He has been described by the Los Angeles Times as “One of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music—any music—today.” Bristol’s Appalachian Cultural Music Association (ACMA), the Bristol Herald Courier and the City of Bristol Tennessee will be hosting the talented Mark O’Connor on October 9 at 7:00pm at the Paramount Center. The concert is a fundraiser for the ACMA’s Mountain Music Museum. Tickets are on sale now at the Paramount box office. Hours for the box office are Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 5pm or visit www.etix.com. For information on ticket prices and seat locations please call, 423-274-8920.
O’Connor is a product of America’s reach aural folk tradition as well as classical music. His creative journey began at the feet of a pair of musical giants. The first was the folk fiddler and innovator who created the modern era of American fiddling, Benny Thomasson; the second, French jazz violinist, considered one of the greatest improvisers in the history of the violin, Stehpane Grapelli. Working with classical violin icons Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Yehudi Menhuin and Pinchas Zukerman, he absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied and participated in. With his body of work including 45 feature albums of mostly his own compositions, Mark O’Connor’s concerts are one of the must see events.
Opening for O’Connor will be east Tennessee native Fiddlin' Carson Peters, a true musical prodigy and is only 11-years old. Peters and his family live in nearby Piney Flats, Tennessee. He is quickly making a name for himself with his fiddle by winning competitions and entertaining audiences across the region. He began playing at 3 ½ years old and hasn’t slowed down.
The ACMA founded in Bristol, Tennessee was established to preserve the rich cultural music heritage of the Appalachian Mountain. The association promotes the wonderful bluegrass and country music for which the area was officially named, The Birthplace of Country Music.
In addition to the concert there will be a silent auction of several items in the lobby of the Paramount.
