Razzle Dazzle 'Em
West Austin's new interactive light display dazzles for limited time
A new light display promises to dazzle West Austin — but only for a limited time. BuzzFest is Bee Cave's newest event (get it — buzz? Bee Cave?) is switching on its inaugural winter light festival December 17-19.
This free public art event, presented by Bee Cave Arts Foundation and hosted at Hill Country Galleria, incorporates light, design, sound, and technology for a special interactive display. Six different installations have been selected to interpret this year's theme, Ocean of Bioluminescence, which is "inspired by the glowing creatures found in the depths of the ocean’s twilight zone."
Participating artists are a mix of both local and national creatives, including Jordan Remar, Takuma Katagiri, dadaLab, Mind Works, Johnny Walker, Emmett Palaima, Journey Jolley, Matt Smith, and Dalton's Light. The six pieces include augmented reality artworks, interactive exhibits, and digital light installations.
Patrons can take a self-guided tour through the festival using a map or the BuzzFest app.
Those looking to fully embrace the interactive part of the festival can become glowing ocean creatures themselves. Snag a bioluminescence kit containing a glow-in-the-dark mask and light-up bracelet and necklace with a donation to the Bee Cave Arts Foundation.
And make sure to join the other festivalgoers at Hill Country Galleria’s Central Plaza each day at 7 pm and 8:30 pm for a truly transporting experience. Listen to original musical scores, watch glittering light shows, and see performers in illuminated costumes as they bring the deep sea to landlocked West Austin. Each performance is 20 minutes and will feature a live DJ set in between.
“The Bee Cave Arts Foundation is excited to transform the Hill Country Galleria into a magical winter light fest,” said Ashley Cobb, president of the Bee Cave Arts Foundation, in a release. “There will be plenty of space for visitors to socially distance, safely explore the festival and enjoy the many other holiday festivities and shopping offered.”
As mentioned, this event is free and open to the public, but donations to the nonprofit Bee Cave Arts Foundation are welcome.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri