Murial Anderson to perform today in Marlinton
MARLINTON — The Pocahontas County Opera House will present two concerts this weekend, Muriel Anderson this evening and the Terry Richardson Tribute Concert and Fundraiser on Sunday.
The curtain opens 7:30 p.m. today for the Muriel Anderson performance.
Anderson’s renowned guitar and harp guitar playing is highlighted by a backdrop of stunning visuals by celebrated photo-artist and cinematographer Bryan Allen.
Music and art together creates a musical and pictorial journey around the globe, with new tunes, old favorites, stories and images.
One of the world’s foremost fingerstyle guitarists and harp-guitarists, Muriel Anderson is the first woman to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. Her recent CD “Nightlight Daylight” has won top honors in 11 national awards. She has performed/recorded with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Victor Wooten and the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. Her obvious joy of music, humor and her facility across the genres of folk, classical, jazz, bluegrass and international music is revered by guitarists worldwide.
An engaging performer, Anderson’s unique approach to the instrument virtually transforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then a Japanese koto, then a bluegrass band, one minute launching into a Beatles tune and the next, a Rodrigo concerto.
Muriel is host of the renowned Muriel Anderson’s All Star Guitar Night and founder of the Music for Life Alliance charity. In addition, her new program incorporates stunning visuals by Bryan Allen.
According to her website, murielanderson.com, when Anderson first encountered Bryan Allen’s work, she knew she had found her artistic soulmate. She was amazed to find that his photographic art portrayed the same message as her music. The two went on to create the 11-award winning “Nightlight Daylight” album, and in the process discovered that their artistic affinity extended to the heart.
Bryan’s stunning visuals provide an insightful backdrop to Muriel’s music, accentuating the audience experience. They combined their artistry in a live context, and this show is the result. It’s a virtual tour around the world in music and imagery.
Admission is $10 for an adult ticket. Visit www.pocahontasoperahouse.org/event/muriel-anderson/ for ticket information.
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Terry Richardson Tribute Concert and Fundraiser Sunday
Regional musicians will gather at the Pocahontas County Opera House at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to celebrate the life and musical legacy of Marlinton native Terry Richardson in a special concert and fundraiser.
Richardson, the fourth-generation owner of Marlinton’s iconic C.J. Richardson Hardware, which his family operated for more than a century, passed away in May of this year.
A talented guitarist, Richardson also played in a number of bands from a young age, and in recent years, he was a fixture on stage with traditional Appalachian music groups Juanita Fireball & The Continental Drifters and The Elk River Ramblers. The latter played on the Opera House stage just a few months before his passing, as part of the concert hall’s annual Opry Night.
The evening begins with a potluck social and open jam session. Everyone is invited to bring an instrument and join in the music.
At 7:30 p.m., the musical tribute continues with an all-star lineup of Pocahontas County traditional musicians who once played with Richardson, including Juanita Fireball & The Continental Drifters, The Elk River Ramblers, Dwight Diller, Stony Bottom Crossing, Kelsey Beverage & Friends, Clair Mosesso and more.
There’s no admission fee to the tribute concert, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Pocahontas County Opera House, where Richardson frequently enjoyed playing.
The Opera House is Pocahontas County’s premier performing arts center and is part of the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail. The Pocahontas County Opera House is located on 818 Third Ave in Marlinton. Call 304-799-6645 for more information.