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 

 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! This year's activities feature 

 free hourlong public concerts of Bach's music, presented at five St. Paul churches during the morning and afternoon of 

. BBBB events have become something of a local tradition, with enthusiasts from all parts of the state participating or just listening. 

 of Bach organ works now have branched out to include other instruments. This year, Bach's compositions for lute, flute, violin and cello, with solo and accompanying keyboard (piano), are included in the mix. TCAGO performers from the Twin Cities area will be joined by a bevy of young performers.

You're invited to be part of the throng on 

 for preludes and fugues, chorale settings, dance suites and variations, partitas and trio sonatas. We start with a 

 from Olivet Congregational Church (1859 Igelhart Ave., St. Paul), which you can hear on KSJN-99.5FM and live-streamed online.

We'll work our way around St. Paul: 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church (1976 Dayton Avenue), 1 p.m. at St. Clement's Episcopal Church (901 Portland Avenue, at Milton), 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ (900 Summit Avenue), and 4 p.m. at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church (797 Summit Avenue). 

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

 morning program will be broadcast, but all events are free admission.

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

On Saturday, March 17, 2018, we'll celebrate the 333rd birthday of Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach a little early with a daylong event we call Before Bach's Birthday Bash! This year's activities feature five free hourlong public concerts of Bach's music, presented at five St. Paul churches.


Join us Saturday for Before Bach's Birthday Bash