Bach in the Subways: Enjoy free live music in BART stations from March 21 to 31
It's time for Bach in the Subways, a global celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach and his enduring music that invites musicians to play music in public spaces -- including BART stations!
Performances take place between March 21 and 31 in the non-paid areas of stations. Enjoy the music as you pass through or come down for a special treat! Find the performance schedule -- which is subject to change -- below and on the Bach in the Subways website.
Local musicians: There is still time to sign up to play music at BART. Follow the steps below under "How to play at a BART station."
Schedule
This schedule is subject to change.
Friday, March 21, 9am to 10am - Orinda Station
Violin duet with assorted Suzuki and Bach
Friday, March 21, 2:30pm to 4:30pm - 19th St./Oakland Station
Pythagoras - drone flute and ocarina
Friday, March 21, 4pm start - Downtown Berkeley Station
Junior Bach - young musicians play classical music and Bach
Saturday, March 22, 9am to 11am - Fremont Station
Tre Corde - violin, viola, and cello trio to play six trio sonatas, BWV 525-530
Saturday, March 22, 10am to 12pm - Downtown Berkeley Station
Ruth and Alex - violin duet
Saturday, March 22, 4pm start - Fremont Station
Audacity
Monday, March 24, 4pm start - Richmond Station
Ptrillaphatbeatzent
Tuesday, March 25, 1:15pm to 2:15pm - Glen Park Station
Aiden and Scout - violin, piano, voice performance of Partita No. 2 Allemande, Prelude No. 1 C Major
Thursday, March 27, noon to 1pm - Coliseum Station
Sarah Chavarria - solo violin performance of J.S. Bach Sonata no. 1 in G minor
Thursday, March 27, 2pm to 4pm - Hayward Station
Joyful accordion music - accordion duet of the Snow Waltz
Friday, March 28, 6pm to 8pm - San Bruno Station
Discotuba - trio of sousaphone, keyboard, and drums plays Jon Batiste-inspired versions of "the hits"
Saturday, March 29, 11:30am to 12:30pm - Powell St. Station
Bach Choralistas - vocal performance
Saturday, March 29, 11:30am to 12:30pm - Montgomery St. Station
Bach Choralistas - vocal performance
Saturday, March 29, 11:30am to 12:30pm - Embarcadero Station
Bach Choralistas - vocal performance
Saturday, March 29, 3pm to 4pm - Pittsburg/Bay Point Station
Marz LLC
Saturday, March 29, 5pm to 6pm - Downtown Berkeley
Eric H.
Sunday, March 30, 2pm to 4:35pm - Orinda Station
Bach-ish - singing duet with oboe and flute
Sunday, March 4pm to 6pm - Powell St. Station
Brittany Xiao
Monday, March 31, 4pm to 5pm - Downtown Berkeley Station
UC Jazz
How to play at a BART station
You are welcome to register as a solo artist or with a group. Playing Bach isn't a requirement, but it is recommended.
1) Register here.
2) Apply for BART's free Expressive Activity Permit.
3) Show up with your permit and play!
For participating musicians, BART requires that they not affix any signs on the walls, do not use amplified music, and only perform in non-paid areas of the stations. Bach in the Subways requires that participating musicians not solicit tips or accept any money as it is meant to be a shared gift of musical joy. Read more about requirements and guidelines here.
For general questions about Bach in the Subways, email [email protected]. For questions related to BART, email [email protected].
Download the promotional flyer here.
About Bach in the Subways
Bach in the Subways was started organically in 2010 by New York City-based musician Dale Henderson and has grown into an international event that invites musicians to play Bach in public spaces. Musicians have played in more than 150 cities across 40 countries. Watch a short video of some of last year's performances here.
