Mike Block is a Grammy Award-winning cello player, singer and composer passionate about cross-cultural collaboration through music, hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene.” (Gramophone). Acclaimed by the New York Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”, and by Salt Lake City Desert News as “a true artist… a sight to behold”, Mike tours in a variety of collaborative projects, and was among the first wave of cellists to adopt a strap to stand while performing, using his patented design, the Block Strap.
Mike Block (Cello, Vocals), Christylez Bacon (Beatbox, Guitar, Rhymes), and Patricia Ligia (Electric Bass, Pandeiro, Vocals) form the dynamic trio Biriba Union, blending original music with global influences to form a fresh and accessible sound. Each member of the collective brings influences and repertoire from their diverse backgrounds, including Brazilian, Hip-Hop, Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass, Funk, and Pop styles, synthesizing them through original compositions and songs that highlight their improvisational spontaneity and high energy stage presentation. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls them “a dynamic trio, blending original music with world fusion influences”, while WSLR radio says they are “An unusual collaboration with a refreshingly new sound… improvisational spontaneity and high energy performance.” Advance discount tickets $20, available only from the box office at 207-633-5159 (open Wed – Fri from 10-2). Regular tickets $25 online at boothbayoperahouse.com, and on the day of show if available.

A young Sicilian artist left Italy over 30 years ago, with the dream of “playing with the greatest guitarists”. Peppino has achieved his dream and he’s now firmly planted in the “who’s who” of the guitar world. He emerged on the acoustic guitar scene in the early 80’s as a leading member of the second wave of the great fingerstylists that helped redefine the instrument in the ’90s. His remarkable technique, penchant for open tunings, and percussive effects are the basis of his unique compositional style which has been inspiring musicians and audiences alike for decades. Add to that his natural warmth, playfulness, and broad musical tastes and you have the recipe for what he calls “minestrone music”. He is one of Leo Kottke’s favorite players, and he’s one of ours. What a gift this holiday season! Advance discount tickets $25, available only from the box office at 207-633-5159 (open Wed – Fri from 10-2). Regular tickets $30 online at boothbayoperahouse.com, and on the day of show
if available.

Sheepscot Chorus invites you to “Bach and Christmas Pops!” on 3:00 PM on Sat., Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Professional soloists and a chamber orchestra will join the chorus for these popular holiday concerts. “We are pleased to perform such a masterpiece for the community,” says director Linda Blanchard about the “Magnificat.”

Holiday Pops favorites accompanied by a chamber orchestra will round out the second half of the program. A highlight will be two new arrangements by English composer Paul Ayres, “Santa Claus is comin’ to town,” and “Winter Wonderland.” “Santa Claus is comin’” features an astounding fugal treatment of the well-known tune. Co-director and accompanist Sean Fleming has a knack for bringing together top-notch musicians for our holiday pops orchestra, sure to set toes tapping!

The fabulous soloists for the concerts include soprano Mary Sullivan, alto Joelle Morris, tenor David Myers-Wakeman, and bass Joshua Miller.

Go to http://www.purplepass.com/sheepscotchorus2023 to buy tickets now.

Tickets are $15 (free for students) and are also available at Treats in Wiscasset and Sherman’s Book Store in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor. For more information, please email info@sheepscotvalleychorus.org, or visit facebook.com/sheepscotchorus
and sheepscotvalleychorus.org.