Even if you looked very closely, you probably would have missed it.

Tucked beneath a piano during “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips’ nationally televised performance was a gadget that helped his pianist keep up with him.

The accompanist used an iPad to read the sheet music and Boulder-based AirTurn Inc.’s hands-free wireless device to turn the digital pages.

Idol finalist Joshua Ledet’s pianist used the gadgets, too.

AirTurn co-founders Hugh Sung and Lester Karplus were delighted when they saw their AirTurn BT-105 with ATFS-2 silent pedals being used on TV.

Both are musicians and proponents of digital sheet music. Karplus cobbled together the first few prototypes of the AirTurn using parts he bought at a Radio Shack.

The finished product runs on a lithium polymer battery that can be used for up to 100 hours and connects wirelessly to an iPad or Mac/PC computer via Bluetooth. It sells for $129.95. And of course, it’s made in America.



Samantha Martin appears to have no problem herding cats.

The master cat trainer will present The Amazing Acro-Cats, a troupe of feline entertainers, at the Nomad Theatre in Boulder for several dates starting June 23. These cool cats will push carts, ride skateboards, roll barrels, turn on lights, walk tightropes, jump through hoops and play some rock ’n’ roll music.

The Rock-Cats feature Pinky on guitar, Dakota on drums and Nue on keyboards. Hen-diana Jones, who happens to be a chicken, can really peck a tambourine. Band manager Tuna decided that every song needs more cowbell, so instead of just a jazz ensemble these cats are now into Latin grooves and have an island rhythm section.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because the Acro-Cats have been on a segment of Animal Planet’s “Must Love Cats” and the group was in the special Spring 2012 Dogs and Cats edition of National Geographic. The group also has been featured in Cat Fancy Magazine.

For tickets, $15 adults and $12 for kids 12 and younger, go online at circuscats.com.

Here kitty, kitty, kitty.