Gamelan X

We pride ourselves on never doing the same show twice. Each show is custom made for the occasion. We have several configurations.

Our small band (3-5 performers) typically plays stationary with electronics, hand drums, and pitched percussion from our Balinese gamelan.

Our big band (8-15 performers) is equipped to be mobile or stationary with 5 large gongs, bronze pitched percussion, marching cymbals, drumset, tabla, and electronics. This performance might also include dancers or stilts walkers.

We also lead workshops called Kecak (Monkey Chant). This is an a cappella style that uses group movement and chant to channel community energy toward a common goal.

Gamelan X is an Oakland, CA based percussion group that started in 2005. We pride ourselves on never doing the same show twice. We have several configurations. From a 3-15 piece band, stationary or mobile set-ups, projected visuals or stilts dancers. We also lead Kecak (monkey chant) workshops, which is an audience participation chant and movement form.

Drawing its inspiration from the clove and incense scented air of Bali, Indonesia, Gamelan X explores the sonic landscape of contemporary beleganjur gamelan to offer a wildly unique expression of both East and West. From the resonating sound of the gongs to the explosive drum beats and interlocking cymbals, Gamelan X remixes the ritual of a Balinese procession with a decidedly west coast twist. The ebb and flow of the energy of a performance will transport you on a journey that will take you from dancing ecstatically, through moments of reflection and wonder.

Recent show include: Lucidity festival, Lightning in a Bottle, Switchboard festival, Undercover project (Kid A), Burning Man.

If we are performing our stationary big band set :

15 mics
2 DI