Uwishunu.com

I’ll actively pursue holiday music if there’s a banjo involved. More truthfully, it will take all of the self-control that I can muster to not boogie in the aisles. Béla Fleck can even call his latest album Jingle All The Way, and I will not scoff at any of his ten Grammys. I’ll give a whole other sigh of immense pleasure for clarinetist/mandolinist Andy Statman, who will be joining Fleck and his brigade of Flecktones. Victor Wooten acolytes, compose yourselves. The Flecktones bassist will also lend his immeasurable talents to the show. New grass, blu-bop, or whatever you call it, the most notable banjo picker in the world and his merry quartet of virtuosos will provide it. I’m convinced there isn’t a better way to ease into the spirit.

If you get there early, warm your ears with a free performance from Marc Silver & The Stonethrowers in Commonwealth Plaza at 6:30 P.M. Personally, when I get to Verizon Hall early, that means I deserve a truffle from Naked Chocolate Cafe, but I think I’ll have to go with Marc Silver this time.

Béla Fleck & the Flecktones
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 @ 8pm

Verizon Hall
300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-893-1999