2019 Days and Nights Festival

A Thousand Thoughts: Documentary with Kronos Quartet
Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet teams up with Oscar-nominated filmmakers Sam Green and Joe Bini for a wildly creative multimedia performance piece that integrates live music and narration with archival footage and filmed interviews with such prominent artists as Philip Glass, Tanya Tagaq, Steve Reich, Wu Man and Terry Riley.

A Cure For Hope Blindness

Lecture: Elin Kelsey, PhD is a leading scholar and educator in the area of hope and the environment and an award-winning author. Kelsey’s work focuses on the study of the reciprocal relationship between humans and the rest of nature.

Irene Fornés Documentary Film: The Rest I Make Up
A collaboration between Fornés and filmmaker Michelle Memran exploring Fornés ‘remembered past’ as she begins a descent into dementia. A wonder and a delight in the exploration of the unquenchable creative spirit.  

Third Coast Percussion Performs Elfman & Glass: World Premiere
Third Coast Percussion is a Grammy-winning, artist-run quartet of classically-trained percussionists hailing from the great city of Chicago. Third Coast Percussion Ensemble will perform a virtuosic and elegant original work by renowned  film composer Danny Elfman, commissioned specifically for our Central Coast Days & Nights Festival. To complete the evening, Third Coast will perform Philip Glass’s 2018 classical yet delightfully whimsical percussion piece Perpetulum. Pre-Show Q&A led by Danny Elfman & Philip Glass! 

Suso / Glass Quartet & Aaron Diehl Trio
In this once-in-a-lifetime live concert, master Kora player Foday Suso and his quartet team up with Philip Glass on the piano to perform compositions by Suso and Glass. The Aaron Diehl Trio will perform Glass’s Etudes along with other sensational jazz pieces. With Foday Suso on the national instrument of Gambia (the Kora) collaborating with Philip Glass on piano, and the Aaron Diehl Trio expanding the language of jazz, the night will be ethereal and magnificent.

A Tribute to María Irene Fornés / Mud & Drowning
María Irene Fornés (May 14, 1930 – October 30, 2018) was a Cuban-American avant garde playwright and director whose unique and personal productions examine humanity and its relationship with economic conditions. She was a leading figure in the Off-Off-Broadway and Avant Garde movement from the 1960’s and a renowned voice in the canon of Hispanic-American literature. During the Days & Nights Festival her life and work will be celebrated in Carmel. Featuring a World Premiere, Philip Glass transforms acclaimed playwright María Irene Fornés play Drowning into a pocket opera! With breathtaking original score and live music in an intimate setting these performances are helmed by NYC’s prestigious team of Director JoAnne Akalaitis, Scenic and Costume Designer Kaye Voyce and Lighting Designer Jennifer Tipton. A staged reading of María Irene Fornés play Mud, performed by some of the country’s best actors, rounds out the work. Also to be screened is the 2018 film The Rest I Make Up, a collaboration between Fornés and filmmaker Michelle Memran exploring Fornés ‘remembered past’ as she begins a descent into dementia. A wonder and a delight in the exploration of the unquenchable creative spirit.

Tai Gong & Somatic Movement with Wolfe Glass & Ivana Marina Sejenovich 

2018 Days and Nights Festival

The Spirit of the Earth - Philip Glass and the Wixáricas Musicians of Mexico

The Spirit of the Earth is a unique concert in which Philip Glass joins the spiritual musical tradition of the Wixarika indigenous people from Santa Catarina Cuexcomatitlán, in Jalisco Mexico. This concert is at once the homage and celebration of the relationship that Philip Glass has cultivated for almost two decades with indigenous people from México as a part of his never-ending efforts to continue his spiritual development and to discover the ultimate origin of music itself.

