• Bear McCreary

    Composer for film, television and videogames. Credits include "Battlestar Galactica," "The Walking Dead," "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," "Caprica," Step Up 3D, "The Cape," "Human Target," "Dark Void," "SOCOM 4," "Trauma," Wrong Turn 2, "Eureka" and the Rest Stop films. This blog focuses on the scores to "Battlestar Galactica" but other projects and various aspects of film music are frequently discussed.
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    Battlestar Galactica Concert ‘08 (UPDATED)

    Posted by Bear McCreary on March 7th, 2008

    bgroxyfluerupdated.jpg

            UPDATED 03-28-08: We SOLD OUT The Roxy Theatre!  Tickets are no longer available for the April 13th Music of Battlestar Galactica concert.  However, due to the overwhelming popular demand, we have added a second performance at the venue, TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH.  Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster or directly from the Roxy Theatre.  The first concert filled up faster than I expected, so I’d suggest moving quickly if you missed out and still want to see the show.

            The Tuesday night concert will be the exact same set list and performance as the Sunday night.  However, it is still too early to confirm James Callis’ availability, due to the Battlestar Galactica production schedule.  Therefore, our host is still officially “To Be Announced.”  I’ll keep the updates coming as they become available.

    ________________________________   

            The wait is finally over!  Tickets are now on sale for the 2008 Music of Battlestar Galactica concert, at the famed Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles.  Here’s your only chance to see the score performed in concert by the brilliant musicians who play on the series every week.  We will screen an original documentary about the Galactica score, and also have a CD signing with the full band.  The evening will be hosted by the one and only James Callis!

            Like the 2006 concert, tickets are going to go fast.  See you there!

    CINEMEDIA PROMOTIONS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS

    LA-LA LAND RECORDS

    PRESENT

    BEAR McCREARY: THE MUSIC OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 

    A Unique Concert Performance of the Music from SCI FI’s Critically Acclaimed Television Series

    Evening Hosted by James Callis 

    (March 07, 2008- Burbank, CA) – CineMedia Promotions, La-La Land Records, and Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary present a special one night concert performance of the music from Battlestar Galactica, on April 13th at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. 

    Considered one of the top 10 shows currently on TV by Time Magazine, Entertainment Weekly and TV Guide, Battlestar Galactica won the prestigious Peabody Award in 2005.  In 2006 in conjunction with the release of the Season 2 soundtrack CD, Bear McCreary and his ensemble performed a special one-night performance of the music of Season 2.  The event was a huge success, selling out the venue.  This year the event moves to a larger venue, the famed Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip.  

    The performing ensemble, conducted by composer Bear McCreary, includes former members of Oingo Boingo, ethnic soloists representing instruments from around the world, strings, taiko drums and other percussion.  Vocalist Brendan “Bt4” McCreary, who sings “All Along the Watchtower”from Season 3, will open.  An original documentary about the making of the score will also be presented. 

    James Callis (the show’s Dr. Gaius Baltar) will host the evening.  Other members of the cast and production team will be in attendance.

    Co-presenters La-La Land Records have released four soundtrack recordings of the works of composer Bear McCreary: Wrong Turn 2, and the Battlestar Galactica: Season One, Season Two, and Season Three soundtracks.  His scores for Rest Stop 2 and Eureka are slated for release later this year.   

    The evening will also celebrate the 10th Anniversary of CineMedia Promotions, an independent publicity, web and radio promotions firm specializing in film soundtrack and cast album recordings.  CineMedia Promotions, founded by Beth Krakower, has promoted all three of the soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica. 

    Composer Bear McCreary also scores the hit series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Sci Fi Channel’s highest rated series, Eureka. His feature film credits include Wrong Turn 2 and Rest Stop. McCreary was among a handful of select protégés of late film music legend Elmer Bernstein (The Magnificent Seven) and is a classically trained composer with degrees in Composition and Recording Arts from the prestigious USC Thornton School of Music.  

