HEAT:05 is inspired by my wish to somehow mark the ten-year anniversary of the 1995 Chicago heat wave, in which over 700 people died. In his book, Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago, Eric Klinenberg outlines the many levels of urban social isolation that led to the deaths of so many elderly people, most of whom died alone, and many of whose bodies were never claimed.

What can the response of an artist be to this tragedy? What is the role of an urban performer in combating social isolation? What are the forces of social isolation in the lives and work of artists?

If we know that a major contributing factor to the deadliness of this heat wave was its duration, how does that relate to a performance project that involves duration and endurance?

I have decided to perform every day in 2005. My performances will take many forms and be presented in many different spaces. I am a writer, actor, singer, percussionist, and mover. My performances in HEAT:05 will encompass all of these forms, alone and in collaboration with others.

To me, the recent earthquake/tsunami disaster in Asia only highlights the need to draw attention to the ways in which we construct and function in local communities in many different ways, including art and culture.

Throughout 2005, as I document the process of performing every day on this web site, I will continue to investigate the questions I raise above. I also hope to participate in commemorative events around the City of Chicago and am currently researching other organizations and individuals who might have information about such activities. If you have information, ideas, or questions about this project, I encourage you to contact me.