02/07/14 Here’s a chance to treat your Valentine to a special evening. After the phenomenal success of Encore Performing Arts’ “Dinner and Music” for the last four years, this ‘encore’ performance will kick off the 2014 series. On Friday, February 14, they will host an exceptional opportunity to hear Alicia Pyle and her jazz quartet from Fort Wayne at Christos’ Banquet Center.
The Alicia Pyle Quartet (APQ) officially formed in 2010 featuring prominent Northeast Indiana musician: Alicia Pyle, piano/vocals/composer; Fort Wayne Philharmonic musicians: Derek Reeves, violin and Brad Kuhns, bass; and IPFW musician: Jose Morales, percussion. Saxophonist Logan Webber will also be featured. Each quartet member’s own unique diversity has created an interesting repertoire, and their signature sound fuses classical music with elements of jazz, Latin and rock music showcasing a creative style with their original arrangements and compositions. The artists take inspiration from Piazzolla, Rachmaninoff and Ella Fitzgerald to Lady Gaga, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Axl Rose. Look for their music on YouTube, Fandalism (http://fandalism.com/aliciatweets) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AliciaPyleQuartet).
In an interview in The Journal Gazette/Fort Wayne in February, 2012, she explains that her transition from classical to jazz musician was not easy. “Ask anybody who studied classical music and then branched out into jazz. It’s an awkward transition. They’re lying to you if they tell you it’s not.” If she could jam with anyone, it would be Tony Bennett. “I love him, such a masterwork classic!!” Surprisingly, it was Liberace who has been an inspiration to her. Her mother was a big fan and at her young age, couldn’t understand the allure. Once in college, as she ventured into other genres from the classical music she had studied her entire life, she began to understand the genius of the flamboyant pianist. “He was a classical musician who realized there was only so much of a market for classical music,” she said. “So he broadened his horizons.” So did she. “We love smashing up classical music with Latin/funk grooves and elements of jazz/rock! We have a ball!”
On YouTube, one can find a video rendering her version of Rachmaninoff “that’s Rachmaninoff mashed up with Lady Gaga…it’s so much cooler performed this way,” she commented.
The venue at Christos’ Banquet Center is limited to 70 guests at a cost of $50 per person. Three entrée choices are offered: boneless buttermilk chicken; fresh poached salmon with béchamel sauce; and prime rib. All are served with salad, California blend vegetables and roasted red potatoes. Red Velvet cake will be the featured dessert. An open bar and opportunity to socialize begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 followed by the performance at 7:45 with dessert and coffee.
All reservations with dinner preferences can be made by calling the Encore office at 574-935-4987 or at the Encore office, 1305 W. Harrison Street, Plymouth 46563. No tickets will be issued and payment can be made at the door. ‘Like’ Encore on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Encore-Performing-Arts/183122435051500)
