Next weekend at Walton Arts Center three musical groups will face off in a Battle of the Bandslike you’ve never seen it before! Artists from different decades with significantly different styles will compete in hopes of becoming thebest of the best at Walton Arts Center.
Introducing our competitors...
In the first corner, we have Rhonda Vincent and the Rage! One of the most awarded bands in bluegrass, this musical sensation is sure to be a tough competitor. Rhonda Vincent, who was dubbed “The New Queen of Bluegrass” by The Wall Street Journal, is known for having mastered the progressive chord structures and multi-range, fast-paced vocalstypical of bluegrass music. With that kind of talent, this band is going to be hard to beat! On Thursday, Feb. 26, see why The Buffalo News says that “Rhonda Vincent is to bluegrass now what Aretha Franklin once was to soul music.” Even the queen of country music, Dolly Parton is a fan! When asked what she thought about the bluegrass superstar, Parton answered with praise:
“Rhonda Vincent. What a talent. What a beauty. What a special human being.”
Our second musical act battling for the crown is The Australian Bee Gees Show. If you like romance, nostalgia, dancing and disco, this is sure to be the group you'll root for! This band pays tribute to four decades of songs written by the Gibb brothers a.k.a. the Bee Gees, including well-known songs like “Staying Alive” and “You Should be Dancing.” On top of that, there's a flashy light show and LED screens that really make you to feel like you’re back in the good ole days... the 70s! Grab your bell-bottoms, get up and boogie down with The Australian Bee Gees Show on Friday, Feb. 27.
And last, but not least, is the most contemporary of our competitors. Prepare to get pitch-slappedon Saturday, Feb. 28 by a sing-along version of “Pitch Perfect,”which tells the story of a group of ladies well-versed in competing in vocal battles. Using their voices to emulate instruments and harmonize contemporary tunes, this a cappella group is full of sass and ready to bring it! By mashing up pop songs we all know and love into something original and cutting edge, these ladies will make you laugh and want to sing-along! Lucky for you, we have the lyrics for you to follow along with on-screen. Grab your BFF and practice your do-re-mi's…’cause it’s going to be a sing-off like no other!
Now that you’ve gotten to know the competitors, you’re going to have to help us choose a winner! It is going to be tough deciding between these talented artists, so get your tickets for next weekend’s shows and decide, once and for all... who will win the Battle of the Bands?
Tickets to all of these shows are on sale now! Buy tickets here.
*Please note that this is not truly a Battle of the Bands, but rather a collection of various musical performances that will be held at Walton Arts Center this month. No competition winner will be chosen.
What an amazing kick-off to our 10x10 Arts Series with AnDa Union! Thanks to everyone that joined us last Friday for this performance and helped make it an evening to remember! Our next 10x10 show is this Thursday, October 10 with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.
The AnDa Union pre-show Creative Conversation with Tim Pearce (sound engineer and tour manager) and Sophie Lascelles (artistic director) was a wonderful experience. Tim shared his experience going from a London concert promoter to focusing his work around AnDa Union and working to create the documentary “From the Steppes To The City” with his Sophie, his wife.
If you’ve never been to a performance featuring throat singing, you missed out! The singers of AnDa Union filled Baum Walker Hall with their unique sounds; you could feel it in the air in a way videos can’t capture!
Here are a few comments we received from you after the show:
“Beautiful! Amazing voices. I appreciated the background photos that showed life & scenery in Mongolia. Interesting instruments too.”
“AnDa Union – mesmerizing and thrilling”
“I like the funny noises they made and I like all of the songs.” – Owen, 4 years old
“I’m saddle sore – tearing across the grasslands. Thanks”
Our next 10x10 performance features the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet! RSVP to the Facebook Event to stay up-to-date with the latest information on the pre-show Creative Conversation, and watch our blog for a Q&A with some of the members this week!
Have you heard the story of the Christmas truce of 1914? It centers on a remarkable World War I respite between Allied Forces and German soldiers in “no man's land” on Christmas, 1914. You can read more about it in this article from the Minnesota Post.
This incredible story is being brought to life on our stage as the next performance in our 10x10 Arts Series. A collaboration between one of America's finest professional male vocal ensemble, Cantus, and one the most innovative theater companies touring today, Theater Latte Da, "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" will be performed on Thursday, November 29 at 7pm.
