So many people (twenty two!!!) came to our Drawdio class today -- from super-precocious grade-schoolers all the way up to retirees, all had a blast at our event. And the best part is, everyone (even the junior hackers in training) left with a sweet home-made synthesizer, and the know-how and confidence to make more great things in the future.

Lots of people stayed after hours to experiment further, some using a simple modification to make a light-sensing theramin circuit, some forming a devastating "double drawdio". Someone also managed to put together a drawdio using old-fashioned point to point wiring -- no circuit board, just a big crazy ball of wires and parts!

We hope to have lots more fun and affordable classes like this one in the future. Thanks to everyone who showed up and made it a hootenany.

8static is a monthly chip music event held at Studio 34 in West Philadelphia. Each month 8static has free workshops, followed by concerts with live performances by musicians and video artists from around the world. The Hacktory and 8static need several volunteers to help with basic event duties:

* Handing out print fliers at local events (concerts, gallery openings) and local businesses (cafes, bars)
* Assist with lifting/moving during setup
* Take tickets at the door / sell merchandise
* Assist with cleanup after the show

Volunteers that help out during the show will not be working the entire time. You will able to enjoy the show. Furthermore, you and one guest will get in for free.

Please email a statement of interest to Don Miller at don@no-carrier.com

We're all preparing for our upcoming drawdio event (Saturday 27th, 1-4pm; more information here) We hope you are too.

Jack's clearly ahead of the curve with his drawdio-based synthesizer mod:

Swing by next Saturday to put together your own drawdio and trick it out with your own creativity. All are welcome.

Our friend and long time Hacktory champion has set up a new hacker space in Philadelphia, Hive 76. Kudos to him and his merry group of hackers. To launch things off, Hive 76 is holding two 3D printing classes. Check out their website http://www.hive76.org/.

You've got to love Philly!
Or as Far would say, "Hack on."

The Hacktory and 8static are pleased to announce the first 8-bit chiptunes concert and hands-on demo to ever be held at the Vintage Computer Festival in Wall Township, NJ on Sept 12-13, 2009

8static is a monthly chiptunes concert in Philadelphia organized by Don Miller (aka No-Carrier) and sponsored by The Hacktory. Artists from around the world perform awesome electronic music to stunning 8-bit projected visuals at 8static using repurposed classic computers and video game consoles.

At the 6th annual Vintage Computer Festival you can get a behind-the-scenes look at these classic computers and video games. From the Commodore 64 and Atari 2600, to the Game Boy and NES, you can try out some of the custom hardware interfaces and software that world-famous chip musicians and visualists use to create retro electronic art.

The entire VCF East 6.0 weekend will be an open celebration of pre-modern computers and related vintage and classic electronic technologies. Exhibits are hands-on and exhibitors will have live demos all weekend. Prizes will be awarded to the best exhibitors in each category.

There will be fascinating lectures both mornings, hands-on exhibits both afternoons, and special events held throughout the weekend. A preliminary list of VCF East 6.0 exhibits is online now, but is being updated as new exhibitors sign on. Don't miss this exciting event!

Too much to talk about this month-- I won't even pretend to do it justice. Lots of stuff in the works here at The Hacktory. Between infrastructure improvements and discussions about new classes and events, we had some great projects in progress this month. Above, Jack does a perfect pull from the vacuum former with his new garbage-can technique. It's quite impressive to watch, and gets great results. You'll have to swing by next time to see it all go down.

 We here at The Hacktory have lots of things going on behind the scenes; expect new announcements soon. To get involved and learn about it real time, be sure to attend our planning sessions coming up week after next.

 The next Open Hack is July 11th. More info at the announcement page.