from the cabaret-like shows often seen in the fire community, OFDT is committed to contemporary dance with choreographic integrity. The intent is to provide engaging, innovative, and accessible performances while pioneering a new style of dance - melding contemporary dance and fire. www.openflamedance.com

Pyrosutra - 6:30pm at the International Fountain

Pyrosutra, one of the leading fire-dance troupes in North America, utilizes a unique combination of fire and dance to create thought-provoking dance works. Pyrosutra has created a sophisticated, diverse, international repertoire that offers powerful entertainment for all audiences. Performances are a musically driven blend of techniques that include fire eating, martial arts, acrobatics, belly dance and stilt walking with a flow that motivates eye, energy and spirit. www.pyrosutra.com

Spinergy Arts - 7:30pm on the Fisher Pavilion Roof

Spinergy Arts is synergy in motion. A group of professional artists that spins together and performs fire manipulation, circus arts, unique choreography, rich and dramatic theatrics, and martial arts makes for dynamic entertainment. www.spinergyarts.com

IGNITION - 8:15pm at the International Fountain
This collection of artists and entertainers is committed to delivering visually brilliant, high-quality performances for all ages fused with spectacular fire breathing, poi, staff, batons, hoops, martial arts choreography, interpretive dance and acrobatics.