Philip and Friends  

Philip Glass , Lavinia Meijer, Tenzin Choegyal, Jaron Lanier, Will Calhoun & Alex Weston
Philip has gathered his best group of friends EVER! After a 3 hour break allowing the audience to explore Big Sur and we then explore the music of Tibet with Tenzin Choegyal, Philip and Tenzin are joined by festival favorite Lavinia Meijer on harp for her third festival appearance and Jaron Lanier on an amazing assortment of interesting instruments, Will Calhoun on percussion & Alex Weston on keyboards.

Victor Sanchez’s Second Attention (An Interactive Show)

An interactive show about human development, indigenous wisdom and the power of connecting with natures energy fields in order to experience an unusual modality of attention called “the second attention”. With renowned author and researcher Victor Sanchez as your guide the audience will have the opportunity to not just watch, but experience the transformational impact of attention-shifting. Special performance by Philip Glass.

Movie Night – “War & Weather”
A new work in progress by Enid Baxter Ryce

Featuring the music of Philip Glass, and developed at the Days and Nights Festival, War and the Weather is a hand-painted, animated documentary film about stories. Leading scientists discuss Atmospheric Rivers – the newly defined weather phenomenon. the hidden history of the 1861-1862 great flood is described with rarely seen images, describing the intersection of climate and colonization in the American West. The central theme of War and the Weather is our relationship to our environment. Come and discuss this work in progress with the director, scientists, historians and Philip.

“In the Penal Colony” An Opera by: Philip Glass

A Co-Production with San Francisco based Opera Parallèle
Days and Nights Festival teams up the San Francisco’s Opera Parallele with a new production of Glass’ opera In the Penal Colony. Based on a story by Franz Kafka, the opera is set at the turn of the 20th century on a remote island, where a high-ranking visitor arrives to witness the use of a strange machine in the execution of a prisoner. The story and opera are a parable for the consequences of the abuse of power and corruption.

An Evening with Two Pianists Two Pianos and A Composer  
Featuring: Dennis Russell Davies & Maki Namekawa

Join Philip and his long-time collaborator Dennis Russell Davies and piano virtuoso Maki Namekawa at Carmel’s intimate 300 seat Golden Bough theatre. With 2 grand pianos on stage, after the audience is welcomed yy Philip Glass. Our two guests take the stage for: – Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” / Glass: Suite from “Mishima” (US premier) / Harrison(Lou): Third Piano Sonata. / Glass: 4 Movements for 2 Pianos.

Introduction to Tai Gong with Wolfe Glass  

Wolfe Glass will be teaching 2 afternoon sessions of Tai Gong. Tai Gong is an exercise form that combines Tai Chi, Qigong plus Healing Sounds.
Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art, practiced for both its graceful coordinated continuous movements and healing benefits. Qigong is a complimentary practice which also involves slow coordinated movements focusing on moving meditation and the opening of essential Qi channels.

2017 Days and Nights Festival

Club Diamond & Molissa Fenley Dance Company
This shared evening includes the West Coast premiere of a wonderful new theatre work by festival veterans Saori Tsukada and Nikki Appino (2011) with an original score, performed LIVE by festival favorite Tim Fain. This performance will be followed by a dance presentation by Molissa Fenley (2011) and Company, sure to delight.

The Philip Glass Ensemble performs KOYAANISQATSI LIVE

A cult classic, which has become the PGE’s most requested and well attended performances the world over. Enjoy the newly restored HD version of the film and the Philip Glass ensemble, returning to Carmel for the first time since 2011.

New Sounds and Philip Glass Ensemble Highlights

Philip is bringing to Carmel three amazing young talents to perform their own new compositions: Timo Andres on Piano (2015), Claire Chase on Flute, Jennifer Curtis on violin, and Pauchi Sasaki on Violin and Electronics, combined with the Philip Glass Ensemble performing many of our major works from the last 40 years.

KOYAANISQATSI Meets Atmospheric Rivers: War and the Weather

At the Henry Miller Memorial Library Lab @ The Barnyard, Carmel. Join Philip and Lauren Muscatine, Managing Editor, San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science, Larry Schick, Meteorologist, Water Management, Army Corps of Engineers, and Enid Baxter Ryce, director of War and the Weather, in discussion about depicting the impact of humans on the environment with a special emphasis on the new and urgent need to describe the science and impact of Atmospheric Rivers.

