American Masterpieces Current Tours

Since the inception of jazz at the turn of the 20th century, the United States has produced generations of gifted jazz musicians. The 2011-2012 Past Midnight tour highlights some of the leading jazz artists of the current generation.

All schedules are subject to change.  Please check with the performance venue for times and ticket information.

Presenters: Link to String Theory Media Kit

Campbell Brothers (Rochester, NY)

Donned “Best U.S. Gospel Instrumentalists of the Year” at the 4th Annual Real Blues Awards, the Campbell Brothers present Sacred Steel: African-American gospel music.  Pedal steel guitarist Chuck Campbell, a 2004 National Heritage Award Fellow, and his lap steel-playing brother Darick are joined by a high-energy rhythm section and classic, gutsy gospel vocals. The Campbell Brothers offer a compelling mix of material from the African-American Holiness-Pentecostal repertoire with a new twist: the growling, wailing, shouting, singing and swinging voice of the steel guitar.www.campbellbrothers.com/

Daedalus Quartet (New York, NY)

Praised by The New Yorker as “a fresh and vital young participant in what is a golden age of American string quartets,” the Daedalus Quartet has established itself as a leader among the new generation of string ensembles.  Since its founding ten years ago, the ensemble has received plaudits from critics and listeners alike for its technical prowess, interpretive unity, and sheer gusto in performances. The group has performed in many of the world’s leading musical venues, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.  www.daedalusquartet.com/artist.php?view=dpk

Ron Carter (New York, NY)

NEA Jazz Master and Grammy Award-winner Ron Carter is one of the most original, prolific and influential bassists in the history of jazz.  With more than 2,000 albums to his credit, he has recorded and performed with many of music’s greats, including Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, Dexter Gordon and Wes Montgomery.  A member of the classic Miles Davis Quintet, Carter was named Outstanding Bassist of the Decade by the Detroit News, and Jazz Bassist of the Year by Downbeat Magazine.  www.roncarter.net/officialSite.html

Photo Credit: Takehiko Tokiwa

The Seldom Scene (District of Columbia)

A 2008 Grammy Award nominee for best bluegrass album, The Seldom Scene has long been regarded as one of the finest bands working in the genre.  Combining skilled musicianship with an eclectic playlist, The Seldom Scene has become one of the most influential bluegrass bands in the United States.  Some 2012-2013 tour engagements will feature the band in concert with the legendary three-time Grammy Award-winner and bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys.  www.keithcase.com/profiles/Seldom/index.htm

Funding for the American Masterpieces String Theory tour is made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Regional Touring Program. Additional funding was provided by the Delaware Division of the Arts, Maryland State Arts Council, and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.