Along with getting to talk to VJs and visual creators about their own amazing work, we sometimes find out about all kinds of cool events happening all over the world. Today California based artist Andrew Juris is here to tell us about a weekly Thursday Night Music & Light in Berkeley that you’ll want to check out next time you are in the area!

1. Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Andrew Juris (pronounced yerr-iss), I’m an artist and musician. I got into live projections because I wanted a bigger canvas to work with than my tiny computer screen. I started doing using only Photoshop, often as the only light source to paint color onto dancers and performers. It was very guerilla but also very painterly and unique. I got heavily into motion graphics and filmmaking, but wanted to work in realtime, and VDMX has allowed me to expand my visual storytelling this way. I can build real-time, improvised narratives over my original music and the DJ’s tempo and audio feed, and the energy of the dancers. It’s always different and constantly evolving.

2. What tools (software, hardware, other...) do you use in your process?

I use VDMX and a Novation Launch Control for live work, and Cinema 4D and Premiere for pre and post-production motion graphics and film work. I use multiple Epson 1060 Projectors, and a few DMX lights. I compose music using Logic Pro and various VST’s, and live guitar and keyboards.

3. Tell us about your weekly event in Berkeley!

Thursday Night Music & Light is an all ages, all abilities event that’s now in it’s third year. My friend Herb Heinz built a 500-square foot dance floor with a vaulted ceiling, and it serves as an intimate dance, yoga and performance venue. Herb serves as the resident DJ, and he puts together a set based on different themes. Two adjacent walls are covered with projections and we are filling out the other two and the floor with more projectors. It’s become an immersive and trippy event, and we never know who’s going to show up.

4. What are you working on now?

I’m working with another local artist to build an immersive sound and light installation as part of the first Friday Art Murmur festival in Oakland. I also have a project I’m building with a San Francisco director to produce a play with entirely projected scenery.

For more information about the weekly event, check out the Facebook page, and be sure to visit Andrew’s website and vimeo channel for more of his personal work!