exploring the role of sound and listening in natural and cultural environments
For the first time since 1803, two broods, or groups of periodical cicadas, are emerging simultaneously. Both broods will appear in Illinois and Iowa, allowing residents of Cook and Lake counties to hear this unique sonic event! June 9 at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area …
An occasion to reflect on our interconnections with that which is other than human
Stephen Bradley
In May/June 2024, American periodical cicadas — seven subspecies of Brood XIII and Brood XIX — will hatch simultaneously, a convergent phenomenon that occurs once every 221 years. The seven different species chorusing (each with a unique song) is an occasion to reflect on our interconnections with that which is other than human. The distribution of Brood XIX (17-year cicada) will range from central Illinois, around Springfield to east and further north as far as Chicago. Brood XIII (13-year cicada) will extend from Springfield into the southern portions of the state and westerly into the northeast. The broods share a fuzzy border with one another with potential to overlap between Springfield to Chicago, based on the most recent map from A Tale of Two Broods, a text that focuses on these two broods and their shared and separate histories, by Dr. Gene Kritsky, one of CAEC’s mentor advisors.
Calling All Ears Collective (CAEC) seeks to create a platform to feature the American cicada, where the practices of science and art can connect participants in this historic moment with a specific focus on cicada sound. As a growing entity, the collective is open to welcoming initiatives that cohabit with the broods.
In the quest for this unique bicentennial sound, one may ask: how do we listen to cicadas, but also how do they listen to us? Are we really listening deeply?
MAP- Brood XIII = blue dots / Brood XIX = red dots. Periodical Cicadas, the Brood X Edition. Kritsky, 2021.
Explore the heart of Illinois with CAEC as we delve into the extraordinary emergence phenomenon. Through respectful listening and keen observation, we’ll uncover the bio-behavioral, ecological, and bioacoustic intricacies of this rare event. Join us for public deep listening sessions, sonic responses, and learning opportunities, all scheduled throughout the event. Our communal project also delves into Illinois’ historical and cultural context, pondering its state 221 years ago and envisioning its future 221 years ahead.
Join us for public deep listening sessions, sonic responses, and learning opportunities…
CAE Collective has emerged through the efforts of Matthew Wolkow (filmmaker), Stephen Bradley (experimental media sound artist-educator), and the Midwest Society of Acoustic Ecology (MSAE), Chicago. We seek to build to include arts community groups, cultural and community science groups, local historians, entomologists, ecologists, and curious participants. Matthew Wolkow will document and direct a feature film with Stephen Bradley, project coordinator, creating field recordings, and sound compositions.
We ask potential contributors, participants, and the curious to provide us with the following information. Please include:
Please answer the following questions:
CAEC focuses on the edges where the two broods are predicted to emerge. The emphasis is how we envision our human selves in relation to the two Broods, their habitat, and shared histories. Are you interested in collaborating with us on creating a time frame for a broader audience shared experience with the public.