Stephin Merritt, the master songsmith behind the Magnetic Fields’ 69 Love Songs, returns with the full band for a 2-week residency at MASS MoCA that culminates in the world premiere of a staged performance of the new Nonesuch Records album: 50 Song Memoir, an album celebrating Merritt’s first half-century on the planet. Merritt and band perform two distinct programs of the new songs — one for every year of his life — with a seven-person band playing 50 instruments from his eclectic collection. This remarkable show recounts his five decades on planet Earth, from his conception by hippies on a houseboat in St. Thomas to his current position as one of America’s greatest living songwriters.

Each performance will be a separate program. The entire album will take place over two nights: songs 1 – 25 on Friday, November 18, and songs 26 – 50 on Saturday, November 19.
The museum galleries will be open each night until 7pm.

What to Expect
Seating is general admission. Preferred tickets are general admission seats located in the first rows of the theater. A full bar serves Bright Idea Brewing and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits.

Planning on dinner before the show? Our museum café Lickety Split rolls out a menu of favorites including Vermont black bean burgers, angus burgers, tasty paninis, quiche, and an array of fresh salads featuring field greens, goat cheese, and grilled pineapple, all priced at $10 or less.

photo by Cesar Pedilla