Turtle Island String Quartet to Perform,
Hold Workshops at UNCA

Turtle Island String Quartet

The highly acclaimed Turtle Island String Quartet will present the jazz tribute "Blue in Green: The Legacy of Miles Davis" at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium. This concert will pay homage to Davis and explore the roots of his influences as well as the jazz classics that built his legendary recordings. The concert is open to the public.

Since their inception in 1985, the boundary-breaking Turtle Island String Quartet has been a singular force in creating bold new trends in chamber music for strings. Despite their innovations, the group has lost none of the rhythmic force and groove structure that has always been the foundation of their "American Vernacular" style. Cellist Yo Yo Ma has proclaimed Turtle Island String Quartet to be "a unified voice that truly breaks new ground -- authentic and passionate -- a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today."

Turtle Island Quintet has performed on the Today Show, This Morning and Entertainment Tonight. National Public Radio appearances include All Things Considered, Prairie Home Companion and Mountain Stage. People Magazine said Turtle Island String Quartet "stands tradition on its civilized ear" and The New York Times lauded the group with "impeccable precision in its pitch and coordination."

In conjunction with the concert, Turtle Island String Quartet will hold two free workshops. "The Art of Groove" will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. This workshop will explore the fundamental rhythmic differences in European classical and American popular music. The group will unveil the importance of backbeat in these musical forms and the methodical layering of the basic building blocks employed in creating a jazz string combo. The workshop is suitable for all levels of musicians and music lovers.

The second workshop on "It’s About Time" will be held at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. This master class for string players and other musicians will focus on the versatility of bowed stringed instruments. Turtle Island String Quartet members will lead participants in exploring the range of music strings can play, from classical European to the Beatles.

Tickets for the Turtle Island String Quartet concert are on sale now and are $18 general admission. Call 828/232-5000 to order your tickets by phone or for more information. Tickets may also be purchased with cash or check only at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St., downtown Asheville.

Click here for more information about UNCA’s Cultural and Special Events season.

Media Contacts:

• Barbara Halton-Subkis, UNCA Student Activities Assistant Director, 828/232-5000
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526