Tuesday, October 12, 2010

East Meets West at Horizon Stage on October 19th

Foothills Brass and Autorickshaw come together for a spectacular musical meeting of Brass, Indian fusion, Bollywood and Jazz

It is safe to say the pairing up of Foothills Brass and Autorickshaw is one of the most unique partnerships ever to grace Horizon Stage. Foothills Brass is a somewhat quirky brass quintet—2 trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba. Their repertoire ranges from Handel and Frescobaldi to Amazing Grace and The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Autorickshaw is a quartet of some of the finest musicians you’ll ever hear, but their music is just about impossible to define: they’re jazz, they’re folk, they’re contemporary, they’re world music, all based upon the classical music of India and brought up to date in a fusion of eastern and western musical traditions. Together they will explore the music of British colony brass bands, south-Asian inspired jazz, and East truly will meet west in Spruce Grove on October 19.

Celebrating their 30th season, Calgary based Foothills Brass’ promise is “Serious Fun!” – they are serious about the music, and serious about the fun! As one of Canada’s foremost brass quintets they grace the stage with exceptional flare and virtuosity. With the power, finesse and versatility of the brass instruments, combined with off-key humor, Foothills Brass leaves their audiences in awe. Five outrageous, high-energy personalities present polished shows that are entertaining and full of musical variety. When classical musicians have honed their skills beyond just playing what’s on the page, anything can happen; dramatics, improvisation, staging and brilliant audience engagement… all hallmarks of Foothills Brass.

Hailing from Toronto, Autorickshaw's music lies on the cultural cutting edge, as contemporary jazz and funk easily rub shoulders with the classical and popular music of India. Formed in 2003, Autorickshaw has become one of the most intriguing acts on the world music and jazz landscapes, garnering 2004 and 2007 JUNO nominations for World Music Album of the Year, winning a Canadian Independent Music Award in 2005 and a John Lennon Songwriting Competition Grand Prize in World Music in 2008.

These two accomplished ensembles are participating in a residency at the internationally-renown Banff Centre for the Arts from October 12-18 and then heading out on a four-date Alberta concert tour. After performing in Spruce Grove they will travel to Red Deer, Calgary and Medicine Hat. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. Foothills Brass and Autorickshaw concert at Horizon Stage on Tuesday, October 19 are just $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased through the Horizon Stage Box Office and Ticketmaster. Call 780-962-8995 or visit the Box Office in person at 315 Jespersen Avenue.

www.foothillsbrass.ab.ca & www.autorickshaw.ca

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