    CINEMEDIA PROMOTIONS, LA-LA LAND RECORDS, PRESENT “BEAR McCREARY: THE MUSIC OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA”

    SOLD OUT: Sunday April 13th, 2008 8PM

    JUST ADDED: Tuesday April 15th, 2008 8PM

    The Roxy Theatre (9009 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA)

    Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 

    Available at The Roxy Theatre box office or at Ticketmaster.com

     

            In other concert news, I’m hoping to pull together a London performance.  If you’re in the area, follow this link and help us generate some buzz.  We can’t do it without you guys.  I’m also coordinating a possible concert in Germany for next year.  As always, keep your eyes out here for details as the emerge.

    65 Responses to This Blog Entry:

    YES !!!!!!!!!!

    See you in LA, Bear !!!!

    Bear, for those who are not from Los Angeles. Is the Roxy seated or standing? Are there age restrictions for college-age students? (i.e is it all over 21 or over 18?). Thanks

    :-(( Well, I’m quite certain that I won’t make it to LA. Going 5.693 miles is just a bit out of my price range.

    But London would be awesome! Germany even better!!! I heard Cologne should be an amazing town ;-))

    Anyway, I hope everyone is gonna enjoy the concert coming up. Have fun!

    A concert in Germany would be great and I would definitly go there. (London too, but a bit more expensive)
    So, I’ll just go and create some buzz now.

    Okay I will get over to my local ticketmaster outlet tonight. Loved the last one and looking forward to this concert as well.

    Thank you thank you for letting us know! I just purchased my ticket! Can’t WAIT! :)

    ARRRGH! This will be amazing and there’s absolutely no way I’ll be able to make it. Please tell me you’re thinking about recording it for later release – I’d buy an MP3 of it…

    Sanmarcos…

    The Roxy is all ages. I’m pretty sure it will be standing-room only, though we don’t know for certain yet.

    Bear thanks for the reply :). I will be there.

    I agree with Patrick, consider making a live recording and distributing it.

    Have Tickets, Will Travel !!!

    Concert in Germany sounds so great!
    That would be amazing.

    Aw, I wish they’d have one in NYC. I’d be there in a heartbeat.

    Bear, wouldn’t miss this for the world and so I’m coming to LA. Your Season 3 was breathtaking and to hear BSG in-person will be life-changing, I’m pretty frakkin’ sure. FYI, I’m pinging Chris Bleth via his site to see if he’ll be in town and if any way to get 30 mins of his time for duduk help — I have one now to play for labyrinths at Cathedral. Hard to find players here in DC. Pls assure him I’m sane if he asks. :) (This is Karen, Pam D and John S’s friend.)

    I really think that you should come in Europe!
    I’m french and I see other comments here from Germany that ask for the same thing, so maybe… It’s always good to ask, isn’t it?

    I really like your music and really enjoy the battlestar’s ones. It’s a great pleasure every time!

    Sincerely wish you the best because you bring us ours!

    You should totally release this concert on DVD!!!! I realize it takes away from the uniquness of the evenet, but it tottally allows those not able to attend the experience of the live music! And knowing how well Bear McCreary Battlestar CD’s sell, I can’t imagine you would have much trouble with these either.

    Bear in London? Yes please! Hope it comes off!

    Good luck with this one, I’m sure it will be fantastic.

    Aww…I wont be able to make it. Well I hope its an epic concert.

    You should definately come to Europe, that would be the best thing ever! Greetings from Norway. :)

    [...] Oh, to be in LA on April 13th. [...]

    [...] Tickets are on sale for Bear McCreary’s potentially legendary concert at Los Angeles’ Ro…  The one-night-only event will feature the vocalist from the show’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” that was featured in the show’s Season Three finale.  Members of the cast and crew will also be present, although no names have been released yet.  It’s no secret that the music is one of the reasons that Battlestar Galactica is so haunting, so don’t miss your chance to hear it live and conducted by Bear himself. [...]

    Soooo excited am coming all the way from the UK and will be there for the concert. Cannot wait to hear the amazing music live. Particulary looking forward to hearing “All along the watchtower” and “Roslin and Adama”….Any news on who else from the cast may be there, so excited the event will be emceed by James Callis!….Now if only you could persuade Mary McDonnell to come my life would be complete ;-) Cant wait!!

    [...] Published March 11, 2008 Frak me Tags: Bear McCreary, BSG, Roxy Theatre er… Hollywood, that [...]

    Tickets bought!
    Calendar marked!
    See you in April!
    Thanks Bear!