Aaron Humble, one of the members of Cantus, took time out to answer some of our questions about this collaboration, and more. Thank you Aaron!
CantusQ&A WITH AARON HUMBLE OF CANTUS:
1. What makes this collaboration so special/unique?
Cantus is a collaborative chamber ensemble and Theater Latte Da often brings elements of the workshop into the rehearsal room. Writer and Director Peter Rothstein brought all of the materials to the table but the show was really put together with all of the artists in the room. It's also rare to find a theatrical production where all of the music – feature pieces and underscoring – are provided by the human voice.
2. How has this performances influenced your thoughts and opinions about current wars?
I'm thrilled that these wars are winding down. But when we started performing All is Calm several years ago, there was no end in sight for either war. What struck me was that this incredible moment is now all but impossible: Brave soldiers walking into the middle of "no man's land" with their hands raised singing Christmas Carols. Even though they were enemies they shared many commonalities – even a few familiar tunes. As we've found ourselves involved in wars in the Middle East, it's a culture that is so unfamiliar to most of us: The language, the religion, and the customs. It's harder to find a commonality and thus easier to always view these fellow human beings as "the enemy." If any brave man or woman tried to lay down his or her weapon in a modern battle field, they would be shot if they tried to approach the opposing side. And in reality, most of the time they're not even in the same vicinity.
3. How does the group prepare before each show?
When we arrive at the venue we check in with the tech folks to make sure they don't have any questions for the basic tech needs of the show. From there we do a sound check and rehearse anything that might need a little tweaking for ensemble or timing. Then we have dinner together and get dressed. There's a wonderful camaraderie between the members of show.
4. What special traditions or rituals does Cantus have?
Everybody has their own routine. Cantus and the actors that come with us do not do any group rituals or routines other than a "huddle" before the show. We huddle together, give a few notes or words of wisdom and do our own version of "go team" with whatever someone calls out before the huddle ends.
5. Which musical artist’s voice do you find most captivating?
My all-time favorite singer is Fritz Wunderlich, a long dead German tenor. More recently, Ruth Ann Swenson and Renee Fleming.
6. Last song listened to on your Ipod?
Hmmm. Probably Herbert Howells’ Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis “Collegium Regale.”
7. What’s your favorite Holiday memory?
Every year we bring All is Calm to about 10,000 people. In recent years, my favorite holiday memory is bringing a show that is poignant and not "saccharine" like so much holiday programming is today. Seeing how much this story has meant to people has been really inspiring.
Cantus and Theater Latte Da in "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914"
8. What kinds of art has been an inspiration to you?
More than I have time to list. More than anything, I'm inspired by art that speaks to people. Art that is meaningful, not obtuse.
9. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Hymnals!
10. What has been a memorable place to perform and why?
Cantus once sang in a sculpture called the Sky Pesher at the Walker Art Museum in Minneapolis. It was as full as it could be with maybe 35 people. We did some improvising and there was just an incredible energy in the room.
11. Is there a dish you love to cook when you are home?
Most of us just love to cook when we're at home because we eat out so much on the road. I'm a big fan of turkey burgers. I'm always coming up with new ways to make them tasty!
12. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
A lot of voice teachers have a poster that says "if you're not practicing someone else is." It's not enough to be a great voice, you have to be a great musician and you have to be incredibly prepared. People don't have time to wait for you to catch up even if you're super talented!
13. Do you have a favorite sport or team that you enjoy watching and supporting?
I grew up in Northeast Ohio near Cleveland. If there's any lesson you learn there from professional sports it's humility... and knowing how to be a good loser!
14. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
Maybe an architect.
Come see Aaron and the rest of the Cantus group perform with Theater Latte Da in "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" this Thursday, November 29!
After 43 seasons, the Tokyo String Quartet announced that 2012-13 would be their final season together. This group was officially formed at Juilliard School of Music in 1969 by founding members Kikuei Ikeda, violin and Kazuhide Isomura, viola. Other members include Martin Beaver, violin and Clive Greensmith, cello. We're happy to host them on their final tour this Friday, October 19 at 8pm.
