Fox Cities News

Lawrence University’s 2024-25 Performing Arts Series promises an eclectic mix of performances, from chamber music to jazz, featuring a lineup of renowned artists. Season tickets for the series, offering a 15% discount, will go on sale on July 1, with single tickets available from September 23. The series will kick off with a return performance from the two-time Grammy Award-winning Roomful of Teeth, which includes Lawrence voice professor Estelí Gomez.

The series will feature a diverse range of acts including Sō Percussion with composer Caroline Shaw, Grupo Bella, Rene Marie Quartet, Sean Jones Quartet, Larry & Joe, Isidore String Quartet, Matt Wilson Good Trouble Quintet, Yumi Kurosawa Trio, Michelle Cann, and Kneebody.

Vanessa Ramirez, the musical director of Grupo Bella, expressed the ensemble's commitment to showcasing diverse musical traditions, stating, "Grupo Bella is known for their musicianship and diverse repertoire. With their use of traditional Mariachi instrumentation, they have their roots in the Mariachi genre, while also spanning the music of many different cultures."

René Marie, a versatile performer known for blending various musical genres, shared her approach to music, saying, "Guided and tempered by powerful life lessons and rooted in jazz traditions... I borrow various elements of folk, R&B and even classical and country to create a captivating hybrid style."

Sean Jones, a trumpeter with a strong spiritual connection to music, reflected on his musical journey, saying, "Music and spirituality have always been fully intertwined in the artistic vision... I have kept a core group of talented musicians together, producing and releasing eight recordings."

Larry Bellorín of Monagas, Venezuela, one half of the duo Larry & Joe, highlighted the fusion of cultures in their music, stating, "Their blend of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk... unites their cultures and traditions while bringing music to the forefront of social movements."

Yumi Kurosawa, a traditional Japanese music artist, discussed her integration of Western musical influences into her work, sharing, "I constantly surrounded myself with contemporary music by Western music composers, integrating their melodies and phrasings into my solo Koto."

Roomful of Teeth, the two-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble, emphasized their dedication to exploring the expressive potential of the human voice through new works. The group's latest album, Rough Magic, was praised for its innovative recording techniques and spatial technology.

Pianist Michelle Cann, recognized for her exceptional talent, has performed with various prestigious orchestras and is set to captivate audiences at Lawrence Memorial Chapel in April 2025.

Kneebody, a Grammy-nominated band known for their unique sound, combines explosive rock energy with nuanced chamber ensemble-playing, promising an unforgettable performance in May 2025.

The Lawrence University Performing Arts Series offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a world of diverse genres and exceptional artistry.