Bongwater was an oftentimes trippy college rock band formed by Ann Magnuson and Mark Kramer (boss of the Shimmy Disc record label) in 1985 and dissolved in 1992. Earlier recordings consisted of psychedelic-era cover songs, sound collages and original songs in an abrasive and/or abstract, dense and sludgy experimental style, which approach evolved into a more normal poppy, sexy approach which still retained an experimental edge and the surreal and wicked, often self-deprecating wit which distinguished the group's earlier releases. Bongwater had two major college radio ("The Power of Pussy" and "Folk Song") and several chart success until personality clashes split up the duo.

Magnuson established and maintained an acting career concurrent with Bongwater. One of her best known films of the period was Making Mr. Right.

Kramer works for the James Randi Educational Foundation.