Lyle Mays and friends explore music based on physics equations, Feynman's speech patterns and more, using improvisation, algorithmic composition, live video mixing, and a custom designed linked laptop network.

Lyle Mays has been an integral part of the Pat Metheny Group since its inception in 1977, and has cowritten much of the consistently engaging music for the multiGrammywinning group's albums. Lyle's sense of melody, crystal clear virtuosity and almost cinematic scope of orchestration has clearly distinguished the group's sound. Born into a musical family in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953, he was always encouraged to explore new forms of expression. As a teenager, Lyle attended jazz summer camps and studied with such talents as Rich Matteson and Marian McPartland. He then studied composition and arrangement at North Texas State University before touring with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd. While appearing at the 1975 Wichita Jazz Festival, Lyle met twentyyearold guitarist Pat Metheny, and the two formed a musical alliance that has proven to be among the most artistically successful of the past threeplus decades.

Performers include: Jimmy Branly (drums), Rich Breen (audio engineer), Jon 9 (visualization), Andrew Pask (woodwinds), Bob Rice (guitar and digital sounds), and Tom Warrington (bass). Bios of these performers: http://tedxcaltech.com/speakers

About TEDx, x = independently organized event: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, selforganized events that bring people together to share a TEDlike experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, selforganized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are selforganized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

On January 14, 2011, Caltech hosted TEDxCaltech, an exciting oneday event to honor Richard Feynman, Nobel Laureate, Caltech physics professor, iconoclast, visionary, and allaround "curious character." Visit TEDxCaltech.com for more details.