“A towering pillar of a new-music universe he has worked tirelessly to foster and enrich.” —New York Times
Minneapolis, March 15, 2013—Maverick American force of nature, John Zorn combines jazz, rock, experimental, folk, and classical traditions in a way that no musician before him had. His DIY ethos, irreverent independence, mind-boggling energy, and passionate leadership of an entire community of free-thinking music-makers has made Zorn not only one of the most compelling artistic figures of our time, but one of the most profoundly influential.
Zorn turns 60 and brings his birthday party to the Walker—in the form of three gigs in one unforgettable night with the protean composer/musician/producer on Saturday, April 6. This marathon of fresh composition and brilliant improvisation—the likes of which will be seen nowhere else outside of New York City—features six of his bands and a host of celebrated musicians, including John Medeski (piano); Erik Friedlander (cello); Mark Ribot (guitar); Cyro Baptista (percussion); Joey Baron (drums); Greg Cohen (bass); Mark Feldman (violin); Kenny Wollesen (vibraphones); Ikue Mori (electronics); Zorn (conductor, pipe organ); and Twin Cities’ own Michelle Kinney (cello); Chris Cunningham (guitar); and Joey Schad, (keyboards).
Gather by D’Amico
During the music marathon, the Walker’s Gather by D’Amico restaurant and bar offers special expanded hours: lunch, 11:30 am–2:30 pm; dinner, 5–9 pm; full bar, 11:30 am–10 pm.
Zorn @ 60 Program Schedule
Saturday, April 6
Zorn of Plenty: A Conversation with John Zorn
Walker Cinema, 3pm, Free but tickets required
(Tickets will be available at the Bazinet Garden Lobby desk starting at 2pm)
The legendary—and prolific—avant-garde composer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist John Zorn kick-starts his marathon evening performance with a free conversation with Walker curator Philip Bither.
Program I: Game Pieces
William and Nadine McGuire Theater, 4 pm
The Book of Heads (Marc Ribot Solo)/Hockey/Cobra
Program II: Masada
William and Nadine McGuire Theater, 7 pm
Erik Friedlander Solo/Masada String Trio/Bar Kokhba
Program III: New Projects
William and Nadine McGuire Theater, 10 pm
Nova Express/The Concealed
The Hermetic Organ
St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 12 midnight, Free
To end the day of celebration, Zorn presents The Hermetic Organ, a free midnight solo organ concert across the street from the Walker at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis. (Please enter through the main doors on 15th St. facing Loring Park. Parking is available in the church lot on the east side of the building.)
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN! Tickets to John Zorn @ 60 are $20 ($16 Walker members) and are available at walkerart.org/tickets or by calling 612.375.7600.
Performing Arts Supporters
The Walker Art Center’s performing arts programs are made possible by generous support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the Doris Duke Performing Arts Fund, the William and Nadine McGuire Commissioning Fund, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Producers’ Council
Performing Arts programs and commissions at the Walker are generously supported by members of the Producers’ Council: Russell Cowles; Sage Cowles; Nor Hall and Roger Hale; King’s Fountain/Barbara Watson Pillsbury and Henry Pillsbury; Emily Maltz; Dr. William W. and Nadine M. McGuire; Leni and David Moore, Jr.; Josine Peters; Mike and Elizabeth Sweeney; and Frances and Frank Wilkinson.