A public conversation with Philip Glass, Victor Sanchez and Sat Hon

At the Press Club in Seaside. A discussion on creativity and human development. Join Philip and two very important people in his life whom he wishes to share with all of you: Victor Sanchez and Sat Hon.

Movie Night: The General & Me AND A Land For War

Nothing better than some of the worlds best popcorn and two very powerful films, both about the same subject from opposite perspectives: The Vietnam War. The General & Me is a candid, personal portrait of one of the 20th centuries most important and little understood military figures: The North’s General Vo Nguyen Giap. Produced and Directed by Tiana Alexandra-Silliphant. And A Land For War: a film by the Peninsula’s own Enid Baxter Ryce, documenting the people, lands and the ruins of the historic Fort Ord. Join both filmmakers for what will undoubtedly be an interesting post show Q&A.

World Premiere! “Infinity” and Whistleblower
A new work with music by Philip Glass, text by Arturo Béjar, spoken and sung by Tara Hugo, music performed LIVE by Alex Weill (violin), Matt Haimovitz (cello), David Harding (viola) and Lavinia Meijer (harp). Paired with: Whistleblower by Jerry Quickley. This is the third installment, and completes the work.

An Evening with Laurie Anderson

Laurie was so taken by her experience at last year’s festival she had to return for more! Laurie never disappoints and she is busy working on a spectacular evening of music and ideas.

An Afternoon with Ira Glass

Philip’s cousin never rests! This is what the New York Times says: “a storyteller who filters his interviews and impressions through a distinctive literary imagination, an eccentric intelligence, and a sympathetic heart.” Come help us close out our 7th Festival and find out for yourself.

Qigong with Sat Hon: A Wednesday PM Free Seminar

The seminar is an introduction by Sat Hon to the 3000 year old Qigong, an exercise composed of repetitive movements, often gently stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building awareness of how the body moves through space.

2016 Days and Nights Festival

Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson Live in Concert

Carmel’s Sunset Center for the Arts. This is only the third time this concert have ever been performed live.

Out of concern due to the fires and recovery in the Big Sur area the remaining programs will be re-scheduled to the 2017 Philip Glass 80th Birthday Festival Celebration!

A Well Tempered City 

Philip will hold a public talk with all ticket holders with Jonathan Rose, a visionary in urban development and renewal, who champions the role of cities in addressing the environmental, economic, and social challenges of the twenty-first century. Philip and Jonathan will discuss Mr Rose’s new book “A Well Tempered City”

2015 Days and Nights Festival

The Complete Etudes at The Henry Miller Memorial Library, Big Sur

Performed by Philip Glass, Timo Andres, and Maki Namekawa. The event will start with a locally grown picnic lunch on the lawn of the Henry Miller Memorial Library, followed by a very personal performance of all 20 of Philip’s etudes..  

Philip and Friends: Poetry
With poet Jerry Quickley, dutch harpist Lavinia Meijer, and many more artists to be announced.  

Free Screening: Sundance Shorts
Mike Plante presents Sundance shorts screening at CSUMB – a presentation more oriented towards students and aspiring filmmakers.

Showcasing a wide variety of story and style, the 2015 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour is an 83- minute theatrical program of six short films that won awards at this year’s Festival, which over the course of its more than 30-year history has been widely considered the premier showcase for short films and the launchpad for many now-prominent independent filmmakers. Including fiction, documentary and animation from around the world, the distinct 2015 program traverses vibrant styles from wild comedy to quiet poetry. Each breaks through its limited timeframe with a high level of artistry and story that will resonate with audiences long after it ends.

Ambulante Free Movie Screenings

A community-driven, pop up film festival which partners up with local organizations to create free documentary screening events, with the aim of reflecting multicultural perspectives, spark dialogue and sharing communal experiences.

