It must have been an interesting experience for anyone passing by Damrosch Park last night, unaware of what was going on inside.  Odd sounds emanating from the Bandshell accompanied by bursts of giggling.  Had I not been watching the action on the stage at Lincoln Center Out of Doors, I might not have understood just how unique the art of Inuit throat singing truly is.  The guttural performance started off the evening, in celebration of the International Body Music Festival, and two young Canadian singers had plenty of fun filling us New Yorkers in on the ancient practice.

Celina Kalluk and Lucie Idlout went back and fourth with one another, echoing various sounds from their throats, essentially playing a game, which is exactly how they described it after their first round of singing.  Fans sitting along the walls were clapping along to the beat.  Seagulls and handsaws were some of the many sounds that inspired the throat singing selections, the latter being guessed by someone sitting in the crowd.

For those willing to trust that the rain would subside last night – I had an umbrella nearby should the weather have acted up, as did many in the audience, although we were mostly spared any wetness – they were treated to a varied mix of sounds and music, all emanating from the human body.

From throat singing to the SLAMMIN All-Body Band and the New York debut of Barbatuques, everything that happened at Thursday’s festival performance came from one body part or another, with nearly every sound rivaling that of a traditional musical instrument. 

Lincoln Center Out of Doors has been a real eye-opener for me this summer.  Until last night, I had never seen throat singing live on stage nor a hambone dance performance, as was presented by Derique McGee.  This weekend marks the finale of the Out of Doors festival, so I’ll be certain to catch at least one or two more shows.  There’s almost always some new experience to be had, including LA CASITA – 10th Anniversary on Saturday and Lucinda Childs on Sunday.