COTTONWOOD -- Old Town Center for the Arts will be a destination for several nationally known touring artists this season, beginning with venerable folk legend John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.
Just added to the schedule is one of the best bluegrass bands in the United States, the Grascals from Nashville. Also appearing at OTCA will be the 'Conscious Pop' band HERE II HERE from Florida, comedian Brad Zinn, world-renowned Native Flute player R. Carlos Nakai, world flute player Gary Stroutsos from Seattle, and big band, Swing Fever from San Francisco.
Reviewers and fans call John McEuen "The String Wizard." He is a true folk legend of our times, and has played over 5,000 concerts around the world, over 300 television appearances, and has played with everyone from the Doors, Steve Martin, Phish, Willie Nelson, Clint Eastwood, Andy Williams, Dolly Parton to the Dirt Band. This celebrity event, sponsored by L'Auberge de Sedona, will be Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.
Speaking of Dolly Parton, the Grascals spent the last two years on the road working with Dolly Parton as both her opening act and her backing band. Already among the most beloved and acclaimed of contemporary bluegrass groups, The Grascals, are 2X IBMA "Entertainers of the Year," "Emerging Artist of the Year" and "Song of the Year" winners. Their trademark blend of traditional bluegrass and classic country with more modern elements, delivered with vocal and instrumental intensity and virtuosity, also earned them two Grammy nominations for their first two critically acclaimed albums. The Grascals were featured on Charlie Daniels' new Christmas album released on Oct. 13 and have just been picked up by Exxon-Mobil Delvac as their official music sponsor. If you like bluegrass and country don't miss this special concert on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m.
On Thursday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., the band HERE II HERE, featured on ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA in front of 4 million viewers, performs an intoxicating "Conscious Pop" music style, with five experienced entertainers dedicated to creating powerfully infectious mainstream music that promotes a peaceful planet. Driven by their signature rhythmic blend of tribal pop, illuminated rock, and soul-inspired R&B harmonies, HERE II HERE's music penetrates audiences straight to the heart with moving, innovative lyrics of peace, awareness, connection, laughter, and divine love.
They've played at the United Nations, Miami Dolphin Stadium with Kenny G and Babyface, and alongside many world-renowned spiritual leaders and best-selling authors of our time, such as the Oracle of Tibet, Ravi Shankar, Jack Cannfield, Don Miguel Ruiz, Rev. Michael Beckwith, Les Brown, Gangaji, and Masaru Emoto.
World flutist Gary Stroutsos draws on many cultures and places to create his own romantic voice. Gary has over 25 recordings to his credit, which reflect his experiences in Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Native American, and Far Eastern musical traditions.
Originally drawn to the European silver flute, he later journeyed to the Dakotas and then to the southwest, where he learned the Native American Flute.
This ultimately led to international attention, when he was featured in the Ken Burns PBS documentary, "Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery." Never satisfied to rest on his accomplishments, Gary took up the classical Chinese xiao and dize, bamboo flutes rarely heard outside of the Far East. Not long after, one classical master of these flutes named Gary the best contemporary player in the world.
Gary will perform at OTCA on Saturday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. and will be joined by harp guitarist William Eaton and world percussionist Will Clipman.
By popular demand Brad Zinn returns to OTCA with his one man show "The Great Comedians" for an encore performance of his heartfelt salute to his childhood heroes that includes generous portions of comedy, music, juggling, magic, rope spinning, audience participation, and extended impersonations of Johnny Carson, George Burns, Jack Benny, and Will Rogers. Brad's impressions also include W. C. Fields, Groucho Marx, Jimmy Durante, George Jessel, Fred Allen, and Red Skelton.
This show sold out last year, so this year you have two chances to catch Brad's amazing performance on Saturday, Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m.
Stay tuned for more information about performances and events at Old Town Center for the Arts, including appearances by R. Carlos Nakai, Swing Fever, the duo - 'Lost in Holland,' the Russian folk group Ordo Sakhna from Kyrgyzstan, mime artist David Barker, and many more.
Visit www.oldtowncenter.org for ticket information, and to learn more about these upcoming events. Old Town Center for the Arts is located at 5th Street & Main in Old Town Cottonwood, less than 18 minutes away from Sedona, Camp Verde, Jerome, Clarkdale, and Cornville.
