If you feel pangs of guilt every time you leave the house without your pupper because they look up at you with those eyes, treat your doggo to a free concert designed specifically for them. Yes, HOTA has officially gone to the dogs, well for the morning at least as hounds of various kinds descend on The Outdoor Stage for Concert for Dogs.

Created by esteemed experimental artist-in-residence Laurie Anderson, Concert for Dogs was first performed on the steps of Sydney’s Opera House in 2010 and has since been developed and unfolded for audiences in Times Square and Brighton, England.

Concert for Dogs is composed of melodies, frequencies and riffs especially created to entertain dogs and their accompanying humans. Sound, music and voice combine to elicit moments of wonder and joy. And yes, barking is allowed.

Afterwards, hang around for an outdoor screening of Heart of a Dog. Dreamy and engaging, the internationally acclaimed film, written and directed by Laurie Anderson, was inspired by her rat terrier Lolabelle and dedicated to her late husband Lou Reed. The film traverse’s themes of life, love both given and received, the journey of death, the fallibility of language and a whole lot of other things.

A film about things that are very sad, but with a lot of joy.

All breeds are welcome but dogs must be on leashes and play well with others. Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts, Canal Street Communications and Pomegranate Arts.

About Laurie Anderson

Unapologetically experimental, Laurie Anderson is best known for her multimedia presentations and innovative use of technology. Based out of New York City, she has published seven books, had chart-topping hits including 1981s ‘O Superman’, and has had her artwork presented in major galleries around the world. In 2015 she directed the film Heart of a Dog inspired by her terrier Lolabelle, and dedicated to her late husband Lou Reed.