Ambulante California is a 501c3 non–profit organization that focuses on supporting and promoting documentary film as a tool for social and cultural change. The mobile film series travels to areas with limited access to film to diversify and democratize documentary culture.

Ambulante activates unique public exhibition spaces and curates a selection of documentaries that reflect multicultural perspectives, spark dialogue, and enhance cross-cultural appreciation. Ambulante offers 100% of its programming for free. In addition to the annual festival, the non-profit works year round to present community screenings in collaboration with other non-profits and civic organizations. The aim is to build an extensive network of partners to launch Ambulante film tours across the U.S.

Ambulante California emerges as part of Ambulante Global.  Ambulante’s model originated in 2005 from the Mexican non-profit founded by actors and filmmakers Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Pablo Cruz, and Elena Fortes.

Ambulante Free Screening: Patio de mi Casa
Film screening with director Q&A. Location: Castroville Public Library. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zAlSAjl1eQ.

Ambulante Free Screening: Los reyes del pueblo que no existe
Film screening of Los reyes del pueblo que no existe, with director Q&A. Location: CSUMB. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/113934048. 

Ambulante Free Screening: Llevate Mis Amores
Film screening of Llevate Mis Amores with director Q&A. Location:Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield CA 93927.

Free Children’s Event: Animation Workshop
CSUMB/MY Museum Art, Music and Animation workshop at Monterey Museum of Art Pacific Street (free for all children and for adults with a ticket to a festival event).

2014 Days and Nights Festival

Brian Greene’s Icarus at the Edge of Time
Film with live score by Philip Glass

Icarus at the Edge of Time is a mesmerizing tale set in outer space about a boy who challenges the awesome might of a black hole. Based on the children’s book by physicist Brian Greene, this futuristic re-imagining of the classic myth takes audiences of all ages on a whirlwind voyage through space and time to the very edge of understanding. Featuring an original score by Philip Glass, script adapted by Brian Greene and David Henry Hwang, and film created and directed by Al + Al, Icarus at the Edge of Time will be conducted by Michael Riesman and narrated by Brian Greene.
The program will also include a screening of the Godfrey Reggio/Philip Glass short Anima Mundi.

Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass - Visitors Film Screening and Q&A

Directed by Godfrey Reggio and scored by Philip Glass, Visitors reveals humanity’s trancelike relationship with technology, which, when commandeered by extreme emotional states, produces massive effects far beyond the human species. The film is visceral, offering the audience an experience beyond information about the moment in which we live. Comprised of only seventy-four shots, Visitors takes viewers on a journey to the moon and back to confront them with themselves. Reggio and Glass will conduct an audience Q&A before the screening.

Philip Glass with Tim Fain, Matt Haimovitz, Jerry Quickly, and Jaron Lanier
An Evening of Music and Spoken Word
Acclaimed spoken word artist and musician Jerry Quickley is joined by Philip Glass on piano, violinist Tim Fain, cellist Matt Haimovitz and Jaron Lanier on an array of rare musical instruments for an evening of music and spoken word under the stars.

Ira Glass: Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host
This American Life host Ira Glass presents a live show that combines two art forms that—as he puts it—“have no business being together: dance and radio.” One is all words and no visuals. One is all visuals and no words. The result is a funny, lively and very talky evening of dance and stories that brought down the house in its Carnegie Hall premiere.

H20MX: Free Screening and discussion with filmmakers Alejandra Liceaga and Jose Cohen

A beautiful and widely-praised depiction of water issues across the border, H20MX was described in Variety Magazine as, ” A rallying cry for government and collective action, “H2Omx” is a good-looking, well-researched and smartly assembled documentary that makes a persuasive case that the time is nigh to remedy the status of water management in the Valley of Mexico. Raising awareness a la “An Inconvenient Truth,” the crusading pic employs dramatic aerial photography, easily assimilated statistics presented via eye-catching graphics and animation, and the testimony of experts and ordinary people.”  This film is suitable for all ages, spanish language with english subtitles. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow the screening. Presented in partnership with Ambulante. 

