January 25, 2012

Feb. 4th Concert Features

McLaughlin-Brashear Duet

Peter McLaughlin and Chris Brashear bring their considerable musical talents to the Blue Rose Theater stage on Saturday, February 4, 7:30 p.m. for the latest edition of Sharlot Hall Museum’s “Byway of Arizona Music” series. Tickets are $10 ($8 for Museum members) in advance and $14 at the door. Call 928-445-3122 for tickets and information. Note that the January “Byway of Arizona Music” concert sold out, and seating is limited in the Blue Rose Theater.

Chris and Peter have been performing together since 1992. Their shows feature sibling-like harmonies, intricate arrangements and stunning instrumental virtuosity. Though steeped in bluegrass tradition, they perform many original songs and draw from a deep repository of acoustic roots music. Both are artists in residence with the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Their CDs include “So Long Arizona” and “Canyoneers.” Flatpicking Guitar Magazine says of their music, “This is amazing musicianship that demands repeated listening.”

Peter, who lives in Tucson, started playing the guitar at the age of eight and was soon jamming at bluegrass festivals and fiddlers conventions. After finishing his schooling, he started entering guitar contests and eventually won top honors at the National Flatpicking Championship in 1988. In 1996, Peter released his first solo album, “Cliffs of Vermilion,” produced by Laurie Lewis.

Chris is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and an emerging artist on several musical fronts. He is a charismatic singer with a high, clear voice, a dynamic fiddler and guitarist, and a songwriter with a penchant for writing memorable songs on topics seldom touched on in bluegrass music. He has made multiple showcase appearances at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Fanfare and performed for two years in Italy as violinist with the Maurizio Geri Swingtet.

Sharlot Hall Museum, a Prescott landmark for more than 80 years, is located at 415 W. Gurley St., two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. The Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. October-April; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. May-September. For more information, visit www.sharlot.org or call 928-445-3122.

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