Russian Soviet inventor Leon Theremin didn’t just invent the touchless, singing electronic wave machine that bears his last name and which briefly made Clara Rockmore a household name in the mid-20th century while also dominating the sonic landscape of sci-fi and horror films, he is also known for his spycraft. Just look up the Thing — not the films, but the actual Thing — an early masterpiece of passive electronic transmission that let the Reds keep an ear on those damn Yankees in the immediate years after World War II. In short, he was a genius, and while
his titular analog device might be largely gone, it is certainly not forgotten. You can hear it in operation tonight at 5 p.m. at the Void, when EtherAir takes over the live airwaves, along with a much more ancient instrument of similar renown, the didgeridoo. It’s free and all-ages, so bring the kiddos.
If you want to bring something else tonight, like the funk, head over to Humbrews at 8:30 p.m. for a session with New Orleans’ own Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Local supergroup HotFoot opens, and tickets are going for $35 at the door, $5 less if purchased in advance.
Music Tonight: Saturday, Jan. 3
