Colin Currie's a big hit playing Higdons percussion concerto with the Utah Symphony

This weekend the Utah Symphony played host to Maestro JoAnn Falletta (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra) and percussionist Colin Currie. The program consisted of:

Enesco: Rumanian Rhapsody in A major, Opus 11, No. 1

Higdon: Percussion Concerto 

and

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Opus 36

They were all enjoyable, but my favorite by far was the Higdon percussion concerto. That was cool! I don't think there is a recording available yet, but keep an eye out for this one. If you get an opportunity to hear this work, take it, be it live or memorex. Even if your not a fan of classical music, you will still enjoy this.

Jane Goodall ... really is.

Hi there. Just finished up a gig for the U of U College of Humanities. The 2008 Lyceum II Lecture. The keynote speaker was Jane Goodall, the chimp ladie. What an incredible humanitarian, and not a bad speaker either.  The setting was Abravanel Hall, my second home as of late, and the subject was Peace with Nature. The evening also featured writer Terry Tempest Williams and a local folk/bluegrass band "Red Rock Rondo".  Tremendous talent all-around. Red Rock Rondo's music about Zion's Canyon and the surrounding area reminded me of the symphony's yearly tour to Springdale, located at the south entrance to Zion's National Park. Terry Tempest Williams piece on the plight of the local Prairie Dog population was moving and stirred guilt in me for having ever kicked dirt into the burrow of some poor animal.  But all in all it was a wonderful evening and a nice break from the symphony, made especially enjoyable by having my dad accompany me in the light booth.

Check out some of the links below.

Jane Goodall Institute

Jane Goodall's organization Shoots & Roots

Home - Roots & Shoots : Engaging and empowering youth with service ...

Red Rock Rondo's Website.  PBimstein - Red Rock Rondo

College Of Humanities :: The University of Utah

Terry Tempest Williams: Coyote Clan