Public Performance: Thursday, January 24, 7 p.m.
Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center, 3333 18th Street, Bettendorf IA
With the Grand Rapids Press hailing their “topnotch, instumental wizardry,” Alison Lynn and Diana Ladio serve as the latest Quad City Arts Visiting Artists with their Celtic/bluegrass outfit The Moxie Strings, whose January 24 public performance at the Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center will demonstrate why Current magazine insists that “the future of music could not be in better hands.”
As members of The Moxie Strings, Lynn performs on a newly-invented electric cello and Ladio on a contemporary five-string violin, and both use a variety of audio-effects pedals that result in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms. The band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience, with the two often joining forces with dynamic percussionists to create an even livelier sound for larger venues. Soon after forming in 2007, The Moxie Strings were inspired to not only perform, but also to teach, as both Lynn and Ladio hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education. Having made the exploratory journey from classical music to a world of eclecticism and music creativity, the bandmates have now dedicated their careers to helping young musicians make this life-changing and transformative transition, and The Moxie Strings' clinics focus on musical self-discovery and the importance of incorporating socially and culturally relevant genres of music in the classroom.
Over the past decade, Lynn and Ladio have taught clinics in over 200 schools throughout the United States, and also present on their research and methodologies to teachers at many music-education and professional-development conferences. During most clinics, The Moxie Strings perform for students on electric instruments, teach music by ear, and introduce non-classical playing styles. The group has researched and created an innovative sequence of activities designed to introduce improvisation to classically trained musicians, which they employ at every clinic, and are renowned for delivering their messages to students in fun, accessible ways. As was stated on AnnArbor.com, “When it comes to The Moxie Strings, the name says it all.”
Admission to The Moxie Strings' January 24 concert at the Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center is $10, and more information on the group and the season's other Quad City Arts Visiting Artists is available by calling (309)793-1213 or visiting QuadCityArts.com.
