by Stephanie Marshall
Staff Writer
The Office of Cultural Affairs presents an acoustic evening with
Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer in Farthing Auditorium Feb. 17.
“These are two of America’s most talented musicians,
and their performance will be all the more unique because they do
not typically tour together,” OCA Public Relations and Director
of Marketing Denise R. Ringler said Jan. 30.
According to OCA’s press release, the acoustic program will
include original works from both artists, classical selections and
pieces from Perpetual Motion, Bela Fleck’s recent multiple
Grammy award-winning compact disc.
“We had originally brought Bela (and the Flecktones) and Edgar
Meyer to ASU several years ago and we were interested in bringing
both of these great artists back-especially performing together
in the classical realm,” OCA’s General Manager Sali
Gill-Johnson said.
Bela Fleck is a banjo player who is best known for performing in
progressive bluegrass, jazz, pop and world beat with his band the
Flecktones.
In New York, Fleck picked up the banjo at 15. He then went on to
become a five-time Grammy winner and an artist who has recreated
the image and sound of the banjo, according to the OCA’s press
release.
Edgar Meyer is a double bassist and composer who is primarily a
classical musician.
His latest recording for Sony Classical introduces him as a concerto
soloist, but expresses his unparalleled techniques, musicianship
and talents as a composer, according to the OCA’s press release.
“Although Bela is best known for his connection to the worlds
of bluegrass and jazz, he is such a versatile musician, and always
seeking out new musical directions. Through his friendship with
classical artist Edgar Meyer he started envisioning what would happen
if classical works were transcribed and performed on the banjo.
He became a trendsetter for even asking the question,” Ringler
said.
Ringler said Edgar Meyer encouraged Fleck’s interest and the
two of them began to work together on playing classical music using
the different instrumentation.
The result was CD they put out together called Perpetual Motion.
Perpetual Motion won a Grammy for Best Classical Crossover Album
and Best Instrumental Arrangement.
“Bela Fleck has a very strong and loyal following.
We think it will be fun for those familiar with his music to come
and hear a different kind of concert from him and to hear how his
collaboration with Edgar Meyer has shaped his work as an artist,”
Ringler said.
The show starts at 8 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours.
Tickets are $12 for students, $18 for seniors and Appalachian staff/faculty
and $22 for general audiences.
Tickets can be purchased at the Farthing Auditorium box office.
Call 800-841-ARTS and 262-4046, or visit www.oca.appstate.edu for
more information.
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