Upkeep the Log Cabin Birthplace of La Monte Young

La Monte Young was born in 1935 in this log cabin in the little village of Bern, Idaho. Reflecting later, La Monte wrote, “The very first sound that I recall hearing was the sound of the wind blowing through the chinks and all around the log cabin in Idaho where I was born, and I've always considered this among my most important early experiences. It was awe-inspiring and very beautiful and mysterious. Since I couldn't see it and didn't know what it was, I questioned my mother about it for long hours.”

His early sonic experience in the log cabin—the wind of the foothills, the electrical hum of a telephone pole—is particularly evident in his extended-duration and minimalist compositions that confirmed La Monte as one of the most important composers in the history of modern music.

We have been fortunate to preserve the log cabin almost exactly the same as when he lived there. It is a historically and culturally important site and we must find a way to fund the upkeep of this treasure.

Today, however, the log cabin is in serious need of repair. The original roof has lost shingles to the wind and has been severely compromised. The resultant interior water damage will soon render the structure irreparable without immediate intervention.

MELA needs your help to improve the upkeep. The raised funds will be used to reinstall the roof and the chimney and to repair interior water damage.