Today, the Brooklyn Academy of Music announced their 2016 Next Wave Festival. The program includes a two-night Magnetic Fields show called 50 Song Memoir. It takes place at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House from December 2-3. It’s set to feature music from the forthcoming Magnetic Fields album, which is reportedly due out in early 2017 via Nonesuch. According to the show's description in the festival's press release, the lyrics in 50 Song Memoir are autobiographical documentary works about Stephin Merritt's life—one song for each year of his life. It’s set to feature songs about “bedbugs, Buddhism, buggery, hippies, Hollywood, and hyperacusis.” Seven musicians will perform on a stage filled with musical instruments and decorative pieces pertaining to the show’s narrative. Jose Zayas will direct. Update (5/24, 7:55 p.m. ET): The band have revealed more 50 Song Memoir shows that will take place next year; find those dates below.
Next Wave Festival will also feature performances of Rules of the Game, a multidisciplinary work featuring an original score from Pharrell Williams, and monumental, a large-scale work from the Holy Body Tattoo dance company that features live music from Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Find more information about the festival's offerings here.
The Magnetic Fields’ 50 Song Memoir:
12-02-03 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Academy of Music
04-27-28 Los Angeles, CA - Royce Hall, UCLA
05-06-07 Seattle, WA - Moore Theater
