A new feature at this year's Hygienic Arts XXXIII in New London is the Rock Lobster Band-O-Matic. The idea is a sort of band-by-lottery construct where interested musicians register individually and are then cast by random drawing into a whole new group with four other like-minded thrill-seekers.

Each new act then has two weeks to write and rehearse before a performance at the closing party for Hygienic XXXIII at the Oasis Pub on Feb. 11.

"We're pretty excited about the Rock Lobster Band-O-Matic this year," said Rich Martin, manager of Hygienic Arts. "With a scene as varied and deep with players as we have around here, we really think there's an opportunity for some random magic to happen."

This is just another wondrous bit of proof that the Hygienic Art show - the area's combination Winter Carnival, Mardi Gras, Louve exhibit and Woodstock, is ever-busy and creating new and fun opportunities. The Hygienic Weekend proper takes place Friday through Sunday, headquartered at the Hygienic Art Galleries on Bank Street and with sundry and tangential events spread throughout downtown New London restaurants, bars, galleries and venues.

The aesthetic core of the festival is the annual art show, "Salon des Independants XXXIII," which is an all-are-welcome show flying under the flag of "no judge, no jury, no censorship." There are also talent shows, film screenings, cabaret, young artists' exhibits - and, given the area's reputation as a musical center for the whole of New England, no shortage of live tunes.

Which brings us back to Band-O-Matic, though - because, basically, it's irresistible.

Imagine if they'd had the Rock Lobster Band-O-Matic back in London in 1967. You might have seen a combo of various superstars like Pete Townshend, Paul McCartney, Charlie Watts and Keith Relf in a band together. Or Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. Oh, wait - that last one did sort of happen and it was called the Cream.

In any event, given the bands and players active in the New London and region, the possibilities are nearly as enticing as any superstar projects from the past.

A similar concept bowed at New Haven's Ideat Village festival a few year's back, and Martin said the results were not only entertaining but perhaps unexpected.

"One band did a pretty great cover of Pink Floyd's 'Money' with a tuba player laying down the bass lick," Martin said. "Another act actually showed up with a full line of merchandise and did an official video for their original song. Given the talent we have in New London, the possibilities are endless!"