Tokyo String QuartetTokyo String Quartet has played venues all across the globe, and has been featured on numerous television shows including "CBS Sunday Morning," PBS's "Great Performances," and even "Sesame Street."
They took time out of their busy tour schedule to answer a few questions for us, and we're happy to share them with you!
1. How many countries have you performed in? Have you performed in every state?
We have performed in over 30 countries and all but two of the states here in North America
2. How do you best introduce new audiences to chamber music?
We try to program wisely, choosing pieces that we feel are relevant, that have a strong message for the public. We work with living composers and have commissioned many new pieces that have now become mainstream works in the quartet repertoire. We participate in a good deal of educational outreach and we are constantly working with young ensembles, helping them to forge their own distinctive styles. When we feel it appropriate, we give pre-concert talks and always encourage listeners to come backstage to ask us questions after the performance. We are always open to exploring different kinds of performance formats, open rehearsals, more informal venues, etc.
3. What will you miss most about each other when you retire?
Sharing a beer together after a successful concert! The rehearsal process, though occasionally thorny, can be an invigorating and stimulating experience. We will miss the exploration of new repertoire and of course the chance to revisit some of the most compelling masterworks ever written.
4. Any surprising musical inspirations?
We all love our teachers, Henrky Szeryng, Ivan Galamian, Victor Danchenko, Robert Mann and the members of the Juilliard Quartet (from the 1960s) Dorothy Delay, Hideo Saito, Donald McCall and Boris Pergamenschikow. More surprising might be the creativity and originality of Frank Zappa! We all read widely, some of us are enthusiastic film buffs and for Clive, the German tenor Fritz Wunderlich is a huge inspiration.
5. What has been the biggest challenge as a group?
We have had several member changes, so the process of integration has certainly taken a good deal of patience and commitment. Keeping our performance standard at an extremely high level and managing a broad repertoire requires a huge amount of effort. You are only as good as your last concert.
Tokyo String Quartet 6. Less music, what other talents do you possess; what do you do in your 'spare' time?
Martin is an enthusiastic golfer and aviation buff. Kazu and Kikuei are passionate Yankees fans. Clive enjoys cooking.
7. If you had only 60 minutes left on earth and had to spend it playing one pop song over & over, what would that song be?
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody.
8. Do you have a favorite sport or team that you enjoy watching and supporting?
New York Yankees!
9. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
Martin - an airline pilot. Clive - winemaker. Kazu - violinist
10. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Kikuei - Japanese prints. Martin - model airplanes.
We hope you'll join us this Friday, October 19 as we witness one of the greatest quartets on their farewell tour. Come early for a pre-show creative conversation at 7pm with all the members of the Tokyo String Quartet. See you there!
Our next 10x10 Arts Series show is just around the corner; Caravanserai: Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble with Brahim Fribgane. If you're anything like me, you're looking at that first word wondering how to even pronounce it, let alone figure out what it means. Let me break it down for you phonetically: Kara-van-sir-eye. There, see? It's not that hard. :)
Majid Bekkas Gnawa EnsembleNow, let's talk about what it means. From their website: Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet creates new pathways for Americans to experience the diversity of contemporary Muslim artistic expressions by introducing U.S. audiences to exciting and dynamic artists from the Muslim world. Sounds pretty interesting, right?
We're very much looking forward to hosting this performance next Thursday, October 18 at Walton Arts Center. They are only traveling to four places in the United States this year (Tennessee, North Dakota, Minnesota and Arkansas)!
Brahim FribganeAs per usual, we like to find out more about these artists before they arrive. There were so many things we wanted to ask, but alas, we had to temper ourselves to make sure we don't overwhelm them. :) Read on to find out more about the artists behind Caravanserai: Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble with Brahim Fribgane.
1. What are you most looking forward to on this US Tour?
Majid - The chance to share my culture and my community with American people and to let them discover our music and way of life - the things they cannot learn in books or through movies or television.
Brahim - Looking forward to sharing the art and music that I learned back home. And to connect with American audiences in terms of seeing us differently than how the media portrays us. I want to share with happiness because whatever you feel in music we all feel it together. We are the same inside.
