Looking for a way to unwind and disconnect? An upcoming event at Capitol City Cinema may provide exactly the right atmosphere.
Capitol City Cinema plans to host "Part of the Circle" with local musician and photographer Lloyd Grotjan at 2 p.m. July 20.
Debi Word, board member of the Capitol City Cinema, said the idea for the event came after she saw Grotjan perform at the Runge Nature Center several years ago.
"I was just so amazed by all of it," Word said, trying to describe Grotjan's performance. "It's very soft I don't even know if I can explain it."
Grotjan plays an acoustic harp guitar, which is a combination of a harp and guitar in one instrument, something both Word and Grotjan said makes for a more full sound.
"It makes a very nice sound," Word said. "It really accentuates his performance."
Grotjan said the instrument is very rich and perfect for solo performances. He noted the harp guitar will be about 80 percent of the music played, as rain drums will be used along with fire images and more of a flamenco-style nylon string guitar also will be used.
Word said the show will focus on a connection with nature through Grotjan's photography, which will be on screen during the musical performance. Grotjan said the music will try to convey "the positive feeling of being out of doors" and disconnected from the technology that often rules day-to-day life.
"I just think this can be very much about allowing someone to relax and maybe get more in touch with that nature aspect, the calmness and serenity," Word said. "Especially in our present day, we need to understand our interconnectedness with nature and our kinship with one another. This is all part of the life cycle."
Grotjan said the music will include ambient noises and some natural tension, comparing it to the tension one might feel when on a float trip and hitting some rough spots that only serve to make the rest of the trip more enjoyable.
"The music ebbs and flows," he said. "There are spots that are meditative but it's also entertaining and constantly changing."
Word said she hopes the cinema can be full up for the performance, noting the space holds 49 people, though more chairs could be added if needed.
"We're hoping for a big turnout that day," Word said.
The performance will last about one hour and tickets are available for $9. For more information on tickets, visit capitolcitycinema.org.