The Bad Plus | Athenaeum Jazz at [Scripps Research] the Athenaeum

Jazz returns to the Athenaeum for our annual series of fall concerts, this time relocated from Scripps Research to our Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room at 1008 Wall Street in La Jolla. (Known as Jazz at Scripps Research, due to construction, the concerts will be held at the Athenaeum library until later 2023.) Seating will be limited, so early reservations are advised! Please join us for three special evenings featuring Willie Jones III, The Bad Plus, and Miguel Zenón.

Wednesday, October 12, brings the latest incarnation of the renowned cooperative band, The Bad Plus, featuring original members, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King, plus guitarist Ben Monder and tenor saxophonist Chris Speed. The Bad Plus originally came together 21 years ago and has avoided easy categorization ever since, winning critical hosannas and a legion of fans worldwide with their creativity, unique sound, and flair for live performance. The intensely collaborative band has constantly searched for rules to break and boundaries to cross, bridging genres and techniques while exploring the infinite possibilities of exceptional musicians working in perfect sync.

The band consists of a group of passionate collaborators with no single “leader.” The Bad Plus is set to release their 15th studio recording and debut self-titled album as a dynamic new quartet on September 30. “Evolution is necessary for life and creativity,” say Dave King and Reid Anderson. “We’ve evolved, but we’re still The Bad Plus.”

The New York Times called the group “combustible . . . with a book of finely orchestrated, catchy original tunes, and a knack for radically reconstituted pop covers.” Their latest recording promises to be an exhilarating project that sparks an exciting new chapter for this iconic group.

Photo credit: Elena Stanton

The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert. Masks are optional. Proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours of the event is required. Event capacity is limited to 70% for now.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, San Diego, United States