2. What size of audiences and whom do you typically perform for in Morocco?
Majid – Mostly festivals with many young people - some have thousands of peope like the Essaouria Gnawa World Music Festival which can have as many as 50,000 in the audience. Sometimes I do concerts in theatres and special places for people that know about music like teachers and students at universities in Morocco that are much more intimate. I alos perform in jazz clubs in Europe.
Brahim – I performed with Hassan Hakmoun and Peter Gabriel at Woodstock in 1994 and some big festivals in Europe. I also do a lot of jazz clubs and more intimate setting with with my jazz group Club d’Elf and Medeski, Martin and Wood and a band called Moving Picture with Adam Rudoloph.
3. Explain the tradition of twirling the hat? Why do only men do it - is it a religious act or just something fun to do?
It is not a religious act like a dervish. It is not about connecting with the divine or achieving a trance or anything. It is just fun. It is to make people smile and add color to the performance. One legend goes that the first slave emancipated by Mohammed named Bilal was asked to be the first mushin (the person who calls people to prayer). Mohammed’s cousin Ali was having trouble with his wife and Bilal created the quarqabs (the castanet we play)and the twirly hat to sing and dance and make them happy to bring Ali and his wife back together.
4. What is your most favorite Moroccan dish/meal to prepare?
Majid - My specialty is fish tagine cooked with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil spiced with cumin, pepper, paprika, lemons and parsley.
Brahim – sfinge it is a fried bread like a donut that makes me think of home. Mint tea with sugar too.
Other members of the ensemble: Sidi Abellfattah El Houssaini likes ice cream vanilla, Fath Allah Chaouki likes shell fish, Abdelhafid Oummane likes couscous with chicken and vegetables, Mesbah Chaouki likes bouzroug (mussels), and Abdessadek Bounhar likes everything…he is an “every-terian.” (<--ha! We love this!)
5. How did you learn how to play your instrument? When?
Majid - I learned to play guembri in Sale where I was born with a master named Bahaman. I started playing guenbri and banjo when I was fourteen in the early seventies. There was a band called Nass Ghiwane known as “The Beatles of Morocco” that inspired me.
Brahim - I was thirteen or fourteen. I was born in Casablanca and I was influenced also by Nass Ghiwane. The first instrument I learned was harmonica because of Bollywood movies I saw often at the cinema when I was a kid.
6. What are 3 goals of your performances? What do you want audiences to walk away with?
Majid – First to have the audience accept and enjoy it, the second is if we can have people sing and participate with us like clap or whatnot we feel like we are sharing, and third to bring the message of love and peace in this world. Musicians are the best ambassadors.
Brahim – First to tell people that Muslims are not only what they see on tv and read in the papers - burning flags and being violent. We are people of peace like them. Also that people will learn about my amazing culture and my language and my tribe from the Souss or South part of Morocco, and third that we are making peace with music and music with peace.
7. What makes you unique from other performers?
Brahim - Every musician plays with his own hands, and his own life influences. That is what makes me unique. Your roots and experiences make you “you” and this makes the sound you play or the song you sing unique.
Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble in Morocco. Photo by Hassan Abdellaoui.
8. Do you have any superstitions or backstage rituals, before you go on stage?
Everything that we do we say “bismillah” before we eat, before we put on our clothes in the morning, before we do anything. It is a blessing and a prayer and it means “in the name of God.”
9. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Abdelfattah {ensemble member} collects percussion instruments and noisemakers. We all like to fish, and play soccer.
10. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Brahim- The great musician Ali Farka Toure told me “whenever you play your instrument, be yourself, do not try to be anyone else. “
Majid – When I released my album African Gnoua Blues I received a call from from famous American jazz legend Archie Shepp and he told me “You are in the right direction. Now I understand how near gnawa is to the blues and jazz.” Then he invited me to play with him in Paris!
11. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
Abdelfattah - ice cream maker
Brahim - When I was young I wanted to be a merchant marine so I could sail and see the world.
Abdelhafid – carpenter
Mesbah – electrician
Abdessadek – sales…business
Fath Allah - only gnawa nothing else
Majid – teacher…but I want to me a musician all my life.
Turns out we're not too different from our friends across the globe. I mean, who doesn't like ice cream? Come join us for their performance on October 18, and don't forget to come early for the pre-show conversation at 6pm!
