Three concerts at Temple Emanu-El this fall offer a mix of jazz, classical and what can only be described as “an instrument petting zoo.”
“First, we’re bringing in two really genre-bending jazz bands on Aug. 25,” says Robert Lopez-Hanshaw, choir director at Temple Emanu-El. The headliner is Resurrecting Id, which combines jazz-based improvisation with rhythmic components of progressive rock and metal, as well as other influences from European art music to Middle Eastern.
The band, says Lopez-Hanshaw, is the brainchild of Chris Herald, who holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Herald also plays with the Avanim and Armon Bizman ensembles at Temple Emanu-El.
The opener for this show will be Mesquite, a “desert-soul” band that combines soul, jazz, R&B, and psychedelic rock.
Doors for this Saturday night concert open at 7:30 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $10 at the door. On Sunday, Oct. 7, Temple is partnering with the Tucson Children’s Museum to host Andy Thurlow with his project
Anarchestra.
Anarchestra is a collection of one-of-a-kind instruments, largely built of metal, which were designed to bring out compelling sounds and be playable by anyone, regardless of training, Lopez-Hanshaw explains, adding that the event will be “an ‘instrument petting zoo,’ an exhibition, and a performance, all rolled into one. Families and young children are welcome; the instruments will be open to all.”
The event begins at 1 p.m. and admission is $5 per person.
Finally, international concert pianist David Syme will perform on Saturday, Nov. 3.
Syme, who many Tucsonans may know as “the human jukebox,” is an American piano virtuoso living in Ireland who has had a long and colorful career. He has recorded more than 20 CDs with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Czech National Orchestra, and others; and he has performed for various heads of state, including the presidents of Mexico and the United States, says Lopez-Hanshaw.
Syme’s concert, which is a fundraiser for Temple Emanu-El, will include classical music, Jewish music, and a few contemporary pieces, including one written by Lopez-Hanshaw.
The concert is at 7 p.m., and tickets are $30.
For more information, call 327-4501.
