Bang on a Can - 25 Years

This past week created some very special memories for me with BOAC. The chance to share the stage with BOAC All-stars and with my fellow members of rfbf, and performing for Music for 18 Musicians for Steve Reich in both Disney Hall and in San Diego was wonderful! To look up during both rehearsal and performance and seeing everyone around us on stage and in the audience smiling and enjoying the music, created several moments I will never forget.

The public's big endorsement at the end of M.Gordon's "Van Gogh" during our Fiarì Ensemble performance in Turin, nov.2008. It happened every time we have performed music of Micheal, Julia or David!
I wish other 25 years (and more) of good music!

No memories yet but very much looking forward to seeing the group. I am a composer and curious on your music. I heard about you on Popolarenetwork - Milan.

Music teacher recommended BOAC

I'm very into new music and some friends turned me on to BOAC. I haven't looked back since. Congrats on 25 years! Here's to many more!

Looking forward to explore this new cd!

I heard about Bang On a Can listening to Radio Popolare in Milan and in the newsletter of Sentieri Selvaggi, in Milan too

Well, this morning, I was listen to the radio. Suddenly i heard for the forst time your music . And I said to myself: I've to discover those Bang on a can! Have a good times. I

Friends have done Summer School - very jealous!

thank you

I heard one of my friends playing your songs

Every concert by BOAC offers a new revelation -- your marathons are always the highlight of my summer. And Canteloupe recordings circulate through my CD player constantly. Thanks to all of you at BOAC for keeping it exciting, illuminating, and fresh, and mazel tov! Eagerly I anticipate the next 25.

That was the shortest 48 hours I've experienced.

I am a fan of your recorded music. I have not had the opportunity to see you live YET!

I heard that KUSC program and was completely taken aback. You guys are creating something wonderful. Thank you.

I hope to have something more profound and heartfelt to write in 25 years when I'm celebrating Bang On a Can's 50th anniversary!

Son Sean Fredenburg!!!!

My teacher Fabio Oliveira, Ph.D. studied with Steven Chick. I am a student of Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.

I've seen several of your wonderful concerts at the Clarice Smith Center at the University of Maryland. The last was the haunting "Joe Hill" concert. It showed how important the visual part of your concert is to the whole performance.

Writing a paper on the History of the Anvil Chorus - followed bang on a can composers for a year or so now and lovin it.

Hearing their version of "Music for Airports" on KBOO in Portland, Oregon while driving home at night from my job right next to the airport.

First heard this througn EMusic site. Loved it and soon had downloaded all they had to offer.

Listening to Nancarrow arrangements on KUSC! :D

SOOOOO cool!

Seeing Anthony Braxton and 100 tubas at the 2006 Marathon.

Bang on a Can...keeping strong the spirit of invention. To me they every bit as important as Cage, Zorn, Zappa, Partch, Riley...The list is long but all are close to my heart (...and ears).

Have been a fan of BOAC for a number of years, and I'm looking forward to enjoying this album!

I know nothing about Bang on a Can, but for free I'll try most anything.

Have friends from years ago who talked about the group with great enthusiasm

I heard about Bang on a Can when I bought Tristan Perich's
1-Bit Symphony.

Just took over as Music Director at Lebanon Valley College's radio station WLVC. Let's play some tunes!

I've always been impressed with how Bang on a Can promotes contemporary music, year after year!

memory: visiting NYC some 6 years ago and, during a walk to Ground Zero, by surprise walking into the BOAC Marathon going on in the WTC wintergarden. What a lovely day.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Feico

Marching around Lincoln Center. Hooked me.

The first time I heard Bang on a Can we drove 6 hours to Paris, being the nearest concert for us. You played "In C" - amazingly beautiful!

Amazing live performances...

Had the immense pleasure of working with the All-Stars up in North Adams for a summer. before I attended the festival I was in awe of their playing, but I gained a deeper understanding for music in those 3 weeks. Can't wait to see the group again in the near future. Come out to the west coast!

I heard about the album on KUSC.

I can't remenber my first introduction, but close to 25 years ago!Your amazing evan ziporin joined you along the way and I am hooked forever.

I've been hearing about this group from my friends for years, and it's time I started listening to them!

I listened to Bang on a Can for the first time on KUSC in Los Angeles. The mixture of jazz and classical instruments opened my mind!

The first time I heard you play live was at The Hartt School a year ago. I was completely blown away and, most importantly, inspired. Thank you for all that you do!

I've been following BOAC since David Lang visited West Chester University's composition dept. back in 06-07. My best friend and bass student of Robert Black, Dan Turkos, told me about the new album. I'm very excited to check it out!

