Beats and Botany: Exploring a Musical History of Plant Inspiration (Online Lecture)

Libby Hanssen, writer and musician, Dr. Tracy Bass, librarian and musician, Audrey Watson, audio engineer and musician
In 2021, Libby, Tracy, and Audrey curated the exhibit, "Beats and Botany" at the University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Music/Media Library to display a musical history of how plants have inspired musicians, musicians sought to inspire plants, and how some musicians are exploring if plants can be both instrument and composer. Join Libby, Tracy, and Audrey for an online lecture that presents an exciting overview of the long entwining relationship between plants, music, and humans.

Please note: This program is part of the Garden's online summer program series "Plants and Music."

Intended Audience: Adult Beginner

Friday, August 2, 2024
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern
Location: Online
FREE: Pre-registration required


Register Here

About the presenters

Libby Hanssen
Libby Hanssen is a writer based in Kansas and the author of States of Swing: the History of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, 2003-2023. Additionally, her writing is published in KC Studio, KCUR 89.3, 91.9 Classical KC, The Kansas City Star, and The Pitch. She worked for the UMKC Music/Media Library from 2008-2023. She loves to imagine “what’s next” for her garden.
Tracy Bass
Tracy Bass is Head Librarian with the Omaha Symphony and a freelance performer and teacher across the Midwest. He has a doctorate in horn performance from UMKC Conservatory and worked for the Music/Media library from 2017-2021. As a houseplant enthusiast, Tracy is most proud of owning over 20 species of ficuses.
Audrey Watson
Audrey Watson is a Kansas City-based audio engineer and musician working primarily at the UMKC Conservatory. She studied music at UMKC and worked for the Music/Media library from 2020-2023. She enjoys keeping houseplants, foraging, and learning about flora and fungi.