Born Billy Walker, Billy studied violin as a youngster growing up in New York’s South Bronx. Drafted into Vietnam, he had a political awakening and returned to America to throw himself into the anti-war movement. When he began to play music again in 1971, Bang experimented with saxophones, but came back to the violin, recognizing that this was where his technical facility lay. Bang became known as an associate of Sam Rivers and Frank Lowe, playing an essential role in the celebrated Loft scene. In the early 70’s he formed his own group, The Survival Ensemble, and in 1977 co-founded the String Trio of New York. Associations with Sun Ra, Don Cherry, Marilyn Crispell and James Blood Ulmer were also productive. Like other musicians of his generation, Bang refuses categories; from elegant free jazz and austere art music to playing on Bootsy Collin’s comeback album. Billy Bang (violin), Andrew Bemkey (piano), Todd Nicholson (bass), Newman Taylor Baker (drums).

Presented with Women Against War.

In the Underground Gallery, the opening of Unseen America: New York, featuring photographs of working life by working hands, a Bread and Roses cultural program of 1199 SEIU. Reception from 5-7.

We are committed to lowering the barriers to access for events at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. For people who are hard of hearing or deaf, blind or low-vision, or whose physical limitations can interfere with a satisfying experience, let us know two weeks in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

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