Want to hear more after hearing some on KUSC.

New York Times, a while ago. You guys are really quite amazing! Once I started listening,I was hooked.Keep up the great work, and best wishes to you all. Jim K

James Sellars - "Don't Stop" at the Hartt School Richard P. Garmany Chamber Music Series in 2010. The entire program was jaw dropping.

Julia Wolfe and Steve Reich at MASS Moca a few years ago...

Lisa Moore introduced me to BOAC many years ago. Recently I attended a performance at Carnegie last November.

I'm a modern dancer, dance educator and choreographer. I was in a local music store in 2004 looking for music to begin a new choreographic work and stumbled upon the Steve Reich Tehillim The Desert Music CD with Alarm Will Sound. I was able to hear a little from each of the works in the store and loved the music. Ultimately I used movement I and part of movement III in the Desert Music suite for my dance titled, "Kinetic Resitation". I got on the mailing list of Canteloupe Music and Bang on a Can and since then, have ordered a few more choice titles including, Don Byron's A Ballad For Many. I appreciate the notices, articles and info that the newsletter provides and it's good to know that this creative music keeps expanding. I'm a jazz lover but I also love the direction of new classical genres drawing from all traditions (jazz, world, minimal, electronic) to create a richer pallet that is dynamic and universal. Congrats on turning 25 years and thanks for offering the compilation of music to your fans. Best wishes for many more years of music-making. Cheryl Banks-Smith, Los Angeles, CA

Banglewood 2009 was amazing! Especially remember Wolfe's piece for bagpipes and electronics in the airplane hangar-sized gallery...

Earliest BOAC memory: Marathon '92, Phil Kline's "Bachman's Warbler", mind blown.

How did I discover 'Bang On a Can' from New Zealand? The connection was via Frank Scheffer's films: 'Music for Airports' and 'In the Ocean'. And so a long term interest in Brian Eno resulted in the discovery of 'Bang On a Can' and the expansion of my world to include 'Child', 'Cruel Sister', 'Van Gogh' and other Bag On a Can creations. Unexpected connections are often exciting: this one certainly was and is.

I live Battery Park City and have seen events sponsored by you. It brings Back memories of Pyramid Arts Center in Rochester Ny. During 80s I was the Artistic Director there and presented many of the people BOCF does. I have been a visual artist here in NYC for 24 yrs.
Antonio Petracca

Another appreciative listener sent your way by New Yorker critic Alex Ross.

The first time I saw Steven Schick perform when he arrived in San Diego altered much of my musical landscape. I became aware of BOAC through his early work, and have stayed interested because of the solid commitment to the need for new music, and the continued high standard of execution. You guys need a vacation.

Music for Airports at the World Financial Center. Just beautiful.

I first found out about Bang on a Can after seeing Steve Schick play a solo concert in Los Angeles in the 90s! Ever since then, I was hooked to BOAC! Thanks for many years of great music!

The New York Bang on a Can Marathon is --every year--The Concert of the Year. That 27 plus hour Marathon though was a musical experience I will never forget.

I've been banging a can for decades now.

My favorite BOAC memory is a concert where the percussionist played a version of Steve Reich's piano phase on a strange marimba-based contraption phasing out against a video of himself. By the middle, he looked like Shiva, pounding through the propulsive rhythms. As Shafer said, it was "almost exceptionally cool."

Suggested by my boyfriend we went to the bang on a can's gig in Milan, Teatro dell' Elfo, and that was one of the most incredible and intense concert of live music i've ever been. thanks for your music. A.

I read an article about Bang On A Can in the January 20, 2012, Star Ledger Ticket entertainment section. Based on the article, you play my kind of music.

I remember going to Lafayette College to see Bang on a Can perform "Ambient Music for Airports." Later, I went to see a special performance of "In C." Both were memorable experiences.

I heard about this on a wonderful evening with Jim Svejda and Evan Ziporyn on KUSD.

I heard about this album by a friend whose working with me.

I'm in your mailing list.

I read about this in the NJ Star Ledger reviewed by Ronni Riech and it sounded very interesting

Fabulous memory of seeing BOAC play Music for Airports live at the wonderfully located Snape Maltings in Suffolk, UK. Loved the jokes that night too!

I first ran into Bang on a Can just wandering through the atrium and was entranced by the wacko sounds. I had plans that day but instead ending sitting for hours.

Big fan for many years. We go to MassMOCA every summer as well as Zankel events.

First heard Bang on a Can on Granville Island (Vancouver BC) many years ago, I've been a fan ever since.

