Sonic Arts Assembly: Field Sonics with Jessica Ackerley + Pass the AUX
Sonic Arts Assembly is excited to present a free community gathering for producers, sound artists, and beatmakers on Saturday, November 28th, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Capitol Modern (The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum) in Honolulu. This event is free, but registration is required.
We will begin with a talk and demonstration by our special guest, Jessica Ackerley, followed by a "Pass the AUX" showcase where participants have an opportunity to share a 2-minute snippet of their latest track or beat in a no-judgement pressure-free environment. If you're interested in participating, be sure to bring your track (on a laptop, phone, or tablet) and arrive early to sign up as we'll have very limited time slots available.
Whether you’re a seasoned live performer, a bedroom producer, or simply curious about music technology, this event is open to everyone. Music tech enthusiasts, live performers, electronic musicians of all genres and skill levels are welcome.
About the Workshop
Over the years, composer, guitarist, and visual artist Jessica Ackerley has delved into an eclectic range of musical genres, including ambient, noise, jazz, and contemporary classical music, developing a unique approach to performance and recording. From fronting an experimental rock band to performing in free jazz improvisation settings to writing music for other instruments, Ackerley has found that the common thread connecting each musical experience lies in a curiosity about sound and the act of listening. Ackerley also strongly believes that each person has the ability to incorporate these methods into their own creative processes, regardless of their current level of experience.
During the Sonic Assembly, Ackerley will share examples of their own music and the creative processes they use in various settings, as well as lead a workshop engaging participants in listening practices and soundscape creation using a digital audio workstation (DAW). Drawing on the Deep Listening practices of Pauline Oliveros, a pioneer of electronic music, composition, and performance, as well as the field recording and editing methods developed within musique concrète, Ackerley will guide participants through the process of creating their own soundscapes. The goal of the workshop is to encourage diverse methods and approaches to sculpting sound with music software, while potentially discovering new ideas for applying these techniques in other music production and electronic music settings.
Pass the AUX: How to Participate
Share your latest track or beat during our Pass the AUX artist showcase! This is an opportunity to introduce your music to the group in a judgement-free zone. Come early to sign up as we will have limited slots available.
To participate, please bring:
- Your track (a 2-minute snippet max) cued up on a device such as a phone, tablet or laptop
- An appropriate audio dongle/adapter to connect to an audio source
(examples: USB-C to headphone out, Lightning to headphone out)
Reserve your spot
Please register to attend. Limited seats available.
Check-in Location
MORI in Capitol Modern (The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum)
Address: 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 (First Floor)
Parking
All-day Saturday parking is available across the street from the museum at Aliʻi Place for $6 (credit card only).
About Sonic Arts Assembly
The Sonic Arts Assembly exists to amplify Hawaii’s electronic music community through connection, exploration, and shared creativity. We are a collective of musicians, technologists, and sound designers united by a passion for electronic sound in all its forms. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive and, supportive space for Hawaii’s electronic music community.
We welcome individuals of all skill levels, genres, and creative practices—from digital producers and live performers to modular explorers and analog synth purists. Through quarterly gatherings, workshops, and artist showcases, we aim to strengthen Hawaii’s electronic music ecosystem while fostering education, artistic exchange, and innovation.