Third Coast Percussion will close the Performing Arts and Concert Series with a melding of rock and chamber music.
Specializing in the melding of rock and classical chamber music, one Chicago-based group plans to end the Performing Arts and Concert Series with a bang.
Third Coast Percussion will bring its progressive percussive act to Glidden Recital Hall on Monday night.
“Our concerts provide a great way for someone who has never been to a chamber music concert to get excited about some really amazing music that you would never hear on the radio or Spotify,” said Sean Connors, a member of the group.
Third Coast Percussion formed in 2004 and began traveling and performing small gigs around the Chicago area. In 2006, it made its breakout debut by playing at the experimental theater company Neo-Futurists. Since then it has gained national recognition for expanding the possibilities of percussion.
Current members include Connors, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin and David Skidmore. They frequently join forces with other ensembles and musicians.
Each member also takes on an administrative role, such as Dillon writing grants and giving foundation support, and Skidmore booking gigs.
The group plans to play songs with traditional percussion instruments such as drums, marimbas and cymbals, as well as creating striking new sounds with unconventional objects such as sushi mats, pieces of wood, pipe and even a conch shell.
Connors said a frequent comment they receive from audiences is “I can’t believe how much variety there was in this concert!”
Audiences also have the opportunity to gain a closer look at the ensemble’s music by downloading a free iPhone and iPad app where they can experiment digitally with instruments and create their own pieces.
The show is called Third Coast Percussion: John Cage, and it allows fans to explore the sounds of the innovative sound composer.
Performing is an obvious passion for the group; however, the original purpose of Third Coast Percussion was for education. It’s dedicated to creating bonds within communities and partners with groups, such as the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, to teach clinics and other outreach activities.
Andrew Holzaepfel, associate director of the Campus Involvement Center, told The Post via email that the group was selected based on a recommendation from a faculty member in the School of Music. The members will be spending time working directly with the percussion students.
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