[I'd say BOAC but to me that's always been the British Overseas Airways Corporation.]

NPR radio

Saw the All-Stars perform Steve Reich at Carnegie Hall. It was great!

Being a freshman composition major at USC and attending a concert - it was eye-opening. I didn't know a double bass could DO that! And the energy was like that of a rock concert. For me, it definitely ushered in a new way of thinking about "concert music." I had never heard anything like it before.

I just loved the name and had to check it out. Then I was hooked. My composer friend confirmed my opinion by turning me on to venues that often play "your kind" of music. Now I never miss a performance in the city, if I know about it.

my memory of this group is the association with the Unsilent Night. I went to San Francisco for the very first of these events not knowing what to expect, and it turned out to be an incredibly spiritual event. I enjoy keeping up with Bang on a Can and all the information you pass along

I enjoyed so much playing at your "Bang on a Can Marathon" last year!I hope to see you all soon!!

I have only been to one bang on a can concert so far but it was great and am looking forward to the little match girl at zankel next week

I remember when I first came across Bang on a Can. It was in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center, and it was such an incredible experience that I don't think I'll ever forget it. Later I moved to NYC and went to the Marathon in the Winter Garden - also wonderful. Thank you so much for these experiences and hopefully many more!

One day you played with "Musiques Nouvelles" a Romitelli piece at Brussels

Bang on a Can. One of the best.

not sure this is a bang on the can memory, but I do remember seeing Michael Gordon Philharmonic in concert in Berlin, mid 80s, in a small park by the canal. There weren't many people, but I was excited of hearing Gordon's music, which I did not know but had read about somewhere. It was a great concert.

My senior year at conservatory I was getting tired, bored, and in the hubris of the young thinking I was "over" music as a career. Then I friend of mine played Icebreaker's recording of Michael Gordon's "Trance". And that was the end of that.

WNYC's John Schaefer has shaped my music tastes over years of listening to NEW SOUNDS. He's been a big supporter of Bang on Can - and to that effect, you found a listener in me! Keep up the exceptional work.

I've been a fan of BOAC since my first marathon several years ago at the World Financial Center. I had the great fortune to sit behind guitar hero Robert Fripp -- I knew then I was the best place to be at that moment in time. I've since attended 2 other marathons and the BOAC performance at Mass MOCA, and have enjoyed them immensely. Here's to your next 25 years of joyful, eclectic music-making!

Picking up industry from the library in university. The cover was so not classical music. The music had roots in so much. It felt like the next step, and then I realized that came out in '95.

I heard "In C" in my college orchestration class 5 years ago, and have been hooked on the All-Stars ever since!

No memory as yet, but heard about this from your e-mail.

Super excited the first time I heard music from Bang on a Can. I am a choreographer and always searching for music that excites. It is innovative, daring, exciting, a kind of sweet & sour mixture. I love it!
Thank you.

Heard about Bang the Can from my lovely Nephew Shaun Barlow

I can't remember. Perhaps a NYTimes article?

I am 86 years old and love "modern" , "New" music.

inspiring from the distance,
Thanx

I've been listening for all of an hour now and I'm hungry for more!

through a miracle

Listening to Music for Airports at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, UK with a broad smile and happy heart :)

A friend very old guy

A friend suggested me. Brazil!

Maurice told me.

A former student now lives and studies in New York and went to Bang on a Can in 2011. He's now an avid Bang on a Can fan!

Watching a documentary some 14 years back featuring BOAC and thinking now here are some people doing something really exciting and really important...and they still are!

My memory is my dad taking me to see Les Enfants du Paradis in a dank little arts cinema in London for my 14th birthday. I'd had a row with my mum in the Biba department store beforehand (amazing iconic place) and cried through the first half of the movie in self-pity. I watched the movie again on Boxing Day and cried again with joy and wonder and remembering my dad who died 3 years ago. I was such an ungrateful little cow when I was 14! My parents somehow managed to leave my other 5 siblings at home to arrange a birthday treat for me and I was horribly unappreciative. Nevertheless the beauty of Les Enfants spread its magic.

My first experience with listening of BOAC music was round 1993 when I bought BOAC vo. 1 and 2. I was realy surprised and satisfied with your music and hereafter I bought Vol. 3 and Industry, herafter Renegade Heaven and last time CheaTING ...

From the old Europe, I was looking for Steve Reich releases for a study and then I subribe to your offer. I receive 5 CDs in a year and was totaly blowned out! THANK YOU.

No memories yet but very much looking forward to seeing the group at the Barbican in London in March.

It'll all make sense in the end.

