Going to a concert seems like a distant dream right now. The excitement of getting ready, driving to the venue and even standing in line sounds more than appealing. COVID-19 has put a damper on many a fun night out, but people have found a way to adapt and make the best of things while staying safe.
Knowing that live music is still a ways down the road for us, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is bringing its annual Hempy Keyboard Concert Series right to your home.
Slip into your favorite loungewear (or your most dapper formal wear) and turn your home into a concert hall. This virtual piano concert series features world-class musicians performing classical, modern and jazz works.
The series brings you the talents of four musicians starting with Dr. Frank Huang. Huang serves as an Associate Professor of Piano at Miami University and has received international recognition for his talents.
February 11 features jazz pianist Alexis Lombre. At just 23, Lombre has been described as having the work ethic of a veteran jazz star. She strives to keep the soul in music alive and has studied with jazz masters such as Willie Pickens, Benny Green, Geri Allen and Robert Hurst.
Composer, pianist and music educator Michael Malis takes the stage on February 26. Malis works across genres in improvisational, concert music and interdisciplinary settings. His original music has been hailed as “thrilling” and “a benchmark for where the genre can go.
Maestro Robert Nance concludes the Hempy Concert Series on March 11. Nance is a multi-talented performer and seasoned soloist and accompanist. The Maestro has a bachelor’s degree for music in keyboard performance from DePauw University and a master’s degree in conducting from the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
Tickets can be purchased individually for $20, or in a VIP bundle for $80. Full Series Pass holders will receive a custom musical gift created by Maestro Robert Nance. Debuting the night of Nance’s performance, the gift will be orchestrated around the names of VIP pass holders.
Bring your family together for an intimate concert with some of the best pianists around or bring the joy of live music back to a performance lover. If you can’t make the dates, good news: Concerts will be recorded and posted for 72 hours after the live performance so you can enjoy on your own time or even go back for an encore or two.
However, after each performance, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual Q&A session with the performers. Don’t miss out on your chance to engage with world-renowned talent.
To ensure you have the best viewing experience, make sure you have a reliable internet connection, quality speakers and food from your favorite local restaurant. Break up your quarantine routine with beautiful and thought-provoking music or gift this unique experience to a performance lover that lives near or far.
Music has a way of transporting us, so you might not even feel like you’re sitting on the couch in your living room.
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
400 Culver St., Saugatuck
sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399
Dr. Frank Huang, Jan. 30
Alexis Lombre, Feb. 11
Michal Malis, Feb. 26
Robert Nance, March 11
