Music is Everywhere: Cage, Oliveros, and Musical Surprises
✨ Are the sounds of Midtown crows, leaf blowers, or Thursday night revelers musical—or a nuisance?
Perhaps our definition of music could use some expansion.
Join Tracy Monaghan, musicologist and lecturer at UC Davis, for an interactive exploration of how experimental composers John Cage and Pauline Oliveros challenged listeners to rethink where music begins and ends.
For Cage and Oliveros, music wasn't simply something to perform—it was a way of paying attention. Drawing on musicological scholarship and Oliveros's practice of "Deep Listening," Tracy will guide us through new ways of hearing the world around us. Through stories, examples, and audience participation, we'll explore how listening can become a creative act—one that changes our relationship to our communities, our environment, and even ourselves.
Using the experimental music of Cage and Oliveros as a guide, we'll practice listening together in real time and discover how sound, attention, and perception shape what we call music. By training our ears, we may begin to find—and even compose—music in the most unexpected places.
Tracy Monaghan is a PhD candidate in Musicology and lecturer in the Department of Music at UC Davis. Her research explores the voice and body in contemporary American musicals and opera, as well as the Indigenous musical traditions of Aotearoa New Zealand. At UC Davis, she teaches courses on Broadway history, music and film, and music theater and identity. When she's not thinking about music, you'll likely find her walking her dog, Remy, around Midtown Sacramento.
Expect surprising sounds, active participation, and a fresh perspective on what music can be—and where it might already be hiding. 🎵🧠✨
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
6:30 - 7:30 : enjoy music with Alore, drinks from Sun House Cafe, and chats
7:30 - 8:20 : lecture
8:20 - 8:35 : Q&A
8:35 - 9:00: more time for chats, hanging out, and then we're out!
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people come solo to our events, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no designated on-site parking so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
No :) This venue is open to all ages.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event!
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about the ticket structure?
Every ticket sold goes directly back into the business. However, we want to make our events accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please reach out for financial assistance by emailing [email protected].
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
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How do I become a speaker?
Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think your lecture is a good fit! → Speaker form 💬
Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email [email protected].