Here are the full details for The Mp3 Experiment Chicago. Please take the time to read all of the instructions on this page. This event is happening in Chicago on 10/5. New York details are here. Toronto details are here. San Francisco details are here.
Please note: This is a participatory event. We encourage participants to leave their cameras at home and have fun participating. Same goes for the media. Let’s all enjoy the moment and resist the urge to document!
Date: Sunday, October 5 (rain or shine)
Location: Lincoln Park, Grove #3 [map]
Time: The event will begin at exactly 2:00 PM. Arrive early! The event will be over at 2:45.
Wear: A Red, Blue, Yellow, or Green shirt
Bring: An umbrella and an uninflated balloon.
Full instructions below:
Instructions:
1. Download the Mp3: Download Page (Right click on “Chicago” and save the link. If you just click on the link it will start playing in your browser. Spoilers! Mac users can “option-click”)
Note: The filename for the track is “mp3experiment_chicago.mp3″ and the album, artist, and track name will be “Mp3 Experiment Chicago.”
2. Load the track onto your mp3 player (iPod, etc) or burn to a CD for use with a “Discman.”
3. Do not listen to the track.
4. On Sunday, wear a t-shirt that is one of the following colors: Red, Blue, Yellow, or Green. (Long sleeves / sweaters are OK too.)
5. Bring an umbrella and an uninflated balloon. (Any kind of umbrella. Any kind of balloon that can be blown up.)
6. Bring a watch with a second hand (or use your cell phone if it displays seconds.) Before you leave, sync it up to this atomic clock:
Chicago |
(If your browser doesn’t show the clock above, you can use this link to get the correct time; note that the hour is off, but the minute and seconds are correct.)
7. As 2:00 approaches, take a seat anywhere on the field. Spread out and don’t sit too close to others who look like they might be a part of it.
8. At exactly 2:00 PM, press play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Say what now?
If you’ve never heard of The Mp3 Experiment, check out our coverage of the past four years:
How will we know when to start?
You will have synchronized your watch or cell phone clock to the atomic clock above. Start right at 2:00:00 PM.
Do I have to have an iPod?
No. The event is designed for folks who own an iPod or similar portable mp3 player, but those of you with portable CD players can participate as well. Simply download the track and burn it to a CD. Don’t have a burner? Ask a friend to burn it for you.
I can’t find the track on my iPod. Where is it?
The artist and album are both listed as “Mp3 Experiment Chicago”.
Should I listen to the track beforehand?
No.
Can I listen to the track beforehand?
You really shouldn’t. Sure, there’s nothing we can do to stop you, but to really get the full experience of the event, you shouldn’t listen to it. It will spoil most of the fun. We know it’s hard to resist. Be strong.
What if I get to the event late?
Press play at 2:00 wherever you may be, and hurry up!
What if I don’t press play at exactly the right time?
That’s OK. We’re counting on everyone’s tracks being slightly off. Different mp3 players have different response speeds. It will be fun to see participants who are clearly ahead or behind. If you are significantly off, feel free to glance at a neighbor’s iPod and try to sync back up to the correct time.
What if I accidentally hit a button on my player during the experiment that stops the track?
We recommend turning on the “hold” button on your player after pressing play to prevent this from happening.
What if my player crashes or the batteries die during the experiment?
In the unfortunate event that this happens to you, we recommend you pretend like nothing is wrong and just go with the flow. There’s really no way to fix it, so why not have as much fun as you can anyway?
Can I take photos or video?
Please refrain from taking photos during the experiment. We will have photographers covering the event, and you’ll have more fun if you’re not taking photos. We take care of the documentation; you take care of the fun!
I’m coming with some friends. Should we all wear the same color t-shirt?
No. It won’t matter. You won’t be separated from them either way.
Can my shirt have writing on it?
Sold colored t-shirts are best, but it doesn’t really matter if there is writing or designs so long as it’s clear what color it is.
Do I have to RSVP?
