Science on Screen® – Sound and Story: Wilco Bassist John Stirratt in Conversation on Music and the Imagination with the film Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. with R.E.M.’s Monster and New Adventures in Hi Fi – A Silents Synced Film to follow.

The Gem received a 2025 Science on Screen Grant and we are partnering with BAAM to bring you five S.T.E.A.M. events centered around the senses: Taste, Smell, Sound, Sight, and Touch.

Our second event in the series will be centered on sound as we welcome Wilco Bassist, John Stirratt, to The Gem. Wade Kavanaugh, co-owner of The Gem, will engage John in a “Conversation on Sound and the Imagination”. Imagination is an important quality when listening to music. It allows us to perceive and interpret music. Music can also evoke memories and take us back to the sights, smells, and feelings associated with a particular experience. Sound familiar? Please join us to find out more.

John Stirratt is the bassist and a founding member of Wilco, the only original member besides Jeff Tweedy to remain with the band since its inception. Before Wilco, he played in the final lineup of Uncle Tupelo, the band that helped define alt-country. Outside of Wilco, he and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone co-founded The Autumn Defense, known for its lush, 70s-inspired sound. John and his wife, Chrissy, live in Midcoast Maine, where they host live events at Otyokwa, a former summer camp, during the summer months.

John Stirratt recently toured with actor and musician Michael Shannon, covering R.E.M.’s album Fables of Reconstruction in its entirety. The project featured a full band, including Jason Narducy (of Bob Mould’s band and Superchunk), drummer Jon Wurster (also of Superchunk and The Mountain Goats), and guitarist Kevin McMahon. The tour was a tribute to R.E.M.’s early work, with Shannon—who is a longtime fan—handling lead vocals.

Following the talk we will watch Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. with R.E.M.’s Monster and New Adventures in Hi Fi – A Silents Synced Film – an innovative cinematic experience that breathes new life into the timeless 1924 silent film Sherlock Jr. by syncing Keaton’s brilliant slapstick comedy and masterful physical performances with R.E.M.’s Monster and New Adventures in Hi Fi, the result is a vibrant, surreal experience where Keaton’s absurdly funny adventures as a bumbling, yet lovable detective are accompanied by songs that match the emotional beats, themes, and whimsy of his world. This Silents Synced version of Sherlock Jr. will create a unique sensory experience that will resonate with both old fans and new audiences alike.

5:00 to 6:00: Social Hour in Gem Lobby

6:00 to 6:30 Wade Kavanaugh in Conversation with John Stirratt

6:30 to 7:45 Film Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. with R.E.M.’s Monster and New Adventures in Hi Fi – A Silents Synced Film

A huge thank you to:

An initiative of the COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE, with major support from the ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION.

Tickets for this event are Pay What You Can. All proceeds go to helping cover the cost of the Science on Screen event and to support BAAM programming. We encourage MSAD44 students to choose the $0 ticket.