If you'd like to find out more about Caravanserai, please visit their website.
You guys! It's taken us nearly a week to get over all the fun we had at our first show of the 10x10 Arts Series this season, Plena Libre.
There was a great turnout to the 6pm creative conversation with Gary Nunez, Founder, Director and Bass player of Plena Libre. Then we turned it up a few notches, and got the {dance} party started at 7pm. Can we just say that you guys really know how to shake it? We absolutely loved seeing everyone on the dance floor!
The music was great, the dance floor was fun, but you guys really brought the house down. Thanks to everyone that joined us last week for Plena Libre!
Here are a few comments we received from you after the show:
Plena Libre is the first show on our 10x10 Arts Series this year, and we couldn't be more excited to kick-off the series with this fun, engaging group! Plena Libre will be at Walton Arts Center on Thursday, September 20 at 7pm. We guarantee their music will have you wanting to jump out of your seat and dance along. Guess what? We anticipated that, and we've added a dance floor in our hall during the performance!
The sound of Plena Libre is the modern, forward-looking sound of Puerto Rico, yet at the same time it is firmly rooted in Puerto Rico’s musical traditions. The plena and bomba are at the core of the compositional structure of the songs and the instrumental lineup, which includes the panderos – the hand-held drums used in the traditional plena; it is also at the core of the singing style of Plena Libre’s soneros, who have been brought up on Afro-Rican sung traditions.
PanderoIf you've been following our blog, you know that we like to pick the brains of our 10x10 artists, and this year is no different! We caught up with Gary Nuñez, Founder, Director and Bass player of Plena Libre to ask him a few questions.
1. What is the difference between plena, bomba and salsa music?
They are completely different music. They have different rhythmic patterns that sustain the melodies and arrangement and singing approach. Salsa roots are Cuban. Plena and Bomba come from Puerto Rico. Bomba is actually one name under which around 20 different rhythms exist. Nevertheless, they do share a common African root as many of the music in this hemisphere like in U.S., Colombia, Mexico, Panama, etc.
2. How is plena music received in other Latin American countries?
Plena Libre’s performances and recordings, have been very well received by the public and received great reviews by the critics everywhere we've performed including, U.S., Europe, Morocco and Malaysia (check our web page for quotes).
3. What’s the one thing you want all audiences to remember about Plena Libre after the concert?
A moment of sharing, happiness and joy!
4. What’s your favorite style of Latino dance? Why? Where did you learn it?
PLENA! ! Many times over. Basic steps are simple, you can do it on your own, with your partner, or just in a choreography with a bunch of people! While doing it with your partner you can then go into more complicated steps that look great!!
5. If you had to describe your music in 3 words what would they be? Why?
New, energetic, and joyful. My approach as a composer and arranger has been and is, to keep the basic traditional rhythms, but renew them with the influences of contemporary music from the world, thus creating a "new plena". Our music, and our shows, are full of lots of energy that starts from the stage and gets to the audience, creating a beautiful circle of energy, that in turn creates emotions of sharing and joy.
6. What is the oddest thing someone has given you during/after a performance?
Oh I'd rather not say!
7. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Always follow your intuition, as source of knowledge fill with experience and not that contaminated with the rational thinking process, which should be applied later, to achieve your goals. As for music, practice, practice, and listen, listen, listen!
8. Is there a dish you love to cook when you are home?
I'm an expert on scramble eggs!!!! with cheese, ham, and a touch of ketchup ( they do that in the city of Ponce, south of Puerto Rico)
9. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
I've been lucky to work in radio, press, social work, etc. during my forming years. As for another profession I really do like Law, because there’s so much good you could do for others.
10. Where’s your favorite place to travel?
Besides Puerto Rico (to know my country and its people) I do enjoy everywhere we go. It is just the experience of learning that there are so many different ways to live and see life.
11. Did you watch the Olympics? What was your favorite sport?
I did, some of the sports. Track and field (I'm a runner) because there was a Puerto Rican, that is the current world champion of the diamond league of track and field (400 meters with obstacles), Javier Culson. He was hurt when he ran, but nevertheless, got a Bronze medal. Basketball and swimming (amazing!).
