Unplugged View
By Aaron Rowan
Hang ’Em High
Of all the artists I’ve worked with over the years, I doubt any have been more aptly named than Gaelynn Lea. Her original violin music is like a soothing breeze through the meadow. Gaelynn crafts hauntingly beautiful compositions rooted in the Irish traditions. She made quite a splash last year when she overwhelmingly won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest out of more than 6,000 entrants; and I am proud to announce her as our opening night headliner at the sixth annual Modesto Unplugged Music Festival commencing at the end of this month.
Gaelynn’s story and musical development are very inspiring. Born with brittle bone disease, she uses her music to advocate for people with disabilities and to promote positive social change. Gaelynn makes music in her own way, holding and playing her violin as one would play a cello, and using looping tech to create winding layers of sound beneath familiar melodies. She makes her Modesto debut on Friday March 31, in the Gottschalk Music Center’s recital hall at 1502 E St. The evening will kick off a whole series of listening concerts around downtown. MUMfest will run through April 30 – more about our April events next month.
Before we get there, Music At The GMC has two other cool showcases in March. Thursday 3/9, take a sonic ride with Archer & Tripp, integrating unique instruments that steer them closer toward their idea of ‘Acoustic Trance.’ Jaron Tripp’s development as a hang drum player is driven by the grounding power of rhythm. Samantha Archer’s classical training in piano, clarinet and vocals have allowed her distinctive and instinctive sense for melody to flower into a skill for both improvisation and composition.
Saturday 3/18, enjoy some classical with a digital edge, with Lodi duo Strings Attached. Pianist Chase Loeb and cellist Carol Ann Loeb infuse their set with jazz, pop and more, re-imagined in both originals and classics. They use their instruments to interact with audiences through charming performance and educational storytelling.
Doors for all Gottschalk concerts are at 7:00, with music starting at 7:30. Admission is $15, and free for kids under 12. With only 40 seats available in this intimate venue, I hope you’ll be one of the lucky few to catch one or more of these exciting acts by calling or emailing 209-543-5306 or modestounplugged@yahoo.com<mailto:modestounplugged@yahoo.com>.