    A concert in London? I’m there. I’ll buy the ticket and hop on a plane as soon as you announce it. And if, by any chance, you want to make an extra concert in Portugal, I’ll be eternally thankful.

    *reads the last paragraph and puts her hand over her mouth to muffle the squeal*

    England at last? I would LOVE that! I have been jealous as hell of all my friends in the US getting to go to the concerts that have been held so far. If I could’ve afforded to fly out I would have. I live up-country from London, but I’ll take the eight-hour train ride and be squeeful!

    LA is way too far away (as I’m currently living in France), but London would be awesome..
    Hope this happens.

    Okay what about us on the East Coast? DC would be a perfect venue – or NYC or Philly? I could afford that gas.

    Australia! Come to Australia! You have so much support down here it’d be crazy not to go! Don’t be crazy now.

    I would buy the DVD in a heartbeat. Please make it happen.

    One of the best Film Music I noticed in recent movies. I am sure it will be most enjoyable to hear it performed life; and I hope I can make it. Coming from Houston, c ya :-) Cheers – Thomas

    Alas, the poor music student can’t make it out to LA! …up for an East coast venue?? I’ll just add my plea to come to my hood along with every body else’s. :)

    Australia! You really really have to come to Australia. It would be such an amazing experience. And trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve played inside the Sydney Opera House. We’d just love to have you here. Please consider us!

    After reading all of these comments and deciding not to add my voice to the “you’re too far away” chorus (even though I just did), something just occurred to me…

    Since there are so many people around the world who love your music, why not offer to show the concert via the web? I’d pay for it if I had exclusive access, but it’d be great if you could broadcast it everywhere.

    I’ll help promote!

    Hi there, all you BSG music fans (a special hi to Bear as well:) I am so happy for all of you who can make it to the concert! And a huge smile is shining on my face as I read your posts inviting Bear to Europe or Australia! I have a feeling that there is going to be a concert for us outside US too…

    The ideal concert set list I’d love to see taped to the stage floor or music stand on April 13:

    Season 1: Wander My Friends, Passacaglia
    Season 2: Pegasus, Lords of Kobol, Epiphanies, and a Suite of Roslin & Adama/Roslin Confesses/Someone to Trust — the most beautiful, lush melody I’ve ever heard
    Season 3: Everything, but especially Refugees Return, Kat’s Sacrifice, Admiral & Commander
    Encore?: The Dance!

    I concur with Karen, I would love to see some of the older songs like Passacaglia plaid.

    Bear, the Season 4 promos played a lot of string pieces in the background. Are these part of the new soundtrack?

    How about a concert in Scotland?

    Failing that I would pull out all the stops to make London.

    Will the concert be filmed? It would make a great extra for the Season 4 dvds, for the fans and from a business point of view. The huge amount of us who can’t go to the US for the concert would be able to see it, and as the music is so popular a great selling point for the dvds.

    Dear Bear,
    Really, the guy from Scotland makes a great point about filming the concert and adding it to the DVDs. I only live about 1200 miles from LA and I can’t attend the concert either.
    And it’s On My Birthday!! Ugh!!!
    Thank You for sharing your talent with us. It heals a part of our souls.
    Please keep up the Wonderful work. -Angela

    So many BG fans in distant lands! :)

    To answer everybody’s question, I’d love to take this show on the road, and I’m pretty sure it’ll happen one day. We’re hoping to get to New York and maybe London next year, and there’s a possible concert in Germany shaping up for ‘09 as well.

    However, this April is the only performance we’re going to do in 2008, so if you can swing it, this is the one to check out.

    Of course I waited till the last minute and the tickets are sold out. Frak!

    I heard whispers of a possible visit or performance during this years San Diego Comic Con. I read that this will be your only concert planned for 08′. Is this Definite?

    It would be great to have a show either during Comic Con or even Dragon*Con in August.

    [...] guys! If any of you can get to the Battlestar Galactica Concert 2008, enjoy it for me. You [...]