Radio Popolare

I heard the AllStars in Dublin a few years ago. Particularly enjoyed the Dennehy piece.

Sounds in my memory, echoes like billiard balls bouncing, tickling my hart, sparkling my soul..loose feet shaking....

I've been into Phillip Glass and Steve Reich for a while, but when I went to the Bang on a Can festival a few years ago for the first time and watched over a dozen guitarists simultaneously play from the same sheet music while wearing earplugs and ear muffs, I knew I'd found a new sonic frontier!

I don't know. i just really like Bang on a Can music, that's all. Sorry.

Nine to listen new record.

Listion to you on 91.5 last nite,very dif. I liked your music alot. Thank you

Thanks to KUSC, I heard several pieces that were intriguing. Thanks for the download....

My friend heard it on Jim Svejda's KUSC program and was blown away.

The BOAC Marathon has become something I look forward to every summer here in NYC. Making my way on foot downtown in the capitol of capitalism and stepping into the alternate universe of an awesome free daylong experimental music concert would be a great memory even just 1 year... but doing it every year is a great luxury!

I bought Cheating, Lying, Stealing on a whim and later I got Music For Airports -- an audacious and successful reinterpretation of an ambient classic.

My fondest memory of Bang on a Can goes back to April 2006, when they played a concert at the Palace of Fine Arts, here in Mexico City, during Radar Festival. The concert was mesmerizing from beginning to end, but their interpretation of Conlon Nancarrow’s Piano Studies was particularly astonishing!

I heard about this album from Sound Notion. There's something special about a music group that will give their product away for free, in this age of intellectual-property greed. I can't wait to hear what all the fuss is about...

I SAW YOU IN paris, invited by a friend. It was great!

I first heard Bang On A Can music on the radio station of Georgia State University, WRAS. It was dark, percussive, edgy. It was David Lang. I had to track down the CD and hear more.

I remember hearing them for the first time at UCLA.

I heard about you from my son, Lonnie Jordan, a Composition student of Oscar Bettison's at Peabody.

Sorry to say I had not heard of Bang on a Can until Jim Svejda's show the other night. Have alerted a relative, a gamelan + jazz fan, too. Something really new!

first contact: Yesterday night on the radio. KUSC. Jim Svejda. In the middle of For Madeline. Twenty seconds in and I'm looking for a pen to get the artist's name at the end. Rare. Thank you.

John Schaefer New Sounds WNYC. Amazing concerts at Merkin Hall.

Heard you for the first time on KUSC yesterday. Wow!

I presently live in Mississippi and listen to WNYC on internet radio. That's where I first heard about Bang on a Can.
Last summer I had the opportunity to attend a live performance at MassMOCA. Wonderful!

Saw a Youtube of the band in front of the MET, I think. It was revelatory.

I first heard BCAS on the Iridian channel on Live365. Live365 turned out to be a fail, but the music was a keeper. Our friend Daisy Press has done some concerts with you and she must have been quite surprised to find that we (friends of her parents) were well-acquainted and fans of the whole Can oeuvre. The Reich concert was brilliant and we loved it. Happy to see you in California, and we wish you many happy returns. (And send Ethel this way, too!)

I heard about this album from a Lincoln Center email. Looking forward to listening

I like it

My friend told me I should not miss this!

I attended the Steve Reich Bang on Can concert at the Strathmore Music Center last year. Reich is one of my favorite composers and BOAC performed his music beautifully. I look forward to seeing the ensemble again.

I bought Eno's Music for Airports LP when in came out in 1978. Never did I expect it to actually be performed until I saw BOAC-AS at Stanford U in 2010. Thank you for that (and the Riley & Reich & Glass &...) and the new download. Congratulations on 25 years.
- J Hogle

Have enjoyed many pieces and recordings by the collective over the years, and was honored to play in the 2010 Marathon (Romitelli's "Professor Bad Trip," with the Talea Ensemble).

e-mail Great Performers

Just saw a live performance of Michael Gordon's Timber in Baltimore last night! Gordon spoke before the performance, and Mantra Percussion nailed it. Thank you so much for all the amazing music you put into the world.

You have been on my radar screen for a long time and every time I hear you live or play a recording I think I am not getting enough, I need to hear more.

i heard about this through the lincoln center email list. i've been meaning to check out bang on a can for years. well, now's my chance!

I've heard Steve Reich for over two decades, though somehow I've neglected him in recent years. I appreciate this link from Lincoln Center.

Had a great date listening to Bang on a Can.

