Guitar and composer Aaron Larget-Caplan returns to the Lilypad for the 2nd Annual Bach & Beer concert in Cambridge on Sunday September 13 at 2pm. Featuring music for guitar by J.S. Bach, John Cage, living composers Laurie Spiegel, Larget-Caplan and world premieres by Karl Henning and George Papajohn.

“Sharing music in the community, not just the concert hall, has been a part of my life since I was a student at the conservatory. I began creating programs that explored history, language, and culture through music. When I tour today, I often include such program alongside my formal concerts.”

Johann Sebastian Bach directed weekly public concerts at the Zimmermannsche Kaffeehaus (Café Zimmermann) on Katharinenstraße in Leipzig during the 1730s, I figured why stop at coffee.

“Aware that music venues, especially affordable venues, have decreased radically in Boston and Cambridge, I reached out to the Lilypad in Inman Square Cambridge to see about hosting such a concert. They are a neighborhood staple, serve a wide selection of beers, have an active and open approach to music.”

Open to the public, tickets are $25 and free entry for those under 18. Beer will be available for purchase for those 21+. Limited seating

A daring and trailblazing classical guitarist and composer, Aaron Larget-Caplan searches for the life in music & music in life. He has performed over 1000 concerts across Europe, Russia, Taiwan, and the US. He directs and curates the Spanish dance ensemble ¡Con Fuego!, regularly performs chamber music, and the performance and educational endeavor Now Musique. His 12 solo albums have earned 14 million streams, and he has several publications of John Cage, Alan Hovhaness, and contemporary composers. Born in Oklahoma, raised in Colorado he is a graduate of the New England Conservatory where he is also on faculty.

What you’ll hear:

J.S. Bach: Prelude-Fugue-Allegro, BWV 998

Bach: Keyboard Preludes, WTC Book I & 2 (select)

Karl Henning: Uneasy Sleep (2025) – World Premiere

George Papajohn: Berceuse Antiphon (2026) – World Premiere

Laurie Spiegel: Remembering (2021)

John Cage: A Room

Aaron Larget-Caplan: Moving still and honey cadence

J. Rosamond Johnson: Lift Every Voice and Sing

Samuel Smith: Star Spangled Banner with a nod to Jimi

*All compositions written for or arranged by Aaron Larget-Caplan

Contact the host of Aaron Larget-Caplan: Bach and Beer (Cambridge)