I'm very sad to tell you that Michel Waisvisz, director of STEIM, died yesterday, peacefully at home. Joel Ryan was performing with Sakata Akira at that exact moment - in front of a packed house during a big event to show the world what it is STEIM does. How's that for timing.

I will always remember Michel as playful, friendly, and determined. Being happy as a little kid playing with electronic instruments, tiny little gadgets and virtual toys, keeping the weird bunch of people at STEIM motivated and feeling good, and being determined about what direction to go with STEIM.

Coming days will be strange, stressfull, and soothing at the same time with all positive messages from all over the world coming in.

My thoughts are with Kristina and Rosa.

You can leave your condolances at www.steim.org/michel/.