A book-length poem about a basketball legend, performed live with uncompromising contemporary music and groundbreaking video art? That’s a slam dunk for a series curated by poet Hanif Abdurraqib, the MacArthur Fellow who titled one major book There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension. This evening length concert of Ross Gay’s Be Holding draws on the poem’s love song to legendary basketball player Julius Erving—known as “Dr. J”—who dominated courts in the 70s and 80s as a small forward for the Philadelphia 76ers. Both poem and performance connect Dr. J’s famously impossible baseline scoop shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980 NBA Finals to Black flight and joy.
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tyshawn Sorey provides the score, performed by celebrated new music quartet Yarn/Wire. The performance is directed by Brooke O’Harra, with text recited by Gay and fellow poet David Gaines, and video designed by Catching on Thieves and Matt Deinhart.
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tyshawn Sorey provides the score, performed by celebrated new music quartet Yarn/Wire. The performance is directed by Brooke O’Harra, with text recited by Gay and fellow poet David Gaines, and video designed by Catching on Thieves and Matt Deinhart.
ONSALE DATES
Tue, Aug 25 at 1pm
BAM Members and Patrons
Thu, Aug 27 at 1pm
General Public
BAM Members and Patrons
Thu, Aug 27 at 1pm
General Public
UPCOMING Performances
RUNNING TIME
80min
VENUE
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $35
Please note: All single ticket online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Bundles are subject to a $3 facility fee and a $4 handling fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on single tickets.
All ticket buyers (including BAM Members and Patrons) can create a BAM Bundle(three or more performances) to get 30% off their package.
Please note: All single ticket online and phone orders are subject to a $3 facility fee and an $8 handling fee per ticket. All orders at the box office are subject to a $3 facility fee per ticket.
BAM Bundles are subject to a $3 facility fee and a $4 handling fee per ticket.
BAM Members and Patrons get first access and save 20% on single tickets.
All ticket buyers (including BAM Members and Patrons) can create a BAM Bundle(three or more performances) to get 30% off their package.
All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff.
Leadership support for
BAM's strategic initiatives provided by the
Jerome L. Greene Foundation 
Leadership support for
BAM programming provided by
Leadership support for
BAM's strategic initiatives provided by 
Leadership support for
Next Wave 2026 provided by the
National Endowment for the Arts
