Special Presentation:
An Evening with Modern Biology 


Monday, July 13th, 2026

The Great Lawn
VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak St
Vancouver
BC V6M 4H1

Doors: 6:00pm

Show: 7:00pm


Accessibility Information:

For information about seating, parking, washrooms, and other accessibility information see VanDusen Accessibility Page.


Set against the contemplative landscape of VanDusen Botanical Garden, Modern Biology’s special outdoor offering for Indian Summer Festival 2026 unfolds as an immersive meditation on sound, ecology, rupture and possibility. The improvised electronic performance uses plant bioelectricity to create the tranquil energy Modern Biology’s shows have become known for. The sound draws on the emotional depth and temporal expansiveness of raga as both a structure and metaphor, inviting audiences into a sonic terrain where grief, resilience, and renewal coexist.

Take inspiration from the mycelium from which Modern Biology draws his signature “mushroom music” sound and lean into a feeling of interconnectedness with both your natural surroundings and the Indian Summer Festival community. Soak in this unique, site-responsive, one-time only activation under the cover of VanDusen Botanical Garden’s lush summer foliage. 

As a picnic style event, you are invited to bring blankets, cushions, festival chairs, and other comforts from home to elevate the grounded, meditative journey you embark on. For further access information, please see details under “Accessibility Information.”

Since his last performance with Indian Summer Festival, Modern Biology’s reach has exploded; his work has been viewed over 200 million times and amassed him over 1.5 million followers on social media, with features in publications like The Guardian, BBC, Genius, Vice, The Verge, LA Times and DJ Mag, among others. We are thrilled to have him back for this truly special, once in a lifetime night.

MUSIC SERIES PARTNER

about the artist

modern biology

Modern Biology has brought 'plant music' to the masses. Originally educated as a biologist, veteran musician Tarun Nayar brings his passion for nature and sound together in an ambient project that is organismic, immediate, uplifting, and deeply contextual. He uses modular synthesis, home built synthesizers and other analog equipment to improvise with the natural vibrations of a certain place and time - via plant bioelectricity, latent electromagnetic radiation, and even the earth’s resonant hum. Trained from childhood in Indian classical music, he uses the system of Indian raga to mold his musical choices for time of day and season. His performances are an effort to bring the listener into the present moment through vibration, space, and connection.