San Jose Extends Burning Man-Inspired Light Exhibit At City Hall

SANTA CLARA VALLEY, CA — San Jose's temporary art installation "Sonic Runway" in front of City Hall is being extended through March 9 because of popular demand, according to the city's Office of Cultural Affairs.

Sonic Runway is a light exhibit that visualizes the speed of sound, providing patterns of light to match music being performed with it.

From the front of the runway, beats of music ripple away from the viewer. From the back of the runway, viewers can see the sound coming towards them and hear music as the patterns reach the viewer.

The exhibit can be viewed nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight outside of City Hall at 200 E. Santa Clara St.

The art installation by Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant is the first of a series for the "Playa to Paseo" initiative, with pieces inspired by the Burning Man event that takes place in Black Rock City every year.

"The public response to Sonic Runway has been remarkable," Kerry Adams Hapner, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, said in a statement. "It has become a destination for San Joseans of all ages and backgrounds, and visitors."

On Thursday evenings through the end of the installation, live musical performances are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Performers include national singers, performers and a sound healer with crystal bowls.

By Bay City News Service

Photo by Adrien Le Biavant/Courtesy city of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs