Band takes music out on trash

By JP Lepping

The music produced by the Bang on a Can All-Stars is not only rare, but also a combination between new and old.

“Bang on a Can All-Stars combines older compositions and gives it a new twist,” said Summer Gossett, marketing and ticketing director at the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Michael Gordon, David Lang and Julie Wolfe formed the Bang on a Can All-Stars in 1987. Since then, the All-Stars have been traveling around, playing different venues and spreading the word of what music really is.

The band is composed of Ashley Bathgate playing the cello, Robert Black playing the bass, Vicky Chow playing the piano, David Cossin playing the drums and percussion, Mark Stewart playing the guitar and Evan Ziporyn playing the clarinet.

Also playing with the Bang on a Can All-Stars will be UK alum and percussionist Glenn Kotche. Kotche is also the drummer for the band WILCO. In 2006, Kotche and WILCO guitarist Nels Cline played a concert at UK.

“Seeing what he has accomplished, it’s cool to see him come back and play a concert for us,” UK student Tim Kempf said.

Bang on a Can All-Stars have been currently touring and playing at different universities such as Duke and Texas. After their visit to Lexington they will be playing a concert in New York at the Merkin Concert Hall.

“I love music, and with what they have accomplished, I am definately interested in going to see them,” agricultural communications senior Kelsi Borntraeger said.

On Sunday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m., the Bang on a Can All-Stars with Glenn Kotche will be performing in the Singletary Center for the Arts. General public tickets range from $25 to $32, and student tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Singletary Center for the Arts at 859-257-1706 or by visiting the website www.singletarytickets.com.

“The Bang on a Can All-Stars, with their unparalleled musicality, their international touring, award-winning cds and far ranging commissioning programs have become one of the most powerful ambassadors for contemporary music in the world,” said the band’s website.