Get ready to join all your friends at the Tuesday Night Concert & Picnic @ Medina Park

A product of America's rich aural folk tradition as well as classical music, Mark O'Connor's creative journey began at the feet of a pair of musical giants. The first was the folk fiddler and innovator who created the modern era of American fiddling, Benny Thomasson; the second, French jazz violinist, considered one of the greatest improvisers in the history of the violin, Stephane Grappelli. Along the way, between these marvelous musical extremes, Mark O'Connor absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied. Now, at age 48, he has melded and shaped these influences into a new American Classical music, and a vision of an entirely American school of string playing. As The Los Angeles Times recently noted, he has "crossed over so many boundaries, that his style is purely personal." Mr. O'Connor regularly conducts three-day residencies, giving lectures, demonstrations, and workshops at a variety of music programs around the country, and is the founder and president of the internationally recognized Mark O'Connor String Camp, held each summer in New York City and in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Sheet Music of this concert repertoire and more information on the Mark O'Connor String Camps is available at wwww.markoconnor.com.

 

Country/Americana artist Vince Mira's rise to fame has captivated America. Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in San Antonio, Texas, the young singer/songwriter was discovered by entertainment producer Chris Snell -- creator of famous Seattle night club, Can Can -- while playing for tips in Seattle's Pike Place Market. He is now a household name. Vince's first album was produced by John Carter Cash -- Johnny Cash and June Carter's only son -- and recorded at the Cash Cabin in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to the completion of "Cash Cabin Sessions," the Vince Mira buzz began to spread. Vince was first featured on KOMO News in Seattle, Washington, but Good Morning America (GMA) picked up the story immediately after. Two weeks later, Vince captured the nation with a breathtaking live performance on GMA for over 5 million viewers. Subsequently, the Ellen DeGeneres Show aired his GMA clip and Ellen personally invited Vince to appear on her show, where he received a standing ovation while performing for millions of viewers. Mr. Mira's other television appearances include BBC, Inside Edition, Northwest Afternoon and Univision. He recently recorded with Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam for Stone's upcoming "Hank Williams Tribute" CD.

 

For more information, please visit www.vincemira.com or www.myspace.com/vincemira.