As if we already didn't have enough reasons to indulge in a bit of ice cream, a trio of designers/musicians have turned the crowd-pleasing treat into a musical performance. Carla Diana—smart object designer and author of the whimsical MakerBot book we reviewed and loved so much—has teamed up with food designer Emilie Baltz and musician Arone Dyer of Buke&Gase to create LICKESTRA, a sort of edible ensemble based on the consumption of conductive ice cream. Diana explains:

LICKESTRA plays with the experience from tongue to taste by presenting a series of conductive ice creams that trigger various baselines and tones when licked. Riffing on the "ice cream stand," guests are invited to stand inside a classic white pedestal and lick the ice cream that is presented to them. The result is a "4-piece band" that operates only by the licking of each guest.

Early sketches

Early sketches

The magic is embedded in the ice cream stands: Each one has a sensor that detects if the stand is occupied, while a sensor on the "cones" recognizes when the ice cream is being licked. "We like to start the performance with all the 'lickers' hidden inside the boxes, and when a head pops up, a beat starts," Diana says. "When that person licks, one part of a four part melody is started. The musical phrases are interesting when played in short bursts (quick licks) but gets more intriguing when the licker keeps his or her tongue on it for a longer period."

Tomorrow, New Yorkers can try their hand tongue at this musical installment. Starting at 7pm at Specials on C, 50 lickers will get a chance to step up to the pedestal and play what might be the first instrument that can give you cavities (courtesy of the NYC sweet tooth institution Big Gay Ice Cream). With Valentine's Day on the horizon, LICKESTRA is a surefire way to get bonus points for creativity from your special someone. Make sure and get there quick—once the ice cream is gone, it's all over.