By Emilie Minshew
A Magical Grassical Christmasis a delightful holiday-themed music set performed by The Depue Brothers Band, at the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts in Orem Utah. Founded by violinist brothers Wallace Depue, Jr. and Zachary Depue, the Depue Brothers Band is an instrumentalist ensemble. They combine such genres as bluegrass, classical, and rock to create their own unique sound they lovingly refer to as “grassical”. The group consists of six impressively talented performers: the Depue brothers, violinist Nigel Armstrong, percussionist Don Liuzzi, bassist Kevin Macconnell, banjo player Michael Mumford, and guitarist Kevin Hanson. Aside from each performer being incredibly talented, they also have a host of impressive credentials. Released in 2001, their first album Classical Grass even sold out of its first printing. The concert, however, was patterned after their most recent album When It’s Christmas Time.
The concert welcomes guests into a simple but elegant Christmas setting. Pine garlands and splendidly lit Christmas trees make the stunning new concert hall of the Noorda center feel cozy and intimate. The performance begins with a short introduction by eldest Depue brother Wallace followed by a fantastic execution of their holiday repertoire. Audiences join the band on
Impressively, most pieces in the program were arranged by various band members. This invites audiences to hear some of their favorite holiday music in a new light. My favorite piece was “Pat-A-Pan”, a traditional French Christmas carol arranged by percussionist Don Liuzzi. It features an immaculate pizzicato section by the strings and a later section where Liuzzi passionately strikes his drum set with his bare palms. The once quiet Christmas carol becomes a momentous delight for audience members. During “Hoe Down (Bonaparte’s Retreat)”, an arrangement of an Aaron Copland classic, youngest Depue brother Zachary popped off a few bow hairs. His instrument struggles to keep us with his freakish-fast fiddling. This entertaining chemistry generated between the musicians as they perform each piece is contagious and has audiences grinning from ear to ear.
While the ensemble as a whole is terrific, each performer is given their own time to shine and that is where some of the most impressive performances are. I was surprised to find that the concert also features several band members as vocalists. Depue Jr. sings a bluesy version of “The Christmas Song” that has audiences hearts swelling and Liuzzi later sings an exciting original piece titled “Plow, Train”. Banjo player Michael Mumford and violinist Nigel Armstrong each have a special moment to wow the audience during their perspective solos. Mumford’s “Banjo Medley of Carols” is a stunning whirl of fingers plucking steel strings that weaves together five Christmas favorites. Each number seems to build off the last as the concert continues to its end.
The concert received a standing ovation and the performers even returned to the stage for a lovely encore number of “O Holy Night”. Audience member’s left with a smile on their face an irresistible dance in their step. The approximately two-hour show is a family-friendly Christmas “grassical” extravaganza for anyone looking to celebrate the season.
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts presents The Depue Brothers Band, A Magical Grassical Christmas.
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058 (Faculty Annex)
December 14th, 2019, 7:30 PM
Contact: 801-863-7529
UVU Arts Website
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts Facebook Page
DePue Brothers Facebook Profile Page
A Magical Grassical Christmas Facebook Event
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