Molecular Biologist Lee Silver and Musician Bradford Reed


Wednesday, October 4th @ 7 pm
Union Hall’s “Secret Science Club” Presents: Night of the Chimera

Molecular Biologist Lee Silver lectures on the Mysterious World of Biotechnology

Step into the future. Biologist and Princeton professor, Lee Silver delves into the world of human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and genetically modified organisms—from dinosaur-like creatures to pigs growing human limbs.

The author of Challenging Nature and Remaking Eden, Silver asks: “Does genetic engineering trespass into hallowed zones where mere mortals dare not tread? Are we headed for some freaky Futurama or Brave New World—and if so, what are we afraid of?” Science, religion, pseudoscience, and politics collide!

Then...
Composer Bradford Reed fights and tames a hybrid beast!
The “pencilina” is an electric 10-stringed instrument that arose from the musical mind of Bradford Reed. A cross between the hammer dulcimer, koto, and slide guitar, the pencilina is a true chimera with a whacked-out sonic palette. According to Smithsonian, when Reed plays the pencilina—striking it with sticks, plucking, and bowing—he “sounds like Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Rich playing ‘Dueling Banjos.’” Or Anton Karas meeting Metallica. It’s freaky fantastic.

--Before and in the Tweens: Groove to tunes and video inspired by Deoxyribonucleic Acid!

--Imbibe the Beastly Brew of the Night: the futuristic “Chimera,” a strange blend

The “Secret Science Club” meets the first Wednesday of every month in the basement @ Union Hall, 702 Union St. (at 5th Ave.) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. p: 718.638.4400 Web: unionhallny.com Subway: R to Union St.; F to 4th Ave.; Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Atlantic

No cover. Just bring your own smart self.

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