Eine Brise - Glasgow Green - Launch for Arctic Circle Cycle trip for Dummy Jim

Kagel described A Breeze as a Transient Action For 111 Cyclists. The cyclists are organised into a cohort approximately 5 metres wide by 150 metres long. As they approach, cycle past, and draw away from spectators along their route they perform a defined sequence of specified Sound Events (ringing of bells, whistling, singing, flutter-tongue sounds, wind noises). The action itself is over within minutes.

In its combining of contraries -- art/sport, sound/music, freedom/discipline -- A Breeze embodies Kagel's continual questioning of convention.

In May 1951 a profoundly deaf 28 year old Scotsman called James Duthie -- known fondly to his local community as 'Dummy Jim' -- cycled solo on a return trip from the small fishing town of Cairnbulg in the north east of Scotland to the Arctic Circle.

The journey of over 3000 miles took three months and was managed on a budget of just £12.

On returning to Scotland, Duthie wrote about his travels and in 1955 a slim volume called 'I Cycled into the Arctic Circle' was published. James sold copies of the book door to door to cover the cost of future excursions.

Sadly the cyclist was killed in a mysterious road accident in 1965.

In 2000, artist Matt Hulse received a copy of the book from his mother, who had unearthed the hidden gem whilst working at a second hand bookshop on Iona. Inspired by the journal's eccentricity and genuine warmth, Matt decided to set about making a film of James Duthie's unique story.

A year later the wheels were set in motion with the blessing of an SAC Creative Scotland Award.

Since then the wonderful Dummy Jim website has evolved and with the invaluable support of Kindly Folk, initial filming starts this year.

Come rain or shine, friend or foe, hill or flat, puncture or no, Matt and his team have not stopped pedalling.

Dummy Jim is happening. www.dummyjim.com

Please sponsor Olly & Alex, who are cycling to the Arctic Circle to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society & Dummy Jim! www.ollyandalex.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Eine Brise
• Kagel
• Dummy Jim
• music
• experimental music
• performance
• Glasgow
• Glasgow Green
• bike
• cycle
• cycling
• park

[DummyJim]

Dear 00arika00

This seems the most excellent use of time.

Yours aye

Jim