I dont remember, but I have been following you for a long time.
Keep up with the innovation!
Congrats o your 25th anniversary

I heard these guys on kusc the night before for the first time and my mind was blown. That is all.

I enjoyed seeing the Anthony Braxton composition for 100 tubas.

My most recent fond memory courtesy of Bang on Can is hearing The Asphalt Orchestra perform this afternoon in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was a wonderful concert celebrating the opening of the renovated American Wing. The Asphalt Orchestra and the audience (many startled by the presence of the band) had a blast. The music performed was a perfect choice for the event. Whenever I revisit the American Wing via the Egyptian Wing I will always hear The Asphalt Orchestra. Thanks so much. Happy 25! Lars Hanson

I saw you're playing at the Barbican and love your music, so great!

I got to attend almost the whole marathon a few years back, a total delight.

Driving home from work, I was amazed listening to Failure: AVDPSB. and laughing, then thinking. I suppose driving should been the priority... Listened to KUSC the rest of the night. Amazing musicianship. Loved the Nancarrow!

I keep reading the good reviews of your concerts and am curious and happy to hear for myself. Thank you.

March 29 2009 Terry Riley BonC Marathon UMd College Park. First time I heard Riley in person!

Last night we were home enjoying a perfect shitake and portabella omelette, with a slightly too sweet 11% Napa Riesling, listening to KUSC while you guys were on with Jim Svejda. If you are good enough for Svejda, you are good enough for us. We are now a fans (I more than my spouse). Thanks for the music, and for the download.

When I was dating my current wife I took her to a Harry Partch opera at Bang on a Can, and she liked it. It was a good sign for the relationship, and we are still enjoying music together.

I've only heard the All-Stars live on one occasion, but it was a peak musical day for me: the San Francisco version of the marathon several years ago. The program began with a short All-Stars performance and then a short teaser solo performance by Iva Bittova, with whom I was not familiar. An ear opening experience! Needless to say, I immediately bought tix for the evening's All-Stars/Bittova collaboration and was not disappointed. More SF marathons, please! More All-Stars performances in SF! We need you! Come back!

I've known about Bang on a Can for years. I have not yet attended a concert, but I'm certainly pleased that people are still making new music with conviction. I did hear about this album specifically in the Newark Star-Ledger. Thank you.

When I saw Bang on a Can live for the first time, I didn't just fall in love with contemporary music all over again, I fell in love with MUSIC all over again. Thanks for 25 years of sharing your genius, may there be many more to come!!!!

Alice Tully Hall, 2010 or so

Ever since I first heard the name, Bang on a Can, I wanted to listen, but never had the chance. Now, I have no excuse! Can't wait to enter the Bang universe.

Someone sent me an e-mail.

I'm a music addicted and can't remember when I listened to Bang on a Can for the first time, but I can remember the impact on my brain: I was hypnotized.

My som at college was playing your music in teh backgroung when we last talked. I was instantly interested and recall the coversation vividly.

My first Bang on a Can marathon was like a sonic vacation in the middle of Manhattan. It was also my first year of living in NYC. I knew I was in the right place after going to this concert.

"Music for Airports" is about the most perfect example of a composition finding its players. That's how I first heard of Bang on a Can.

I missed the recent Steve Reich Bang on a Can All-Stars concert at Dizzy Hall and kicked myself repeatedly. Fortunately, Jim Sjveda played several BCAS cuts on his KUSC radio show recently. He said that the new album is available for download. I'm excited, I want a copy. Thank you so much!
- Jerry Ellingson

I've been following your stuff for a while, tracing back to the time I was given a Steve Reich cassette--many many years ago.

Perusing the university library, I came across a CD of Bang on a Can, knowing only by word of mouth what to expect. The energy was amazing and so I can't wait to hear this album!

My sons (I'm 65) mentioned Bang on a Can some years ago when you played at Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. I bought tickets for evey body and discovered an fabulous energetic clever music. Etienne

I listened to the interview on KUSC, and I loved it instantly. Amazing stuff, truly, amazing work. I was an immediate fan.

The first time I heard about Bang on a Can is when our Contemporary Music Ensemble performed "Cheating, Lying, Stealing." I remember being immediately struck by the boldness of the piece and wondering why I hadn't heard of David Lang... and that eventually led me to Bang on a Can.

e-mail from Lincoln Center Great Performers

Mass MoCA, on vacation a year or so ago, listening to some weird Asian music, and then later at a park in North Adams, BOAC regaling the hills and skies with wonderful sounds! Great!

First experience of Bang on a can was at their annual marathon in the World Financial Center, NYC. The music belittled the place especially when you read the text on the screens everywhere:
Art > world financial center.

