Front Row Reviewers

Oolala! Spend an Evening in Paris with Lark and Spur at the Grand Theatre in Salt Lake

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

By Amanda Berg Whittle

If you’re seeking a romantic night listening to soft jazz music and watching wonderful ballroom dancing, Backstage at the Grand in Salt Lake is where you need to be tomorrow, Saturday, at 7:30 PM. The small, intimate, comfortable theater setup with soft, classy lighting (Emily Mullaney) brings a casual atmosphere with a six piece jazz band, Lark & Spur, and two beautiful dancers, Stephen Rallison and Brodie Wray Rallison. The music tells the story of mid-20th century Paris, where husband and wife Jeff Whitely (guitar/vocals) and Lori Decker (vocals/mandolin) spent their time establishing themselves and singing in subway tunnels.

Whitely and Decker tell their story through their music choices—though most of the songs are in French, the way they express the music helps the viewer really understand their meanings. I’m not sure if Decker is a native French speaker, but she sure sings like one.

The other band members are also remarkable musicians. Jay Lawrence (percussion) is a multi-talented musician, bringing not only high quality drum set playing to the rhythm section of the band, but vibraphone (a jazz electric xylophone sort of instrument) as well. The vibraphone, to me, has a special place in jazz because of its unique timbre, and Lawrence’s talented playing reminds me of why I enjoy the instrument so much. Another under-appreciated but incredibly interesting instrument is the accordion, a staple of French music, and an instrument Steve Keen (piano, accordion, composer, arranger) understands well. Keen is also an exceedingly talented jazz pianist—I have heard him perform previously at the University of Utah, where he teaches, and the talent he exhibited tonight was no exception.

Alicia Wrigley-Gailey (bass) and Mike Fjerstad (guitar) establish the feelings of each song with the grooves they set and the quality solos they play. Both are exceptional jazz improvisers, which is especially to be expected from Wrigley-Gailey, who recently graduated with a jazz degree. Fjerstad has a wide musical background in jazz, pop, and country genres, so anything you throw at him he can perform and perform well! He has performed on the same stage as The Beach Boys, so you can expect great talent when you come see him!

The dancers, Stephen and Brodie Wray Rallison, bring life to the show by expressing the stories of this wonderful music through movement. They are award-winning ballroom dancers, and members of the distinguished, world champion Brigham Young Tour Team, a ballroom dance team who tours nationally and internationally. The Rallisons share many types of ballroom and Latin dances in this performance, tailoring the styles to fit the musical genre perfectly. Mrs. Rallison, a ballerina who has trained in London, brings beautiful ballet and contemporary style dances to the performance as well.

Sildenafil citrate is producing a particular type of enzyme has been created after taking the medicine and blood circulation in viagra 50 mg the reproductive organs increases. However, if you desire a particular color, buy cheap viagra https://unica-web.com/archive/2007/letterpresident-october-2007.pdf the palomino is an American favorite and is rarer than typical browns, sorrels, paints, or even grays. It is to be purchase viagra no prescription taken by mouth regularly for desired results. Miami Beach Boat Tours, Miami Attractions and Miami to Key West – One In A levitra 20 mg Life Time Experience In Miami.
An Evening in Paris is showing tomorrow, January 13th, at 7:30 PM at the Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City (1575 S State Street). Make sure you make your plans to see it tonight, for the show is saying au revoir after tomorrow.

The Grand Theatre presents Lark and Spur: An Evening in Paris
Grand Theatre: Backstage , 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Tickets: $17.00-$20.00
Contact: 801-957-3322
The Grand Theatre Facebook Page
An Evening in Paris Facebook Event

 

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AlphaOmega Captcha Classica  –  Enter Security Code