Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane of Victor & Penny offer a highly entertaining, living musical history lesson as they delve into a topic close to their hearts: the roots and evolution of Kansas City Jazz. From Euday Bowman’s 1913 composition,12th Street Rag to CharlieParker’s classic 1946 Yardbird Suite,experience how the face of popular music changed in the first half of the 20th century.
In the course of a 75-minute live concert and presentation, Jeff and Erin bring to life the birth of the Kansas City Jazz sound and the elements that make this music so compelling. The duo takes you to Kansas City during the Great Depression, to hear how Jazz cut its teeth in this rich culture as its early innovators began to change the sound of the art form.
Driven by McGrane and Freling’s effortless and engaging style, this presentation puts the listener inside the music, offering a fun and captivating look into the music of the city that was coined “the Paris of the Plains” in the 1930s. Some technical aspects are discussed but musical knowledge and/or theory are not required to enjoy this presentation.A must attend for fans of music and history alike. V&P were named “Best Folk Ensemble2015” by the PITCH; “Stand out Concert of the Year” by the Joplin Globe; and two-time Folk Alliance International official showcase artists.
By registering for this program you will have an opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to the full performance at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center (FPAC) on Thursday, 2/14 at 7:30 pm