I remember being part of the Hartt Bass Band, and performing at the new music marathon. Sitting out in the audience watching all these people dedicated to staying up all night to hear Stockhausen greet the dawn, it was a great testament to the power of music. All music!

I think I found you originally through Alarm Will Sound's recordings of Aphex Twin. I've long been into electronic music for the inherently progressive elements of musical possibility (i.e. new timbres, tempos, rhythms, etc) and I was stoked to find a classical ensemble performing AT works. It seemed like a long overdue recognition that electronic music composition is just as valuable as composition for traditional instruments and performers.

Also I discovered Gutbucket through a really strange dream... it was the only word in my mind when I woke up. I did an internet search and found them as a result. They rock.

It wouldn't be NYC without a BOAC marathon ...

Bang on a Can was excellent playing Steve Reich last spring at Carnegie Hall, and was deserved of a much larger audience.

My introduction to contemporary music was through composers like Christopher Rouse. I remember browsing Amazon's list of CDs that Rouse fans might like, and I remember being struck by the minimalist cover of David Lang's “Child.” So I clicked on it. Reading the reviews, I knew I had to listen to it. Many amazing CDs and concerts of yours later, I must say that Lang's “the little match girl” and Rouse's Flute Concerto are the only two pieces that have brought me to tears.

Watching Michael Blackwood's documentary on New York composers when it was first broadcast in Australia, and then discovering "Industry" in our music dept library. Blown away then & have continued to be so - thank you!

I've been a BoaC fan for years! I love your work! Timber was one of the best new compositions of 2011.

Heard this over 91.5 last night and so amused.

First heard a live performance of Julia Wolfs string quartets in North Adams Mass. a few years ago and was hooked on Bang on a Can. I now seek them out whenever I want to hear innovative music.

Being left on a subway platform as the train pulled away with my mother and brother on it. The most terrifying moment of my life...

My first Bang on a Can experience was the 2008 marathon -- camping out in a shopping mall and listening to new music all night with my friends. We came to see Dan Deacon perform, but So Percussion stole the show! I've been following all things Bang on a Can related ever since.

This will be my first time!!!!!!!!
Very Excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remembering Evan Zipodyn at MIT with Matthew Ritchie and the Dessner brothers. It was an innovative and rewarding evening.

Keep up the good work!

Download didn't work. Can you send again?

A co-worker told me about this after he learned of my plans to go attend the local professional symphony.

I haven't heard you yet, but have heard about BOAC through knowing other contemporary classical musicians. I look forward to this download to get my first taste -- and perhaps will make the Lincoln Center performance. Thanks! And Congrats!

I'm so late to this wonderful party, I'm ashamed. I finally "tuned in" to the brilliant music coming out of Bang on a Can when I heard contemporaneous play Julia Wolfe's Believing. Next stop was Toby Twining's Eurydice, and this week I'm off to hear David Lang's little match girl passion. After that? I can't wait to finally hear Bang on a Can live.

I had heard it before and liked it but did not know what it was. A friend suggested Music for Airports based on my email description. We have a shared interest in nontraditional instrumentation. I just recently bought him Renegade Heaven

I Love you!

well, i'm a big fan of
Bang on a Can !
Gwenolee

Saw you for the first time last November, Carnegie Hall. Wonderful stuff!

Loved the interview last night on Jim Svejda's show on KUSC. Terry Riley's In C, Great!

I just recently heard Bang on a Can on Sound Check, and it was the first time I heard an interview with the group. I've heard of Bang on a Can for years, of course, but I had not tuned in. Hearing them on Sound Check, talking about the evolution of their music and playing it, I realized I had to get into their music. They have worked with all these musicians already in my collection. Couldn't believe they've been around for 25 years, but am looking forward to catching up with them.

Came to BOAC by hearing Julie's music several years ago... have been a fan ever since!

Heard about this from Great Performers at Lincoln Center. I believe I saw them at an outdoor performance there.

Just saw this link and the comments.

I was in conservatory in the early to mid-80's. Hasn't there always been BOAC in NYC? A welcome fixture on our town. Thank you for doing what you do!

I first heard Bang on a Can Music last decade. It was Cheating, Lying, Stealing by David Lang. As a composer, the music challenged everything I knew about making music; as a listener it thrilled me like any other. I bought the score, studied it, and let it flow through my mind and veins. Than I've heard and bought the CD Child; than heard Michael Gordon's Industry, PopOpera, and Decasia; Julia Wolfe's Lick; the recordings of Louis Andriessen's Hout and Workers Union; In C by Terry Riley; Evan Zyporin's and Martin Brestnik's works. so thrilled that every time I can, I support Bang on a Can's projects. I even sent an email to Mr Gordon asking him if you are interested in playing at my University here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Still waiting for the answer.
A new world of ideas and sounds came up to me, and I started to think music differently and make it different. Congratullations and thanks to Bang on a Can.

