Revver

The Online Front Porch

by matthewart1

"The On-Line Front Porch" is the second of a series of three on-line projects produced by Matthew Saunders, an MFA candidate in Arts Administration at Virginia Tech. The first, an original play called "The Renaissance Man", generated interest and audience from places as far as Austria. "The On-Line Front Porch" is a workshop production incorporating virtual performers and virtual audience in the creative process. Through the magic of high-speed bi-directional video links, the "Konnarock Critters" will enjoy a three day world wide tour without ever leaving Blacksburg. "The On-Line Front Porch" gave the "Critters" an unusual opportunity to preserve important cultural heritage and educate people in other places that might not have exposure to old-time music. This style music was originally performed when a group got together to pick on some one's front porch. The concert will be followed with an on-line talk back session that will allow people in the audience and cyber-audience a chance to learn more through real time interaction. In a very real sense, this event represents old meeting new creating an interesting dichotomy of cutting edge computer technology and the traditions of past generations. Audience participation ranged from Virginia to Pennsyvania and Illinois.