Where Chamber Music Meets the Beatles

The drummer of an avant-garde band is looking forward to getting back to the "flawless weather" and family of his native Lafayette.

Tyler Pines brings to the Bay Area his band, Miracles of Modern Science —  "chamber players with a back beat and Beatles-like vocals," in the words of the drummer's dad, (himself a musician) Larry Pines of Lafayette. MOMS plays the Hotel Utah Saloon at 500 Fourth St., San Francisco, at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

MOMS also features mandolin, violin, cello and standup bass.

Listen to MOMS' extended play "Meems" here.

"Returning home is always exciting for me," wrote Tyler Pines in an email. "This time around, in addition to the usual flawless weather, family, fond memories, and a friendly, laid-back community, I have the opportunity to share a very important passion in my life with people I care about. I haven't had the chance to play for my family and friends from the Bay in the seven or so years that I've been in MOMS."

At Stanley Middle School in Lafayette, the young drummer "was lit on fire by (music teacher) Bob Athayde," wrote Larry Pines in an email. Tyler gained a constant backbeat of awards in Lafayette that got him into Princeton University, where older brother Justin introduced him to some band members … and the rest is Miracles of Modern Science.

Tyler Pines has stayed in touch with Athayde and his family. "Bob's impact on my musical career cannot be overstated. My classical and jazz training that kickstarted at Stanley... laid an important foundation of musical understanding and passion that launched me into classical and jazz ensemble participation at Campolindo High School and again at Princeton University," said Pines.