A friend heard the KUSC show with Jim Svejda and recommended that I give BoaC a listen!

I stumbled across Bang On A Can a few years ago when I decided to read ahead in my music history book. I after I read about Steve Reich, John Adams and Philip Glass I decided to do some more research on these composers. I cam across groups like the Kronos Quartet, So Percussion, Signal Ensemble, and Bang On A Can. The rest is history, I have been devouring all new music since.

First heard about you on the internet. Have downloaded (and paid for!) a couple of your recordings - most enjoyed In C.

I heard Bang on a Can the first time in 1995. A recording of Louis Andriesens Hout & Hoketus. Loved it.

My brother emailed me and suggested I try this. My Daughter is a BM percussionist so I may send it to her as well.

When I was listening to recorded versions of Terry Riley's "in C", I found bang on a can's recording in my music school library

!2 hours in the World Financial Center, 6 hours in Mass Mocha, countless CDs from composers in the Bang on a Can Group.....and every chance I get!

Found out about you 5 or 6 years ago, on a trip to Amsterdam. Fresh, stimulating, innovative, fun, inspiring! Thank you!

Love the crazy instruments!

My teacher attended the PhD with Steve Schick in california. He introduced me to

Listened to the awesome interview on KUSC from San Diego (with poor reception but sounded great). Loved hearing Glenn Branca and DNA being name dropped on a classical radio station.

I hadn't heard of Bang on a Can until I went to New York in summer 2011 for an internship. I went to the marathon, and it was some of the best-spent 13 hours of my life.

I've seen Bang on a Can a few times in Urbana, IL, once when they put on a Bang on a Can Marathon show. It was a tremendous event. They're truly one of the most important new music ensembles—strike that, ensembles of any kind of music—out there right now. Happy anniversary!

I don't remember exactly, but it was at the release of Music For Airports; I believe I, or my (ex) wife were writing music reviews for a local paper. I saw MFA in the stack and grabbed it up immediately out of sheer curiosity, already having worn out both a vinyl *and* CD pressing of Eno's classic. I certainly wasn't disappointed, and I still hold that album in the same regard as the original.

I memorably recall, a few Marathons back, hearing the World Saxophone Quartet right after a chamberish string ensemble just after a noisy guitar-based piece, and marveling at just how big the Can tent really is.

I first heard the Classics album 2 years ago and fell in love. It twists my brain deliciously!!

My one son loves it, the other thinks we are mad!

I am a subscriber and look forward to each CD that is released!

The first time I heard about Bang on a Can was... in Tashkent (Uzbekistan)! They participated in the festival Ilkhom-XX for contemporary music a long time ago, and now they are still very well known among composers and musicians there.

Came to UVa last Spring. What a show!

Heard about from my brother in law on FB

I can't remember when I first heard of Bang on a Can, but I've been a member of the site for years. Looking forward to your long life.

The violinest from Ethel accompanied a ballet at Vail Summer concerts 2 or 3 years ago and I found you through her.

First heard of you - in fact first saw you - performing at Manchester International Festival two years ago, playing just before Kraftwerk. Good stuff with you and Mr Reich!

I first heard about Bang on a Can during a Kronos Quartet Concert at California State University, Sacracramento---back in the days when Jennifer Culp was the cellist.

went to the marathon last year, it was amazing.

Hey Julia, MIchael and David-
My memories of you three stretch way back to 1994 and The Kitchen Theater where I did the sound mix on what was probably (at that time) the 8th or 9th Marathon held at Kitchen. One of the few places to "get" what was happening on a grassroots level to music back then. Of course, now, the floodgates are open so thanks for keeping them open!!

Sounding even better now in Walt Disney Concert Hall than you did in the 90s at UCLA. Come back and play WDCH more often!

My girlfriend sent this to me. She's told me about you before, but I've never heard any of your music. I can't wait!

The name "bang on a can" intrigued and inspired me right from the start. (didn't get the download link with my last memory)

My memory tells me that I posted a memory last night, but haven't yet received a link to download the music.

Have received your emails for years, heard about this offer from a friend who recently put on a percussion performance.

I first heard Bang on Can with the Music for Airports album. Numerous concerts followed.

Seeing Iva Bittova for the first time with Bang on a Can was life-changing. She's so amazing.

