Jazz Violinist Christian Howes Performing at Penn State Behrend January 31, 2011

Jazz and blues violinist Christian Howes, a member of the past three “Rising Stars” lists in the annual Downbeat Critics Poll, will perform in Erie as part of Music at Noon: The Logan Series.

The Christian Howes Quintet concert takes place at noon on Monday, Jan. 31, in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Admission is free and open to the public, and reserved parking will be available in the Reed Union Building lot.

Says the Chicago Reader, “Not since Jean Luc Ponty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz-tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority.” A classically trained musician, Howes has played with Randy Brecker, Lenny White, Jack Dejohnette, James Carter, and David Murray, and in saxophonist Bill Evans’ Soulgrass. He recorded two compact discs on the Resonance label, and spent much of 2010 giving performances and clinics in the United States and Asia.

“Christian’s comprehensive approach appeals to aficionados of many styles,” promises Dr. Gary Viebranz, director of musical ensembles at the college and The Logan Series coordinator. “His music is a unique fusion of classical, jazz, pop and electronic styles that redefines the cutting edge of improvisation in a contemporary chamber setting.”

Howes also is an associate professor at the Berklee College of Music, and the founder of the Creative Strings Workshop and Festival held each July at Otterbein College. In addition to the public performance, the quintet will give two concerts for students at Diehl Elementary School.

Music at Noon, an innovative program to introduce classical music in an informal atmosphere rather than an intimidating concert hall, is celebrating its 21st anniversary season. Founded at Penn State Behrend by Warren philanthropist and arts advocate Kay Logan, the series’ unique musical outreach has been honored with an Adventurous Programming Award by Chamber Music America and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. The series receives major support from the Kay Logan Trust and additional funding from the Penn State Behrend Student Activity Fee, Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts and the Erie Arts Endowment of ArtsErie.

For more information about The Logan Series or Christian Howes’ appearance, contact Viebranz at 814-898-6289.