Plena Libre - that's Gary Nunez in the white pantsI don't know about you guys, but I'm dying to know the answer to #6! Come to the show on September 20, and maybe you can find Gary during the post-show activities and see if he'll clue you in on this little secret. Hope to see you all there!
On Sunday, the Artosphere Festival Orchestra was in Siloam Springs to kick off the first of their three performances as a part of the Artosphere Festival. Monday, the orchestra performed for an audience in Fayetteville as a part of the 10x10 series and mixed and mingled with those in attendance as part of a post-show party.
Artosphere Festival Orchestra. Photo by Ironside Photography
Under the direction of Maestro Corrado Rovaris, the orchestra wowed audiences with performances they won’t soon be able to forget. Don’t take our word for it, see below what the audiences had to say about the performances:
“I feel so lucky to live in such a lively arts community. The Artosphere Orchestra was just fabulous!”
“My ears went to heaven!!”
“I want to thank the underwriters from the bottom of my heart, for making it possible for my family to experience a performance of this magnitude. It was breathtaking! We would not ordinarily be so privileged to hear such talented musicians. God has blessed you all with incredible talent, and you have blessed us this evening.”
“Running through the forest. Romantic. Like I’m being chased. One accord, one instrument. Tip toeing. Falling into a pit. Renewed happiness.”
“I loved how shiny the tuba was! Great job!”
“Amazing! Definitely want to learn to play more instruments and continue my musical career.”
“Some of the best orchestral music I have experienced, and I am 80 years old, play cello, and my mother was a concert pianist. Roberto Diaz- excellent violist. Cannot say enough for him. Wish I could hear more. The last piece by Elgar was so beautiful with Rovaris, conductor, bringing out the best in the musicians. Thanks!”
“To Band: Good music! I like the drum. I like the music! Even the lights! The tuba rocks! Love, Lily Pierce! P.S. I am a kid!”
If you missed out on the first two performances, there’s still one more opportunity left to see the Artosphere Festival Orchestra during the Artosphere Festival Finale right here in Fayetteville this Friday, June 22 at 7pm when they help close out Artosphere 2012 with a bang!
Hey everyone, Amanda Smith here! I just had the pleasure of sitting on stage while the Artosphere Festival Orchestra rehearsed, and all I can say is WHOA. I was in band (played the clarinet), and even played some concerts on the Walton Arts Center stage, but this was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Artosphere Festival Orchestra rehearsal. It's hard to be sneaky on stage!
First off, I love all the unspoken cues. As soon as Maestro Rovaris walks on stage, the musicians immediately sit up straight and give their undivided focus to him. I would have waited for him to say something like “Everyone, it’s time to begin” or, “Quit practicing and look at me!”, but that’s not the way it works when you’re a professional. And with the nod of a head, or the flick of a wrist, the orchestra knows exactly what Maestro Rovaris wants.
Maestro Rovaris during rehearsal
For me, sitting in with the orchestra while they practice was almost like going to a wine tasting. If you like to drink wine occasionally, like I do, you may not be able to pick up the different flavors and notes that distinguish a cabernet sauvignon from a pinot noir or a merlot. However; when you taste them all side by side, you can tell.
I’ve attended a few symphony performances over the years, and to be honest I couldn’t tell a great difference between them aside from the fact that they played different pieces. But sitting amongst the musicians as they rehearse, and seeing the tweaks that Maestro Rovaris gives them as they play the same piece over and over, I could actually pick up on the variances between the oboe and the violin playing the same notes, but not playing them the same, ending a note too soon, or a section not being “on the same page.”
While I know not everyone can come and sit on the stage while the orchestra practices, I suggest taking in more than one of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra performances over the next week and a half. You may surprise yourself by noticing something you never did before.
You can find the schedule, and purchase tickets, for the Artosphere Festival Orchestra here.
We have reached the end of our first ever Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge, and we have to admit we're a little sad. It has been such a fun time seeing all of the submissions, and we are really looking forward to doing this again next year!
Our final winner is Pat Cortez! Her beautiful "Music" photo really captured our attention. Thank you Pat for sharing this!
Photo by Pat CortezWe'll be announcing our Grand Prize winner soon, so stay tuned!