Spaceship Puppet-Making and Stop-Frame animation workshop with Soyeon Kim and young artists.
Get ready for Ever Since Icarus by making your own spaceship puppet, while learning the basics of stop-frame animation. The workshop will be led by renown animator, Soyeon Kim. Free, suitable for all ages.

Planet Ord
Presented by Enid Baxter Ryce, young filmmakers explore the ecology and history of Fort Ord.

2013 Days and Nights Festival

Powaqqatsi Screening and Live Q&A with Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass

Join Philip Glass and Godfrey Reggio for our Festival Opening Event, complete with Q&A and HD screening in Henry Miller Library’s outdoor theater.

Hailed by audiences and critics around the world as mesmerizing (The Detroit News), this second installment of writer/director Godfrey Reggio’s apocalyptic qatsi trilogy is “quite simply one of the most magnificent visual and aural spectacles ever made” (L.A. Daily News)! Combining stunning cinematography with the exquisite music of award-winning composer Philip Glass, Powaqqatsi is a breathtaking experience working on many levels: “emotional, spiritual, intellectual and aesthetic” (The Hollywood Reporter)! Bold, haunting and epic in scale, this extraordinary film calls into question everything we think we know about contemporary society. By juxtaposing images of ancient cultures with those of modern life, Powaqqatsi masterfully portrays the human cost of progress. It is a film that engages the soul as well as the mind; it is truly an absorbing experience.

An evening of Chamber Music

Chamber music returns to the festival with the world’s top players gathering to form Philip’s own “Festival Players” With Maria Bachmann, violin / Jesse Mills, violin / David Harding, viola / Matt Haimovitz, cello / Jon Klibonoff, piano and selections from Schubert, Schumann, Dessner, Nico Muhly, and Philip Glass.

Franz Schubert – Nocturne, for Piano Trio
Philip Glass – The Orchard & France, for Violin and Piano
Nico Muhly – String Quartet
Bryce Dessner – String Quartet
Philip Glass – Head On, for Piano TrioIntermission
Robert Schumann – Piano Quintet

Evening Two of our String Ensemble Concert Series, featuring Tara Hugo Sings Philip Glass

Our second evening at the Sunset Center features a unique and engaging performance, “Tara Hugo Sings Philip Glass.” Critically acclaimed Laurence Olivier nominee from London, Texas born Tara Hugo sings songs from the recently released album, which has garnered international praise, as has the singer-actress on stage. She will be accompanied by our world-class “Festival Players.” With Maria Bachmann, violin / Jesse Mills, violin / David Harding, viola / Matt Haimovitz, cello / Jon Klibonoff, piano. After Tara’s performance, the Festival Players will perform a piano quintet by César Franck.

Philip Glass at the Henry Miller Memorial Library

For our closing event, we will host a picnic lunch and solo concert at Big Sur’s Henry Miller Library. For those who haven’t been to the Library, its feeling of tranquility is truly disarming — surrounded by old growth redwood, the Library’s lawn is a place to let go and relax.Lunch will be catered by the world-famous Big Sur Bakery, and we’ll provide both vegetarian and omnivorous meal options. For entertainment, Philip will play a few solo piano pieces on the outdoor stage. And if that wasn’t enough, we’re planning to have a surprise or two to make this closing event an unforgettable one.

Film Screening: Rebels with a Cause
Beginning in the 1950s, a national movement was born of principles that may seem obvious today. Unconvinced by land developers who promoted residential construction as unmitigated progress, citizens began banding together to preserve open spaces near where they lived. Narrated by Frances McDormand, Rebels with a Cause is filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto’s retelling of the story of the schemers and dreamers who fought to keep developers from taking over the breathtaking landscape of the northern California coast. Rebels with a Cause describes in fascinating detail how dedicated conservationists raised Californians’ awareness of their power to promote change. Rebels with a Cause had its World Premiere at the 2012 Mill Valley Film Festival where it won the Audience Favorite Award for Best Documentary – Active Cinema.

