Feb
4
1:00am
Minneapolis String Project
By Walker|West Music Academy
RONDO COMMUNITY MUSIC SERIES OVERVIEW
In 1956, more than 600 African-American families, including businesses and institutions living in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul, lost their homes to the construction of the new I-94 highway cutting across the United States. Rondo's disaggregation was part of a national movement that upended thousands of black, immigrant, and poor communities to make room for more seamless coast-to-coast automobile transportation. Home to such artists as Gordon Parks, August Wilson, Roberta Davies, and Bobby Lyles, the Rondo neighborhood produced and inspired artists and musicians who would go on to national fame. The Rondo Community Music Series, presented by Walker West Music Academy, showcases a current generation of artists who continue to be inspired by Rondo's history, cultural expression, and resilience. The Rondo Community Music Series presents a variety of musicians and artists from September through April 2024. Join us for all of the hour-long concerts and be inspired by the power of music to convey and shape communities. All shows are FREE, but you must register!
Minneapolis String Project is a high energy trio that’s breaking boundaries through eclectic pop/funk covers and genre-defying original works. Ernest Bisong, David Feily, and Greg Byers performed together for years in diverse spheres of the Minnesota music scene before forming their unique musical partnership. This is their first appearance in the series.
Alongside his mainstream classical training, Nigerian-born violinist Ernest Bisong found an appreciation for contemporary musical styles and thus began an exploration of the jazz genre early in his career. Having performed at SXSW in 2012, Ernest has played on many stages since. Ernest has opened for such acts as Richard Bona, Mike Stern, Marcus Johnson, Marsha Ambrosius, and the illustrious Anita Baker.
The first jazz cellist/bassist to graduate fro the University of Miami, Greg Byers has a pioneering music style. With a focus on modern genres, improvisation, and integrating technology Greg branches into new territory with his work. Off stage, Greg is a passionate educator, dynamic clinician, and in-demand recording artist & producer.
Born in Seoul and raised in Maryland, David Feily studied music at University of St. Thomas. Now an in-demand guitarist, banjos, mandolinist and bassist; you know him from his work with New Sound Underground and Rhythm Street Movement. He has gained a deeper understanding of his own unique sound through his unique collaborations; an amalgamation of many different genres of music.
MPLS String Project deviates from the standard repertoire of classical or bluegrass instruments and instead draws from jazz, fusion, rock, soul, folk, and Brazilian music influences. Their original compositions expand the conventional use of the many instruments they play. Live performances leave audiences dazzled by their technical wizardry, simpatico improvisation, and engaging on-stage presence.
*MPLS String project is sponsored by McPherson Guitars, Coda Bow, D’Addario Strings, NS Design, and Acoustic Electric Strings.
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