Yesterday you dipped your toe in the pool of the all-star jazz group SFJAZZ Collective. Today, we're taking a dive into the deep end! We like to hit up our incoming 10x10 Arts Series artists with a Q&A to get to know them better before they get here. Here's what SFJAZZ Collective drummer, Eric Harland had to say...
Eric Harland - drums
1. If you could do another tribute show, which artist would you choose and why?
I would personally choose James Taylor... mostly because I love his music and haven't had the opportunity to perform his music or with him.
2. If you could choose one celebrity to play with, alive or dead, who would you choose?
John Coltrane would be my choice...
3.What is the one piece of music that you wish you would’ve composed?
The theme to Star Wars...
4. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
More financial balance so that the arts can remain an act of "expression" to success and not the act of "mimic" to success...
5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?
Maybe Computer Engineering... Philosophy... Winemaking... can't really choose just one.
6.You’ve covered some great names (Coltrane, Hancock, Monk and now Stevie Wonder); how do you decide? And, is there anyone that you haven’t done that you would love to?
We decide based on a voting process, about who we agree to be the next honored Artist. As far as those we haven't played before... I think everyone has a different outlook on that.
7. What is your favorite Stevie Wonder song to perform and why?
Ah man... he has too many great songs to narrow to just a favorite... but some are "Higher Ground", "Golden Lady", "Superstition"... and these are mainly do to their great melodies, feel, lyrics... but wait... THAT'S ALL OF STEVIE'S SONGS..... :-)
8. What song, artist, or genre of music do you secretly like, but are embarrassed to admit?
None... I'm open to all music.
SFJAZZ Collective will be in Northwest Arkansas this Thursday, March 15 at 7pm. I hope to see you all at the show! Don't have tickets yet? No problem! They're still available and can be purchased here, or by calling the Walton Arts Center box office at 479.443.5600.
SFJAZZ Collective is made up of a group of eight accomplished jazz musicians from around the country. The unique thing about the group is that this collective is not their primary career. The group comes together once a year, chooses a jazz legend to honor, takes the music of that icon and puts together their own compositions.
Take a look at this behind the scenes video of their arrangement of "Visions" together.
It's pretty awesome how this group of all-star jazz musicians work together on SFJAZZ Collective every year. We're very excited to bring them to Northwest Arkansas as part of our 10x10 Arts Series, and tickets start at just $10. We're looking forward to seeing this amazing group live!
This groundbreaking trio, comprised of violinists Zachary De Pue and Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer on the double bass, have been playing together since their days as students at the Curtis Institute for Music. Time for Three sets themselves apart from traditional classical practices, and instead draws upon each of their differing musical backgrounds. Their repertoire includes pieces by Bach, Brahms and Mancini mixed with their own arrangements of pop artists like Katy Perry, Kanye West and U2.
Time for Three by Vanessa Briceno Scherzer
We're just going to dive right in today as we received some great responses to our questions we threw at trio, Time for Three. These guys will be in NWA this Friday, February 3 at 8pm. Tickets start at $10, and this is a great concert to bring the whole family to.
Ranaan Meyer, double bass:
1. What is your favorite sound?
This is a challenging question to answer because I like so many sounds however I love the sound of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute of Music. I enjoy describing their sound as a marshmallow filled rich hot milk chocolate that is delicious to the ears.
2. How did the name of your group come about?
The name Time for Three comes from a journey to our first gig. We were driven from Philly down to D.C. in a stretch limo. When we were 20 minutes out from our destination we realized that we prepared our music for the show but had no name for our band. We quickly came up with Time for Three. The idea was that we are three musicians coming together for one purpose or concept.
3. What is the biggest challenge for your group?
The biggest challenge for Time for Three is finding time for Time for Three... Time for Three is made up of three guys who are really busy doing lots of different musical things. Currently we get together for 26 weeks out of the year to perform and create. This sounds like a good chunk of time but it is crazy just how fast that time flies by...
Zach De Pue, violin:
1. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?
I think I would be some sort of financial adviser. I have always loved numbers, math, equations, theories, etc. Numbers fascinate me. Now if I could just count my rests correctly!!!
2. In your video “Stronger” you convey an anti-bullying message, and say that inspiration for the message was drawn from your own experiences. Where/how did you find the strength to continue on your own path and not succumb to peer pressure?