Film Screening: Homegrown Films

The debut of the region’s first ever program of locally made films includes two titles that explore primary connections among parents and children in relation to specific landscapes. Created by international award-winning animator, Soyeon Kim, Ahco on the Road is a rich and haunting animation which draws its inspiration from a nature documentary. Ahco, a baby elephant, is separated from her mother, and must make a perilous journey to try to find her way back home. Directed by international independent filmmaker Luis Camara (and starring his son and wife, who also co-wrote the script), Silencio is a poetic, magical and sometimes tragic immersion into the imagination of a child whose mother is about to abandon him. Drawn into a restaging of the Don Juan story in Qeuratero, Mexico, the characters navigate a world re-arranged by a childs’ consciousness. Both filmmakers live and work in Monterey.

Film Screening A Sense of Place: Young Filmmakers
We are proud to partner with CSU Monterey Bay to present 18 short films by young filmmakers from around the world.

Young Filmmakers: The popular Monterey Bay Teen Film Festival has migrated to the Days and Nights festival, bringing with it a new one-hour program of 18 films in which young filmmakers explore their voices, their dreams, and their environments. This year’s program features films from Bangledesh, in which teenagers create lightbulbs for slums from repurposed plastic bottles; Palestine, where teenagers navigate rapid changes to their physical and political landscapes; Watsonville, where students create hip hop jams about the pleasures of belonging to the Chemistry club; Seaside, where students fight the pressures to give up on their dreams of studying art in school; and more from Gonzalez, Los Angeles, Oakland and from inside Salinas Juvenile Hall. All of the locally made films were created in workshops that will continue through an ongoing partnership of CSU Monterey Bay with the Philip Glass Center for Arts, Science and the Environment. 

Film Screening: William and the Windmill

Fourteen-year-old Malawian William Kamkwamba teaches himself to build a power-generating windmill from junk parts, successfully rescuing his family from poverty and famine. He becomes an energy icon for the developing world and meets American entrepreneur and mentor Tom Reilly, who helps him imagine a new future. Directed by Ben Nabors, William and the Windmill won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2013 South By Southwest Film Festival. View Trailer.

2012 Days and Nights Festival

Koyaanisqatsi with Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass

Outdoor screening of the cult classic Koyaanisqatsi, under the stars at Henry Miller Memorial Library’s outdoor theatre in Big Sur. Before the screening, director Godfrey Reggio and composer Philip Glass will host a Q&A with the audience. Don’t miss this, it will be a rare opportunity to discuss the film with both creators!

Philip Glass & Foday Musa Suso, live in Concert

A rare duet with Philip Glass and world-renowned kora player, Foday Musa Suso. A master of the Gambian artform, Mr. Suso will perform with Philip in a truly unique synthesis of musical traditions.

Before the show, Philip will discuss his work with columnist Barbara Rose Shuler.

Film Screening: The Lost Bird Project

Across the Eastern United States and Canada, you’ll find large bronze sculptures of unfamiliar-looking birds. You may not recognize the species because these birds no longer exist. The sculptures stand as their memorial. The Lost Bird Project is a documentary about Todd McGrain’s mission to honor North American birds that have been driven to extinction in modern times. Directed by Academy Award-nominated Deborah Dickson, the film follows McGrain across North America, working with communities and battling bureaucracy to gain support for his project. The film acts as an elegy to the birds, as well as a thoughtful and sometimes-humorous look at the artist and his mission.

We’re proud to add a screening of the film to our Weekend Festival lineup. Showing Saturday afternoon, the event is free to those who have purchased tickets to either Friday evening’s Koyaanisqatsi show or Saturday’s Philip Glass/Foday Musa Suso duet.

