LehrerPhest 2025: Bay Area Songwriters Pay Tribute to Tom Lehrer

Ducks With Pants Music

This evening we present a show that, on the occasion of his 97th birthday, celebrates piano playing satirist Tom Lehrer — a man whose songs combine the subtlety of a sledgehammer with the charm of a tax audit. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Lehrer’s oeuvre (and for those who wish they could forget), expect a smorgasbord of sardonic wit, sharp political commentary, and tunes that manage to be both clever and completely inappropriate. From the raucously irreverent (“The Masochism Tango”) to the merely lacking in propriety (“Poisoning Pigeons in the Park”), Lehrer has a song for every occasion — none of which you’ll likely want to play at your next family gathering. This showcase event is sure to be the perfect introduction to a man who managed to make humor out of topics like nuclear war, sadomasochism, and, of course, mathematics.

The show will capture the essence of Lehrer’s uniquely casual performances, often done for friends in intimate settings, where spontaneous musical outbursts (usually prompted by extreme boredom) were considered a form of social survival. If you’re expecting a well-rehearsed, polished performance, you’ve come to the wrong place. This tribute, with contributions from various Bay Area luminaries, much like Lehrer’s own approach to live performance, will include moments of awkward pauses, questionable lyrics, and the occasional flubbed note — just to keep things authentic. It’s a chance to experience the genius of a man who made fun of just about everything, including his own place in the world of music, and somehow made it all sound so much better than it had any right to. So sit back, relax, and prepare for an evening of laughter — and mild discomfort.

The proceedings are curated and hosted by E.G. Phillips (known as the front man for the fake ensemble Ducks With Pants), who like the man to whom the event is dedicated, has attempted to prolong adolescence beyond all previous limits.

Performers will include Kitten on the Keys, Brendan Getzell, Maurice Tani, Kevin Seal, Wrob Rosenberger, Lil Dork, TFab, Victoria Dagger, En Sean Te, Paul Griffiths, and who knows who else.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.