Saturday, February15, 2025
2024 performers – check back in January 2025 for updated concert list.
7:30pm • Thwing Center
Entertainment
Pre-Show / Intermission Performances
Students from the Cleveland Institute of Music will surprise and delight with a mix of Danish trad/folk tunes, maybe a little Bluegrass or Irish or Celtic, and more! Performances till take place in the lobby before the evening concert and during intermission.
2024 performers – check back in January 2025 for updated concert list.
Featured Artists
Pretend Friend
AppalAsia
Tickets
Advance Purchase: TBA
Day of Show: TBA
*Student Rate: TBA
VIP Advance Purchase: TBD- includes premium seating for two, plus reserved parking
12 and under free.
Advance tickets can be picked up at will call day of show.
Day of Show tickets are available at the info desk during the day and at the door until sold out.
Concert starts at 7:30pm.
Doors open at 7p.m.
The Thwing Center is located at 11111 Euclid Ave, Cleveland on the Case Western Reserve University Campus.
About the Artists
PRETEND FRIEND is an Americana jam band that defies convention and redefines the bluegrass genre with captivating live performances. Led by Grant Boesen, a mesmerizing lead singer and songwriter channeling the spirit of Shannon Hoon, Pretend Friend features some of the most talented musicians in the business. Kansas champion mandolinist, Evan Ogborn, renown bassist, Brody Wellman, and veteran banjoist, Garrett Briggeman, bring substantial style and depth of character to Pretend Friend.
“Pretend Friend respects tradition and its musical heritage while consistently breaking new ground. The combination of expert writing and outstanding musicianship places the band in rarified company—one of those bands that wows fellow musicians with its acumen and leaves everyone tapping their toes and singing along to songs that seem to have always been.” – Jedd Beaudoin, Host/Producer of Strange Currency, KMUW (NPR), Wichita, KS
With compelling songwriting at the core of their music, Pretend Friend weaves together intricate melodies and rich harmonies, creating a tapestry of sound that is both evocative and unforgettable. Improvisational live jamming sets Pretend Friend apart; no two shows are ever the same. Exceptional musicianship, fearless creativity, and boundless energy carry Pretend Friend across musical dimensions.
APPALASIA combines uniquely original compositions and improvisation with influences from Appalachian and Asian music traditions to create music that is evocative, soulful, and sophisticated.
“Appalasia is one of those experiments that happen when musicians from different back-grounds decide to try something different. It would be unfair to call it Chinese, or Appalachian, it was a hybrid of the two, done in the tradition of jazz.”
– Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Blog
Appalasia was formed by Mimi Jong, Jeff Berman, and Sue Powers in Pittsburgh, PA. Together they have created an evocative and ambitious performance language for dulcimer, erhu, banjo, and vocals that combines the influence of their folk-roots with original composition and inspired improvisation.
The individual members of Appalasia each have extensive histories of collaboration, performing, and recording with artists including Andy Statman, Tony Trischka, Pasang Dolma, Alash, Susan Mckeown, Karen Han, Robert Een, Min Xiao Fen, Samir Chatterjee, Linda Thompson, Osei Koranke, Devilish Merry, Arthur Russell and Huang Xiang, to name just a few.
“Appalasia is one of the most innovative and musically exciting groups I have ever heard. The unusual combination of instruments creates such a joyous feeling and combines sophisticated composition with brilliant playing in a way that makes it all seem effortless. Those of us who sat and listened were all literally spell bound. Hearing the banjo played in new ways and the use of the traditional Chinese violin played with stunning virtuosity with Jeff Berman’s dulcimer was just what the world needs to hear. This wasn’t cross-over or fusion. This was great music making that needs no label.” – David Amram, NERFA 2015
Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association