2011 Days and Nights Festival

Opening Celebration w/ the Days and Nights Festival Players and Philip Glass. 

Join Philip Glass as he toasts to the start of this brand-new festival! Enjoy an evening with the artists, featuring a performance by the Days and Nights Festival Players.

Theatre: “John Moran…and his neighbor, Saori.” 

Critically-acclaimed and enigmatic composer and choreographer John Moran will present a matinee performance of “John Moran…and his neighbor, Saori.” Likened to Philip Glass for his ingenius use of repetitive structures, John Moran presents refreshingly new ideas to American theatre.

Chamber Music w/ the Days and Nights Festival Players and Philip Glass. 

This evening of chamber music opens with Pendulum, which premiered last year at the ACLU’s 90th Anniversary Celebration. Described as “thrilling” and “new alchemy,” this new addition to the Glass repertoire will be followed by String Quartet No. 5.

Theatre: “John Moran…and his neighbor, Saori.” 

John and Saori return for a second performance of “John Moran…and his neighbor, Saori.” If you were unable to join us on Saturday, please join us on Sunday for a fun, memorable afternoon.

Theatre: “John + Saori (…in Thailand)” 

Described as “whimsical, rich, and enchanting” by the New York Times, John and Saori will present their latest work. Entitled “John + Saori (…in Thailand)”, the piece has been described as “emotionally riveting” with a “groundbreaking musical composition.” Don’t miss this fresh and imaginative show!

Drive-in Movie Night: Kundun 

The Festival recreates a classic drive-in movie theater nestled between the beautiful hills of Carmel Valley, complete with large outdoor screen and local food vendors. Enjoy delicious food and watch the critically-acclaimed film, Kundun, from the comfort of your car. Join Philip Glass and other festival artists for this truly unique event!

Drive-in Movie Night: Tabloid 

The Festival recreates the drive-in theater again for the new Errol Morris documentary, Tabloid. Creator of The Thin Blue Line and Standard Operating Procedure, Morris presents a thought-provoking perspective on the troubled history of Joyce McKinney. Don’t miss this marvelous film under the stars!

Chamber Music with Days and Nights Festival Players and Members of the YOA 

This evening of chamber music features the Days and Nights Festival Players and members of the YOA: Orchestra of the Americas. The evening’s program opens with a world premiere Glass composition.

Dance with Molissa Fenley and Dancers and Philip Glass on piano

Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Molissa Fenley will present a series of original dance pieces, including her newest work: The Vessel Stories. Dedicated to the artistic life and work of Brian Buczak, The Vessel Stories features original score by Philip Glass: String Quartet #4 (Buczak) performed by YOA. Other works on the program will be accompanied by Philip Glass, live on solo piano.

An Evening of Poetry at Henry Miller Library 

Join us under the stars at Big Sur’s historic Henry Miller Library for an intimate evening of poetry and music. Some of California’s leading poets will be accompanied by Philip Glass and the YOA: Orchestra of the Americas string quartet to host a beautiful union of spoken word, poetry, sound, and vision.

1931 film Dracula with Philip Glass Ensemble at The Henry Miller Library 

The Festival visits the Henry Miller Library again for an evening of outdoor film and music. The 1931 classic film, Dracula, will be shown on the Library’s brand new outdoor film stage, with original musical score performed live by Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble. Enjoy a hauntingly beautiful night under Big Sur’s starry canopy.

40 Year Retrospective 1 with Philip Glass Ensemble 

Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble will present a collection of work spanning Mr. Glass’s career. Including highlights from Glassworks and Einstein on the Beach. 

40 Year Retrospective 2 with Philip Glass Ensemble 

Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble will present a second night of their 40 year retrospective, with highlights from the Koyanisqqatsi and Truman Show score

Philip Glass Piano Solo and Closing Event 

Join Philip Glass for the final performance of the Festival season. The afternoon solo performance will be followed by closing remarks and hors d’oeuvre.