    Hey Bear, This might not be relevant to the blog but figured this the most current. By the way, thanks for keeping a blog! I think it’s great and I love getting insights into your compositional method and career. Speaking of which, I was wondering what are some of your favorite progressions? I think one of the most epic and haunting one you’ve used, is in Dark Unions. I believe its an F minor to E Major… and with that melody its just so so sweet! You have such a handle on the ambiance of your music, and it really just captures my imagination. I think we’d all love a sliver of insight into your compositional palette!

    Thanks!
    Spence

    p.s. I have all your CD’s and i just ordered the score to battlestar sonatica, which is truly great!

    Oh, to be in LA for the concert…hmm…have friends there; wonder if they’d let me stay with them…but having to get there from Iowa would be a bit of a stretch. Highly envious of everyone who gets to attend! DEFINITELY looking forward to the music for season 4!

    I’m totally excited about catching the concert. It was also great to hear that the concert was happening during the same weekend as the Grand Slam Scifi Con. I’m flying in from Texas; so two birds, one stone. Hurray!!

    I know there are hours of music from the soundtracks, out of curiosity, how long will the concert last? Thanks.

    If anyone has an extra ticket for Sunday that they are willing to part with, please let me know by emailing me at jedifreac[at]gmail.com My friend missed out on buying a ticket and is majorly bummed. The concert is on his birthday!!!

    As for me, erm, well, Mr. McCreary, I have been looking forward to this concert since I heard about last year’s and I am ready to have a blast. Mr. Callis as the MC is just icing on the cake.

    Any chance of this being released on DVD for the many fans who live too far away to attend the concert? I would LOVE to be able to see this!

    Hey Bear, just found out about your performance here in L.A. and I would love to attend to write up a positive review in ExpressJet Airlines’ ABBY award winning in-flight magazine “ExpressLane”. I’ve got about 1.2 million readers per month from coast to coast. Please contact me directly or have someone get in touch.

    Cheers,
    Jonathan

    Jonathan Kramm
    Producer, Performer (Phase Theory), Publisher & Songwriter (SESAC), Rockstar Writer and Music Editor (ExpressJet Airlines’ in-flight magazine)
    North Hollywood, CA
    jonathan@jonathankramm.com
    http://myspace.com/jonathankramm
    http://myspace.com/phasetheory
    Phase Theory won the title “Best Experimental Artist” at the 17th Annual L.A. Music Awards in November 2007 for our new self-released album “Phased Out.”

    I gotta say, amazing job with the soundtrack for season 4. The first episode was absolutely amazing.

    Great job!

    Yes, so true! I loved the first episode, awesome actors, awesome story, awesome effects, awesome score. BSG really IS a genuine piece of art!

    Especially I liked the music, when Baltar entered his “temple” and when he prayed for the life of the kid! Totally amazing score!!!!!!!!!

    I enjoyed the music for the Season 4 premiere.

    Nice.

    You pull together a Chicago concert and I’ll drive myself and three other fans down from Milwaukee myself!

    I’m from the US and will have to miss the April 15th (and the April 13th) showing because of work and overwhelming distance between the concert and my job (Maryland). I would LOVE to get to see you perform in London. I already have a scheduled trip to London in May and will be there from May 2nd-4th and 9th-10th. Don’t those dates sound wonderful for a concert?

    It was so cool to hear your music live at the Roxy last night. I had a great time. This year the Roxy next year the Hollywood Bowl!!!

    Erik C. Andersen
    http://www.filmsinfocus.com

    Bravo Bear,

    Seeing this music live was fantastic, and Brendan was a great opening act.

    It was also fun hearing Baltar sing.

    I wish some fans didn’t steal some of the sheet music from the front of the stage though.

    Oh, and that song Brendan created for Battlestar, has he released that anywhere?

    Bravo !!!

    [...] night I went and saw [ Bear McCreary ] play at The Roxy.   Words can not explain how cool it was…. so here are some [...]

    Bear … thank you so much for an amazing night…

    I never imagined that I could love Battlestar Galactica anymore then I already did, but last night made me appreciate the music and emotion that you put into every show..

