The Barton County Arts Council will present acclaimed Celtic fingerstyle guitarist Jerry Barlow in concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Back Room, 1401 Main St., Great Bend. Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Since seating is limited, reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the Arts Council this afternoon at 620-792-4221 or e-mailing bartonarts1@sbcglobal.net
Barlow’s expressive arrangements of lively jigs, spirited reels, and hauntingly beautiful airs have been described as music to soothe the soul, warm the heart and lift the spirit.
An accessible performer and storyteller, Barlow’s unique and skillfully delivered repertoire incorporates favorite traditional Celtic pieces and his own compositions. For centuries Celtic melodies have been played primarily on the harp, flute, pennywhistle and fiddle. More recently, innovative guitarists have developed methods of playing this enchanting music utilizing alternate tunings combined with finger-style techniques.
In concert, he brings traditional Celtic tunes alive by sharing the history, humor, and legends behind the music. "Jerry Barlow’s performances reveal a performer who is skilled, funny and riveting. Out of the many musicians performing today, the vast majority are skilled in either performing on their instrument or in entertaining an audience. It’s very rare and extremely enjoyable to see a musician at the very top of his craft in both areas," says Scott Beach, Entertainment Director of Colorado Celtic Entertainment.
The Indie Acoustic Project, an international award that celebrates the best in innovative, independent acoustic music, has selected the title song from Barlow’s CD, "Bring Down the Storm," as "one of the best songs of 2006." Songs from his first CD, "Keepsake," have been played on National Public Radio and were included in a PBS documentary, "Song of our Children."
This program is presented in part by the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the City of Great Bend, and CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Great Bend.
