German composer Kurt Weill lived only 50 years, dying in 1950, but he left an indelible mark on 20th century music. Since his death,artists as diverse as Bobby Darin, Tom Waits, the Doors, David Bowie, Ella Fitzgerald and the Young Gods have covered Weill’s music.  Interested in the social impact of music, Weill collaborated often with playwright and lyricist Bertolt Brecht, including his best-known song “Mack the Knife” from the Threepenny Opera.  Fleeing anti-Jewish and anti-socialist oppression under the Nazi regime, Weill settled in the United States, where he picked up jazz and musical theater influences.

On the 27th, 29th and 31st of October, the University of Wisconsin Opera celebrates Kurt Weill with a cabaret of his music at the University Music Hall.  Director David Ronin joins Eight O’Clock Buzz host Brian Standing now in the studio, along with pianist Daniel Fung and student performers Emily Weaver and Emily Vandenberg.