Friday, February 16 kicks off President’s Day weekend with the Tower Theatre Foundation’s presentation of Canada’s hottest guitar ensemble, Montreal Guitar Trio. These classically trained acoustic guitarists have an entire world of musical influences, and brilliantly perform classics from The Beatles, Rush, Radiohead, plus original compositions. Their musical creativity and impressive stage presence — where humor and virtuosity go hand to fret — have wowed guitar lovers around the world for nearly three decades. In addition, the Oregon Guitar Trio — Matthew Gwinup (Bend), David Kelly (Portland) and David Rogers (Eugene) — will open the evening with a special set ranging from Beethoven to Super Mario Brothers.
Then, on Monday, February 19 jam out with the Jacob Jolliff Band. Well-known as the mandolin player for Yonder Mountain String Band, the Northwest native debuts his own bluegrass band in Bend. Bandmates include his all-time favorite picking buddy, Stash Wyslouch; Grand Master Fiddle Champion, Alex Hargreaves and bassist Jeff Picker from the Portland jazz scene. It’ll be a high-energy evening featuring sensational strings, progressive bluegrass and unique roots music that’ll get you moving.
On Wednesday, February 21 we switch from strings to brass and welcome one of North America’s leading groups, the M5 Mexican Brass Band. The brass quintet breaks barriers, taking the Blues to the Opera and Bach to the Back Roads. GRAMMY nominated composer, Javier Alvarez Fuentes says, “It’s hard to find a group of musicians with such musical bravura and refined technical ability, all bundled into one ensemble. Not only does M5 produce a unique sound, but manage every time to engage audiences in programs displaying a sense of adventure…in my opinion, one of the best ensembles around today.” Their blend of musical virtuosity, wry humor and showmanship create a unique musical and theatrical experience not to be missed.
Twenty-four hours later, Thursday, February 22 ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro, returns to the stage with his fast and furious four-string techniques! Enjoy an evening of jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass and flamenco from a musician who’s drawn comparisons to musical titans such as Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis. In fact, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam says, “Jake is taking the instrument to a place that I can’t see anybody else catching up with.” Along with his own original compositions, Jake is known for his solo uke arrangements of such varied pieces as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Tickets are available at the box office (835 NW Wall), by phone (541-317-0700) or online (www.towertheatre.org). Details on events are also at facebook.com/TheTowerTheatre
Montreal Guitar Trio
Reserved Seating $25, $32, $38 (Plus $3 preservation fee)
Friday, February 16 at 7:30pm
Jacob Jolliff Band (of Yonder Mountain String Band)
Reserved Seating $27, $37, $47 (Plus $3 preservation fee)
Monday, February 19 at 7:30pm
M5 Mexican Brass Band
Reserved Seating $18, $22, $30 (Plus $3 preservation fee)
Wednesday, February 21 at 7:30pm
Jake Shimabukuro
Reserved Seating $37, $47, $57 (Plus $3 preservation fee)
Thursday, February 22 at 7:30pm