Nope, but we did create a Facebook Event if you want to RSVP there. Bring as many friends as you like– this event is open to the public.
What if it rains?
Unfortunately we do not have a rain date. It will happen rain or shine at 2:00. You’ll have an umbrella with you anyway.
How old do you have to be?
The Mp3 Experiment is appropriate for people of all ages. If you are under 18, you should have your parent’s permission to participate.
Why is Yahoo! involved?
Our partnership with Yahoo! is making it possible for us to tour The Mp3 Experiment to three other cities. Yahoo! did not influence the content of the mp3. They are making it possible for us to do exactly what we want to do in four cities. We’re thrilled about it.
I have another question that hasn’t been answered!
You can ask it by leaving a comment on this entry.
Need help!
Got a new Mac, not familiar with all bells & whistles, can’t use “Save As”
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Hit the option button while you click the download. That’s the advice folks have given in the other cities.
Sweet, worked perfect like
do the umbrellas and ballons have to match our shirts?
@Ike,
Nope.
hooray! i’m so excited about this. i used to live in new jersey and participated in the second mp3 experiment, in central park. i had a fabulous time and am looking forward to sharing this with some new friends. thanks, improv everywhere!
and OF COURSE, i wont be in town for this :( maybe next year.
I’ve done 4 missions in NYC (two MP3 experiments) and hopefully will be able to come out for this one in Chicago. Can’t wait!
I participated in New York last weekend and am looking forward to this weekend’s festivities. Two suggestions – secure your MP3 player and press “Play” at the right time!
Can’t wait!!!! I just posted this over on The Examiner http://tinyurl.com/4kzlxq to help spread the news.
Looking forward to a fun afternoon.
Excited about this event. I am a student here in Chicago and a lot of students from my school are coming out to enjoy in the fun! Love what you’ve done in the past and we are all excited to see how this one goes!
I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m really looking forward to it! See you all Sunday!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
I was really hoping to make this one, but my parents wouldn’t let me. I really wish I could make it.
I hope you all have fun.
THATS TOO BAD SHAWN….YOU WILL BE MISSED.
I’M DRIVING 4 HOURS TO CHICAGO….AND I’M NOT GOING TO TELL MY PARENTS …YOU KNOW…..THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH ME BEING A PART OF HISTORY.ITS MY HIGHER CALLING…TO BE INVOLVED WITH SOMTHING WAY BIGGER THAN MYSELF…TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY.
GOTTA GO WASH MY FAVORITE RED SHIRT NOW.
Hey Shawn,
What part of town do you live in ? Maybe I could pick you up. You realy shouldn”t miss this.
What if it is raining and my raincoat is not the same color as my shirt color? which group do I go with. Should I go out and buy a new one?
Pretty good turnout, somewhere between 300 and 1.5 jabillion. Too bad it rained the whole time.
I lost my keys during the event today. Ford car key with remote lock/trunk opener and another key with a hexagon head and 3 holes…also has cards for Jewel, Dominick’s and CVS…please call me at 734-834-2110 if you found anything!
That … was … great. And wet. But cool beyond cool. I’m glad my King’s Crown brought joy to so many of Steve’s minions.
during the epic battle, i think my cellphone fell out of my pocketo, so if anyone funds this hen leasep allc ema alksfawf
seriously… that was EPIC! thanks so much for setting that up. my rommate and i had a FANTASTIC time!
Freaking fantabulous! Thanks everyone for a great time. And to those who stuck around to play Red Rover, thanks for letting my friends and I in on the game! :)
Hey Shawn,
I just heard from Mike N. His parents caught him and grounded him for
three hole weeks. What a bummer. I guess he wished he would of stayed home like you. Good call.
*SETH* Someone found a black razor phone, check http://improveverywhere.com/2008/10/05/mp3-chicago-thanks/
The said to email them with the full number (so they can check and make sure its really your phone) or call the phone before the battery dies.
Maybe its yours