    You guys were AWESOME, and hopefully I will see you tomorrow night again.. :)


    Stephen
    http://www.fortheloveofgeeks.com

    Bear and gang … *frakkin’ awesome* concert Sunday night. Was well worth the trip. All of your musicians are phenomenal but Paul is a wild man and a screaming talent! The doc was hilarious, especially Michael and Eddie — those two should go on the road. I hope that the “important people” in the audience were duly impressed and that some good things come of this for you, especially since I’m sure you personally put a lot more than time into these concerts (that’s a small venue and the tickets weren’t expensive!). Thanks for your brilliance and your dedication not only to your art but also to sharing it with us in ways no composer has ever done before. So say we all!

    Sunday was a great evening, thanks so much for the experience. I flew in from Atlanta for about 24 hours just for it. I dragged along a couple of friends from Pomona who are now likely to become fans of the show, and certainly of the music.
    What a great time it was! Quite a unique experience, just as I was hoping… I was not disappointed at all. It was well worth the airfare and total lack of sleep for a couple of days. :)
    Thank you for accomodating us with the CD signing afterwards so that I was able to bring home some souvenirs (I’m sure you were all exhausted after the performance!). Wish I could attend tonight’s performance as well.

    BRAVO!

    p.s. (Any chance of making the concert available on DVD or something, for those who couldn’t attend?)

    Thank you so much for a great show last night. Everyone was amazing and I cried during the “Admiral & Commander” section that you updated for this season. Please have more shows! And thank you once again for taking a picture with me! I can’t wait to hear what you have for us this Friday.

    Bear,
    The show on Tuesday was awesome!!! I can’t wait till you guys come around and do it again.

    I do have a question and a favor:
    1. Any chance of a CD of the live performances? or at least the versions that were played?

    And the favor: When the episode airs, could you, in your blog, make a note of the “very important scene” that James Callis was off shooting?

    Oh my Fraking Star and Garters!!! Tuesday night was absolutely awsome. As soon as you took the stage I was telling my wife, “they have Boingos Drumer!” and my wife was geeked out because she hadn’t seen Eric playing pipes in like ten years. Not since he was with “Wicked Tinkers” or playing with Ken O’Malley. Thank you for one of the most awsome musical experiences I have had in a long time. I am sure you were jazzed with the encore call, I mean really a full house yelling “So Say We All!” Damn. Here is hoping that your schedule permitting (no wraqp parties or anything) LaLa Records can get you guys to play the San Diego Comic Con one of the nights. You would be amongst an even greater number of fans.

    By the way. To all who didn’t make it, it was amazing. Hopefully there will be more shows, and if there are go. Bear’s band sounds even better live, and their version of “All Along The Watchtower” blew the roof off of the Roxy.

    Frakin Awsome.

    T.

    I’m sorry I missed out! How about having another concert at Comic Con in San Diego, this coming July? Guaranteed to sell out!! What do you think?

    The Roxy concert was amazing! Hope you get a London performance together…that would be a cool vacation.

    Any chance you could remind me who was on 3rd violin (I think it was 3rd violin…anyway)? I think his first name was Tom…with the red hair and the hat. Paul was awesome to watch, but Tom was a pure joy…totally into the music and gave a great performance. Or if you don’t want to put his full name online, do you know if there’s any other way to find out what else he’s doing performance-wise (if anything public)? I hope to be able to see him again at a future performance.

    Really enjoyed the show, Bear. You probably hear this all the time, but you’re a genius!

    my interview w/bear’s drummer

    there is podcast with johnny vatos who played drum kit on the first 2 seasons and at the recent LA shows..he’s mostly known for his band oingo boingo but he shared some cool insight into his bsg experience..feel free to hear/download it here
    http://perrysdrummingpodcast.mypodcast.com
    coming soon like by thurs night is percussionist m.b. gordy who does all the percussion for the shows/soundtracks

    Spence…

    The Fm to EM progression in “Dark Unions” is the harmonic component of the Baltar Theme. You’ll also hear it on several cues on the Season 1 album. As for favorite progressions, all composers have their favorites. :) I tend to gravitate towards mixed modes, scales with elements of major and minor. They fit “BG” perfectly, because the series has a very ambigious, real-world tone to it. But, frankly… it’s also just the kind of music I like.

    SeskaLien…

    Odds are very slim of a released DVD of this concert, but I’m hoping to get some footage together and get it released somehow. If next year’s shows come together, I think we’ll try to have a great DVD put together. I know that a lot of fans out there wanted to see the show and couldn’t make it out…

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