I supposed I tripped over Bang on a Can looking for Steve Reich performance footage on youtube. I was taken initially buy their ease at collaborating with a number of inspirational players ... these guys collect some spectacular lint from some amazing sweaters.

This happened 15-20 years ago at one of the first Bang ( if not the first)commissioning concerts held at a very large space at
Lincoln Center. I was sitting right in the middle of arrow close to the stage, diligently taping the All Stars with my new video camera, which was quite large and conspicuous by today' s. standards. a very large male usher person interrupted my work by sidling into the row in front of me and stAted that no taping was allowed And he would have to take my camera. "No no, "I protested in a whisper , " I am just a Mom taping her son's performance," pointing to Evan playing away up there, He turned to look at the stage and I, being an attorney, assured him that I had no intention of. using the concert tape for any commercial purpose. He hesitated for a few seconds and asked my
companion to verify that the clarinetist tootling away and keeping time with his foot was indeed my son. she did and he then said, " okay, you an keep the camera but don't ever bring that thing here again. ".okay, Ipromised, He then he slithered out of the row in front of me. The alllstars played on but I did put the camera down and listened to the music which I have done many, many times since then without taping. I have no idea where that camera or that tape are today.

Read LA Times article about recent concert of Steve Reich music. Wanted to try out Bang on a Can and ended up here!

I first attended your marathon concert in either 2008 or 2009. What an event! I particularly enjoyed Andy Akiho's "Alloy." I also remember an interesting piece for several coffee grinders.
The Winter Garden is an awesome venue!

Quite a few memories with Bang On A Can. The performance of Harry Partch's The Wayward -- for voices and instruments stands out as an event I'll never forget. And the very first performance of a Louis Andriessen piece I ever heard, which was both trance-like and industrial, and helped introduce me to a founding minimalist I hadn't known about. Marathons too.

Through my studies.

It was 2007 and I just realized that the only art music I knew about was what can commonly be called "Classical music" (Bach, Stravinsky, Sor, Brahms etc). So I began a campaign of aggressively seeking out new composers. My three main sources were the iTunes store, the list of the winners of the Pulitzer, and an anthology of scores from music school. Through these resources I successfully "indoctrinated" myself with current trends, and I'm so glad that I did! The first modern art music that I ever heard-and-loved-at-the-same-time was the Elevated album by David Lang. It is still one of my favorites! Since my campaign I went on to read many great books about modern music. The most important to me was "Music Downtown" by Kyle Gann. THAT is a WONDERFULLY expository book! Through David Lang I found out about Bang on a Can. Thank you so much for existing, my life is much richer as a result.

Newsprint - I have heard of your work for many years, but, after creative life & College in NYC (The Cooper Union) in the late 70's/early 80's, lived in Colorado for MANY years after that, so never got to see y'all perform. Played some of your early works as guest DJ on Boulder Community Radio (KGNU). I am excited to hear this release! Congrats, and continue, please!

I first heard of Bang on a Can in the interview with Jim Svejda on KUSC (1/19/12). Great interview, great music!

My favorite memory is seeing the All-Stars live in Lexington Kentucky. Seeing the live performance really added another dimension to the music.

27 hours 10 minutes of live music. Awesome!

In 2006/7 I worked nightshift building a suspension bridge (Tacoma Narrows). The bridge was cold, dark, lonely, massive. Towards the end of the storm season, Michael Gordon's "Industry" was about the only thing that made sense to me in the world. We were all glazed, destroyed at that point. Everything was tension, wires, and endurance. Comfort came in the truck at 4am on the commute home, CD on repeat. Those were beautiful, agonizing times.

27 hours and 10 minutes of continuous live music at the WINTER GARDEN in 2010. Awesome!

Heard about this from music critic's article in local paper The Star Ledger.

Last summer my love for new music was actualized when I went to Banglewood at Mass MoCA. There was a time during the performance of 'Shaker Loops' when I looked up and seeing how entrained the group was took my breathe away. I was so fortunate to make music with such a wonderful group of people.

amazing time during Bang on a Can Summer Festival 2009
looking forward to come once more

After watching 2006's excellent "Clapping Music Variations", a friend and I performed an impromptu rendition of the original "Clapping Music" on the Winter Garden stairs while waiting for the next act. (He did the harder part.)

I saw bang on a can perform at the hartt school just this last year. One of the most unforgettable concert experiences I've ever had.

I've always had an interest in music that tries to push the boundaries of musical possibility, and I stumbled across Michael Gordon's 'Trance' while aimlessly browsing youtube.