Pass the Jam, Please

Sound bubbles through my computer speakers: bursts of electronica, beeps and voices mingle, while a psychedelic jigsaw of images appears and disintegrates. It's 'Share,' a weekly assemblage of audio and video mixed live in NYC and web cast to the world. As I watch and listen, a voice leaps out from the mix: 'Expectations are high!'Indeed: broadband connections are recommended if you harbour high expectations. Those of us still on the humble dial-up must use our imaginations to bridge the gaps in this streaming data exchange. Like jazz, this is probably most fun for those who are actually doing it. And you can, next time you're in NYC on a Sunday evening. Audio and video artists are invited to bring their own gear, patch into a multi-everything system and join the live jam before special guests take the stage. -Helen Varley Jamieson