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 Venues and churches on or near Summit Avenue, St. Paul.

Bach's birthday comes around every year on March 21. The occasion calls out for a celebration of this most remarkable of musical talents, and Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Barone (host of Pipedreams) decided that Johann Sebastian Bach deserved something special. A number of years ago, he and colleagues from the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists arranged a Bach's Birthday Bash, and the idea blossomed.

When Bach's birthday doesn't fall on a Saturday, the celebration is held early and becomes Before Bach's Birthday Bash. BBBB events have become something of a local tradition, with enthusiasts from all parts of the state participating or just listening.

 free hourlong public concerts of Bach's music, presented at five venues and churches on or near Summit Avenue during the morning and afternoon of Saturday, March 16, 2019. All concerts are family-friendly and free! 

Co-sponsors include the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Bach Society of Minnesota, National Lutheran Choir, St. Paul Conservatory of Music, University of Minnesota School of Music, and Classical Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media. 

 from the St. Paul Center for Art and Innovation (1524 Summit Avenue, St. Paul), which you can hear on KSJN 99.5 FM in the Twin Cities and 

We'll then work our way around St. Paul: 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Moore Church (at Summit and Lexington Avenues), 1 p.m. at St. Clement's Episcopal Church (901 Portland Ave.), 2:30 p.m. at Unity Unitarian Church (732 Holly Ave.), and 4 p.m. at House of Hope Presbyterian Church (797 Summit Ave.). 

I hope you can join us — on the radio or, better, in the audience!

Only the 9 a.m. program will be broadcast, but all events are free.

Building upon a curiosity which began in his teens, Michael Barone has been involved with the pipe organ for more than 40 years. As host and senior executive producer of Pipedreams, produced and distributed by American Public Media, he is recognized nationally for his outstanding contributions to the world of organ music.  Pipedreams began in 1982 and remains the only nationally distributed weekly radio program exploring the art of the pipe organ. Michael's talent and commitment have been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Guild of Organists President's Award in 1996, the Distinguished Service Award of the Organ Historical Society in 1997 and the 2001 ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award. In November 2002 he was selected for induction to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.  He also hosts broadcasts of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The New Releases on Minnesota Public Radio.


Michael Barone

You're invited to be a part of Before Bach's Birthday Bash on Saturday, March 16. This year's bash includes five free hourlong concerts at venues on or adjacent to Summit Avenue in St. Paul.


Join us Saturday for Before Bach's Birthday Bash in St. Paul

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