I had the unique situation of having 3 older brothers who all play the violin professionally to this day. My oldest brother Wallace, in addition to studying violin, trained with our dad as a boxer. So the first time he was picked on for being a violinist, he took care of the problem, so to speak. I owe it to my oldest brother for clearing the path for his younger bros with the perception that we all could take care of any problems (even though I never trained as a boxer a day in my life, haha!!!)
3. You have a lot of interaction and involvement with schools and young musicians. What is the one thing that you hope they take away and pass along to others?
That each younger person should find their passion and go for it. Any passion, whether artistic, scientific, athletic, etc. Any and all are incredible, but find your inner passion and believe in it and stay true to it.
Nicolas Kendall, violin:
1. What type of music did you listen to growing up and how has it influenced your music today?
Throughout middle school and high school, most kids my age were into Nirvana, Perl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, Nine Inch Nails, A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Primus, and a little known band called Phish. I was hooked. I had all the cassette tapes for these bands and others that I would throw into my Sony Walkman (remember those??) on the way to school, or at home on my stereo system in my room.
Probably since I was studying violin intensively as a young kid, my ears were thirsty for more than what was popular. My school choir director would have me play violin at his church on the weekends where he was director of his gospel choir. I also would listen to Bluegrass on the local NPR station on Sundays. And of course, there were my favorite classical selections that would consume me if the mood struck. Brahms German Requiem being one of my favorites.
All these musical languages have been part of who I am as an artists. They have shapes me in ways that I probably do not even notice at times. The variety of sounds, rhythm, and energy consumed me during my adolescent years, and fueled my love for performing live concerts.
2. What are the last 3 songs you listened to on your Ipod?
The Lotus Eaters by Sarah Kirkland Snider, featuring Shara Warden from My Brightest Diamond
Chicken Grease by D'Angelo
Yellow & Red by Down Dexter
3. All this touring…what’s your least favorite form of transportation/traveling?
Smelly cabs!
Time for Three will be at Walton Arts Center this Friday, February 3 at 8pm. Tickets start at only $10 and can be purchased here, or by calling 479.443.5600. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing trio!
Classical music may not be for everyone, but the staff at the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) is doing their part to help educate patrons on this particular style of music. SoNA is doing a great job at taking a usually niche style of music and making it more accessible.
Music Director, Paul Haas is so very, very good at explaining the symphony and all it's parts in laymen terms. SoNA has their Masterworks II concert coming up on January 21 at Walton Arts Center. The program is Russian composers Rachmaninov and Shostakovich, and to some that just sounds 'heavy.' Haas took some time to explain more about these composers and the pieces that SoNA will play on their January 21 concert over on the SoNA blog.
I can honestly say that I'm very excited to see this concert. I hope you will take the time to read Paul Haas' blog entry and get your tickets to Masterworks II!
this musical sensation is sure to be a tough competitor. Rhonda Vincent, who was dubbed “The New Queen of Bluegrass” by The Wall Street Journal, is known for having mastered the progressive chord structures and multi-range, fast-paced vocals typical of bluegrass music. With that kind of talent, this band is going to be hard to beat! On Thursday, Feb. 26, see why The Buffalo News says that “Rhonda Vincent is to bluegrass now what Aretha Franklin once was to soul music.” Even the queen of country music, Dolly Parton is a fan! When asked what she thought about the bluegrass superstar, Parton answered with praise:
to be the group you'll root for! This band pays tribute to four decades of songs written by the Gibb brothers a.k.a. the Bee Gees, including well-known songs like “Staying Alive” and “You Should be Dancing.” On top of that, there's a flashy light show and LED screens that really make you to feel like you’re back in the good ole days... the 70s! Grab your bell-bottoms, get up and boogie down with The Australian Bee Gees Show on Friday, Feb. 27.
which tells the story of a group of ladies well-versed in competing in vocal battles. Using their voices to emulate instruments and harmonize contemporary tunes, this a cappella group is full of sass and ready to bring it! By mashing up pop songs we all know and love into something original and cutting edge, these ladies will make you laugh and want to sing-along! Lucky for you, we have the lyrics for you to follow along with on-screen. Grab your BFF and practice your do-re-mi's…’cause it’s going to be a sing-off like no other!
