UPDATE: Keep an eye on the weather this weekend if you have your heart set on experiencing "Murmuration." The exhibit will be taken down if rain seems likely, as moisture may damage the electronics in the sound-producing devices. Based on the forecast as of Friday morning, there is a greater chance of rain on Sunday than on Saturday.

Exciting news! This weekend only, Blandy visitors will have the opportunity to experience a unique soundscape at the Ginkgo Grove!

"Murmuration" is an outdoor sound installation by Lee Weisert (Associate Professor, UNC Department of Music)  and Jonathon Kirk (Professor of Music, North Central College). In this immersive exhibit, robotic, wirelessly-controlled mallets hit woodblocks mounted to trees to create a shifting, percussive soundscape. The instruments are triggered by computer-generated algorithms that mimic biologic and geologic processes. Hard to imagine? Watch this video for a taste of what the "Murmuration" experience was like at another arboretum.

"Murmuration" has appeared at botanical gardens and arboreta all over the country. We're so excited to welcome "Murmuration" to Blandy this weekend!

“Murmuration” was supported by a North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship Grant as well as a grant from New Music USA.

Information for Visitors

Location: Ginkgo Grove at Blandy Experimental Farm

Time: 12:00-5:00 PM Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd (assuming no rain)

Cost: Free!

Parking: Park in one of the lots near the Quarters building and enjoy the scenic, 10-minute walk to the Ginkgo Grove, the location of "Murmuration." A small number of parking spaces (~20) are available at the Ginkgo Grove.

Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at the Quarters building and at Peetwood Pavilion.

Guidelines:

• Enjoy the art installation!
• Please do not park or drive in non-designated areas or along roadsides as it poses a threat to the health of our trees and the safety of our visitors.
• Please do not touch any elements associated with the art instillation.
• Please do not fly drones.

Directions to the Ginkgo Grove:

• Enter Blandy from the Route 50 entrance. Park in one of the lots near the Quarters building and enjoy the scenic, 10-minute walk to the Ginkgo Grove, the location of "Murmuration."
• A small number of parking spaces (~20) are available at the Ginkgo Grove. To get to the Ginkgo Grove by car, enter from Blandy's Route 50 entrance. Turn right onto Tuleyries Lane and drive through the Cedars of Lebanon Allee. Veer right at the next intersection to stay on Tuleyries Lane. The Ginkgo Grove will be on your right. Please remember that the speed limit at Blandy is 15 mph.