The Bayesian Songbook

Abstract

At the biennial international meetings on Bayesian statistics in Valencia, Spain and other beachfront locations as now selected by the International Society for Bayesian Analysis (ISBA), one of the most popular features (after the sun and the free wine) is the ``cabaret'' performance, which traditionally takes place on the last night following the conference dinner. Acts over the years have included jugglers, magicians, jokesters, and even the occasional male striptease (the now-infamous ``Full Monty Carlo''). Still, the cornerstone of the cabaret has always been the singing of new and often humorous Bayes-related lyrics to popular songs, a practice dating to the landmark work of Box (1979; reprinted herein). This collection presents many (though certainly not all) of the songs that have been performed at Bayesian cabarets over the years, as well as the original scripts of the popular skits by O'Hagan et al. (1987, 1991, 1994, 1998, 2002). We hope it inspires future generations of Bayesian singers, songwriters, actors, and, yes, even male strippers.

This latest revision (2006) of the songbook is the biggest ever, containing close to forty songs, including every new song from Valencia 7, ISBA 2000 (Crete), ISBA 2004 (Chile), and MCMSki (ISBA 2005, Bormio). The songbook also features a convenient table of contents, six Bayesian skits principally authored by Bayesian master thespian Tony O'Hagan, and several previously lost classic songs, including:


Currently available versions of the songbook are: Also check out a pictorial tribute to the Valencia 6 Cabaret by clicking on this picture!
Alternatively, check out a pictorial tribute to the ISBA 2000 (Crete) Cabaret by clicking on this picture!


Listen to Jennifer Hill (vocals), Brad Carlin (organ and vocals), and Mark Glickman (vocals, guitars, bass, and drum programming) perform "These are Bayes" and "No Time," two of the songs from this cabaret (.mp3 files, about 3Mb each)

Go to Mark Glickman's music page to hear several of his song parodies and original compositions
Go to Brad Carlin's music page for some of his song parodies and originals

Back to the Valencia Conference home page
Back to the ISBA home page
Back to Brad Carlin's home page