Marimba/Bass Duet of “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” this Sunday at Faith Lutheran

I will be performing on a marimba + electric bass duet of Nathan Daughtrey’s arrangement of “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” this Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church in Minnneapolis, MN. I will be playing the marimba and Jeff Skaare will be playing electric bass. We will be playing at all 3 services (8am, 9:15am, 10:45pm).

This piece is from a collection called “Yuletide Marimba” and the music is available from C. Alan Publications, and Steve Weiss Music. Thanks to Nathan Daughtrey for arranging this piece.

Makoto Nakura’s Wood and Forest Album Released

Makoto Nakura’s Wood and Forest Album has been released. Head over to the following places to purchase this album filled with marimba and vibraphone music:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Forest-Makoto-Nakura/dp/B0086VZ852

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wood-and-forest/id568395763

CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/makotonakura2

My personal favorite is the Duo for Viola and Vibraphone. This three movement work really blends the beauty of the vibraphone and the viola. Both instruments are played in a very relaxing style that invokes visions of a sitting by the fire in a northern woods cabin. This was also the first recording of the world’s largest vibraphone. I don’t have the details on how large it is exactly but I will try and find out.

It was great to see this entire project fully funded on Kickstarter. For more information and the latest news visit the Kickstarter page.

An Evening of Collaborative Percussion at MacPhail 12/1/2012 at 8pm

The University of Minnesota Percussion Ensemble is teaming up with the MacPhail Rimshots! Percussion Ensemble to perform a concert this Saturday at 8pm. The concert is free and open to the public. It will be at the MacPhail Center for Music in Antonello Hall.

The following pieces are scheduled to be performed:

Akadinda Trio by Emmanuel Sejourne

Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble, Mvt 4 by Ney Rosauro

Mudra by Bob Becker

Third Construction by John Cage

Ionisation by Edgar Varese

Samba by Ney Rosauro

This is a cool idea to get two different percussion ensembles from two different schools together for a free concert. I will be in the audience so if you are attending stop by and say hi!

Makoto Nakura’s Wood and Forest Album Kickstarter project

Makoto Nakura’s Wood and Forest Album Kickstarter project is open for additional funding and donations. This project has 2 weeks left to go and it is already 2/3 of the way to the goal. The composers are Jacob Bancks, Kenji Bunch, Robert Paterson, Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez, and Michael Torke. Makoto’s playing is really quite beautiful and I look forward to hearing this CD with these new commissions.

New Works for Percussion / Part Two – Kickstarter project by Andy Eldridge

There is a new Kickstarter project that is funding new marimba solos, and duets that could use your help in reaching its goal.

New Works for Percussion / Part Two led by Andy Eldridge is funding 5 specific works from different composers and the composers will be revealed one per week for the next few weeks. So far Andy has announced Martin Blessinger and Den Welcher.

Please head over to the Kickstarter page and make a donation so this project can reach its goal. Every dollar counts!

Marimba events in Boston this November and December

There are many percussion, marimba + voice events happening in Boston in November and December.

Spotlight Series: solo concert, marimba + voice

Sunday, Nov 18 at 3pm

See Brian Calhoon‘s unique repertoire for marimba, vibraphone, and voice (in one player), including the premiere of a commission by Derek Tywoniuk.

Presented by Juventas New Music Ensemble.

Davis Square Theatre

255 Elm Street (downstairs), Somerville, MA

free admission | suggested donation $10

BPeG at Jeremy Barnett’s DMA recital

Friday, Dec 7 at 8:30pm

Including the premiere of “Dreams of Progress”, a BPeG commission by Jeremy Barnett featuring the composer as MalletKAT/vibraphone soloist with percussion quartet (performed by Boston Percussion Group).

New England Conservatory – Brown Hall

290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA

free admission

Juventas New Music Ensemble presents “Expérience”

Saturday, Dec 8 at 7pm – Museum of Modern Renaissance

Sunday, Dec 9 at 3pm – Center Makor

Experience new music with narrator, a chamber opera, and an excerpt of Peter Lane’s new ballet written for Juventas New Music Ensemble.

Tickets and details here.

For more information visit, the following websites. www.briancalhoon.com, www.bostonpercussiongroup.com

Marimba One launches “The Configurator”

Marimba One has launched a new tool on their website called “The Configurator”. This gives Marimba One buyers the ability to see what choices are available before actually making the purchase.

You can now select the frame, octave range, resonator type, and wood type (Traditional, Enhanced or Premium) and see a live preview of what that will look like.

Not only does this tool allow you to understand the different options, you can see the cost associated with those choices. Being able to have this information up front is a great feature of the Marimba One website.

Still time to register for the Santa Fe Marimba Festival June 6th-9th, 2012

There is still time to register for the Santa Fe Marimba Festival this June 6th-9th. The amazing lineup of marimbists include: Barry Olsen, Dane Richeson, Ludwig Albert, Ivana Bilic, Kevin Bobo, Puis Cheung, Chin Cheng Lin, Nanae Mimura, Valerie Dee Naranjo, Victor Mendoza and Gordon Stout.

For more information and registration information please visit: http://www.santafemarimbafestival.org