We will be providing regular updates about pd_LAunch? on pd list and elsewhere -- many arrangements are still in-progress. But please spread the word to those you know who may be interested -- whether they live in LA and may become patching-circle "regulars" -- or if they live anywhere in the world and just want to be part of the pd_LAunch launch-fest.

The main purpose of this preliminary/early announcement is to help you in making travel plans, etc. if you need to. We especially welcome members of other patching circles (from other cities, other countries) to join us in LA and share your experience and inspiration.

At the moment, we have set up an an e-mail address: launch@pd-la.info where you can express your interest, support, plans-to-attend and other helpful ideas.

Because the physical facilities at CrashSpace? are fairly small and other venues are still being negotiated, it's VERY IMPORTANT that you RSVP "yes" right away if you plan to join us April 25 - 30 in LA.(Kindly make your RSVP via the email address:

launch@pd-la.info. We request that you also use the "launch" e-mail address especially to express interest in topics for workshops and/or demonstrations that you would be interested in attending. (See suggestions below.) Or you can use the e-mail to ask particular questions, to request travel and lodging advice and assistance etc.)

All pd_LAunch events will be "free and open" to everyone, as much as space and facilities permit. For some events that will be limited by space, we will be providing some signup lists — details forthcoming.

We would also request that when you RSVP "yes" you would consider making a contribution to secure some of the spaces and amenities we will need. A suggested contribution is $50 USD. We welcome your contribution to this effort, with money or ideas or other help, even if you cannot get to LA in person. We can all support the new patching-circle there. (Money contributions, of whatever amount, should be made to New Blankets Inc. which is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; so your contributions are tax deductible if/as those U.S. laws apply to you.)

Some events and highlights already planned for pd_LAunch:

• VIP guests: Miller Puckette, Hans-Christoph Steiner, Chris McCormick?, Natacha Diehls ... more invitations are "in the hopper" as well.
• Opening reception/build/video-slam at UCSD with Miller Puckette Monday April 25 (San Diego)
• "puredata gym-full" Family Night at the Long Beach Boys and Girls Club Wednesday Apr 27
• panel discussion with Miller Puckette and puredata developers Saturday afternoon Apr 30
• concert/party/reception "Music with Miller Puckette and Friends" Saturday evening Apr 30 (Miller Puckette, Natacha Diehls, Chris McCormick? and more ...)
• workshops and demonstrations by Hans Steiner, Chris McCormick?, Miller Puckette and others are being arranged ... These will be based on what the interest/registrations indicate and depending on what spaces/venues in LA can be arranged. (Some spaces larger than the CrashSpace? location may be required.)
• A "goody bag" and other items available for pd_LAunch? sponsors/RSVP'rs/contributors to include a 20-lecture puredata video course by Miller Puckette, pd_LAunch? souvenirs made on the CrashSpace? Makerbots, live-USB sticks ready to boot-up and run Linux/pd on any computer etc etc.
• "Store-front music" a transformation of the street-front of CrashSpace? into an interactive puredata experience, following up on the CrashSpace? smash-hit effort for VIMBY. (Get your patch out on the street ...)

Workshops/demos being planned: (Please suggest others if you like; all involve pd/Max patching):

• pd for beginners tutorials
• homemade-computer instruments "petting zoo" at the Boys and Girls Club
• GEM and interactive graphics
• WebPd? -- pd with your web browser
• android -- pd on your phone/handheld
• motion-interfacing with the Kinect 3D camera
• arduino/pduino for real-world interaction and robotics

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Previous "talking points" announcement:
A patching circle is starting up in Los Angeles at Crashspace.

pdLAunch 2011 April 25 - 30, 2011 Los Angeles CA

(Goals)Launch a pd/Max patching circle in LA, to meet monthly thereafter at CrashSpace?

(Goals)Raise visibility of CrashSpace?, recruit new CrashSpace? members etc

(Goals)Widen the audience for pd, especially to kids and other "non experts"

(Goals)Explore/Develop/Exhibit "pd in community play spaces" (e.g. LBBGC, CrashSpace? sidewalk)

(Event)Saturday afternoon: Roundtable experts discussion: "pd state-of-the Art"

(Event)Saturday evening: Concert/Party featuring performances by "Miller Puckette and Friends"

(Logistics) Miller availability: Saturday April 30 (roundtable, concert/party) _________ Hans availability: Mon Apr 25 - Sun May 1 (workshops,demos,rigging,ArtistinTransit? ...)

(Logistics)Begin announcements, invitations, confirmations via pd list

(Logistics) Wiki for the launch event: LAPatchingCircle

(Logistics) Identify "special guests" that New Blanket and/or the fest will sponsor to appear/perform

Distinguish launch event from regular patching circle meeting

How publicize? -- pd-list, ITP, dorkbot blabber, craigslist events

Kinect camera _____Kinect is a great group-builder vs watching-staring-at-screens _____OSC to local network is very open/flexible approach

Sidewalk in front of CrashSpace?

Get some community discussion going on mailing list(s)

Approved/sponsored pd/Max classes @ CrashSpace? and hosts/venues around LA (CalArts?, USC, BGC, Parks)

___"Intro to puredata" class/workshop

___"Intro to Computer Music" class/workshop

___ "Intro to pd Video" class/workshop

___"Intro to pd Physical Computing" class/workshop

___"Kinect yourself with pd" class/workshop

"Family Night" at BGC (Venice or Long Beach)

Invite/Encourage Special Guests especially for Saturday

All pd and Max/MSP users welcome!

Promotional items (from Makerbot) allow donations/fundraising __ key-fobs, penlights, or other small trinkets with pdLAunch logo(s) __ Miller's "intro to computer music video set on USB"

Interest in "book/video slam" event e.g. for translating Miller transcripts