UA Kulas Concert Series: 'Painting Music,' MonsterPianos and more

The University of Akron News

09/05/2014

Al Bright

“Painting Music” on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. will feature abstract artist Al Bright painting to the jazz of the Joe Augustine Trio

“Painting Music” with abstract artist Al Bright creating to the jazz of the Joe Augustine Trio and “MonsterPianos!” with grand pianos and pianists filling the stage are among the nine concerts in the 2014-15 season of the Kulas Concert Series at The University of Akron.

Supported by the Cleveland-based Kulas Foundation, the Kulas Concert Series is the UA School of Music’s foremost series and features outstanding guest artists, faculty and students. The Kulas concerts at the Stage Door of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall are also sponsored by The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Orchid Ensemble

The Orchid Ensemble, performing on erhu, zheng and percussion instruments, open the Kulas Concert Series on Sept. 28.

The 2014-15 season of the UA Kulas Concert Series opens Sunday, Sept. 28, 3 p.m., with “Road to Kashgar” featuring the Orchid Ensemble of musicians performing on erhu, zheng and percussion instruments. Presented in collaboration with the UA Confucius Institute’s China Week, the concert will explore the rich cultural influences brought to China via the Silk Road by performing traditional and original works inspired by Persian, Indian and Central Asian music, as well as Jewish and Buddhist sacred melodies. The concert will be in Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., across from Thomas Hall.

Canvas and jazz

Next up is “Painting Music” on Saturday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m., with abstract artist Al Bright painting to the jazz of the Joe Augustine Trio. The concert is being presented in support of the UA School of Music’s All-Steinway Piano Campaign. The concert will be at the Stage Door of Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., with club-style general seating and bar beverages and light fare available for purchase.

A highlight of the Kulas season is Collage 2014 on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Hall. A musical thrill ride showcasing students and faculty from the UA School of Music, the non-stop concert will keep audience members on the edge of their seats as performers appear and disappear throughout the concert hall.  

Also during the Kulas Concert Series for 2014-15:

  • Gaudete Brass Ensemble on Oct. 26, 3 p.m., in Guzzetta Recital Hall;
  • Jingle Jazz with UA jazz students and faculty and the UA Dance Company on Dec. 14, 3 p.m., at Thomas Hall;
  • The Hot Sardines, performing jazz from Prohibition-era Bourbon Street to the cabarets of Paris, on Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Stage Door of Thomas Hall;
  • 2CELLOS, featuring young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, on Feb. 24, 7:30 pm., at Thomas Hall; and
  • The University of Akron Symphonic Band and faculty pianist Philip Thomson on April 27, 7:30 p.m., at Thomas Hall.

Season tickets are $125 and may be purchased at 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu. Tickets for individual concerts vary in price. Tickets for the concerts at Thomas Hall are available in person at the Thomas Hall Ticket Office, 330-972-7570, or UAevents.com. Tickets for concerts at Guzzetta Recital Hall are available from the UA School of Music at 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu. Tickets are also available at the door if open seats remain. 

For more information: 330-972-8301, concerts@uakron.edu, or UAevents.com.

Media contact: Cyndee Snider 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.