Music is often assumed to be a hearing experience, but Deaf and hard of hearing fans have been showing up to concerts and festivals for years. Sign language interpreters are a big reason why, and the best of them turn a song into a performance of its own.
More Than Words on Hands
Interpreting a song is very different from interpreting a speech. Interpreters who work at festivals describe using their whole body and their facial expressions to carry the feeling of the lyrics, not just the literal meaning. At one rock festival profiled in a feature on concert interpreters, an interpreter worked to make sure the intensity of a song came through so that a Deaf viewer would react the way a hearing listener would.
For Deaf concert-goers, the experience can be layered. Some feel the bass and the vibrations in the crowd, and the interpretation adds the meaning of the lyrics on top of that. Others rely more heavily on the interpreter to fill in what lip-reading cannot. Interpreters also have to think on their feet. One interpreter has described asking Deaf audience members who know the setlist well to help identify a song when a performer changes plans mid-show, then pulling up the lyrics to interpret as best he can.
Interpreting as Performance Art
A few interpreters have become well known in their own right. Amber Galloway Gallego, for example, is widely recognized for turning song interpretation into a form of performance art, channeling an artist’s energy and lyrics through expressive signing and movement. Festivals such as Bonnaroo in Tennessee have also been praised for their sign language interpreting programs.
How Festivals Make It Happen
Behind the scenes, accessibility usually runs through a request process. Large US festivals such as Austin City Limits publish accessibility pages explaining that interpreted performances are available for certain acts, and that fans can ask for a specific performance to be interpreted by submitting a request form ahead of the event, with deadlines set months in advance so organizers have time to prepare.
On site, the setup typically looks like this:
- An access center, where Deaf attendees can pick up an ASL wristband
- A designated ASL viewing area near the stage, open for performances scheduled to have interpretation
- Signage marking viewing areas for Deaf patrons and for patrons with mobility limitations
- A published schedule of interpreted performances, usually posted closer to the festival
Accessibility specialists encourage organizers to plan interpretation from the start, hire qualified interpreters for concerts and other live content, and clearly mark which shows are interpreted so Deaf attendees can plan their schedules.
A Note on International Audiences
Most of the examples above involve American Sign Language at US festivals. At events with a truly international crowd, organizers can also consider International Sign interpreting so that Deaf fans from different countries can share the experience. As music festivals draw audiences from around the world, that is a conversation worth having.
The Takeaway
Live music is for everyone, and sign language interpreters are one of the most visible ways that message comes to life on stage. If you are heading to a concert or festival, check its accessibility page early, because the best interpreted shows are the ones planned well in advance.
Interested in International Sign or the global Deaf community? Follow OneDeafWorld.com for more coverage of IS, accessible technology, and events from around the world.