Music lovers rejoice because the Duncan Littlefair Great Speaker Series' newest addition is all about the power of music -- and this time it is about the punk, the rare and the to-be-discovered. And all of this could only be told through the musical work (both on-stage and off) of musician and producer Chris Eckman. Here in Grand Rapids, there are two nights of unique programming waiting for you.
When Eckman arrives in Grand Rapids on Saturday night, it will not be just as a member of the Subpop act, The Walkabouts, but also as a solo artist in support of his forthcoming release "Harney County." He is arriving in the U.S. for a very rare opportunity to see him live …. and for free.
On Sunday, Eckman will not only share insights as a punk rocker from Seattle who was a part of the grunge music scene, but will recount how, from this movement, he was able to traverse the world in search of the fresh and new. The result of this work is the discovery of many acts being signed to his label including Tamikrest who appeared on the BBC with Robert Plant in concert.
What makes Tamikrest and many of Eckman’s acts from Africa stand out is that these African performers are playing a style of blues music that is very different from our Americanized blues because these acts have been cut off from the influences of the west on their sounds development.
"The Power of Music series showcases how music is embraced across all cultures in the world and how the power within helps to bridge our different cultures,” says Tony Kroes of the Duncan Littlefair Great Speakers series. “With Eckman, practically the embodiment of the idea of discovering and bridging worlds through music, we will have a chance on Sunday to hear his ideas about community and the spirit of doing it yourself (DIY) that he finds across all these - from Punk to Africa - music.”
Lucky for us is that with Eckman will be able to share his musical journeys along with another concert on Sunday, this time accompanied by the Afro Cuban band, Grupo Aye.
Admission: Saturday Concert – Free, Sunday lecture and concert, $12.50
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