George Winston to perform CSA benefit concert
Photo/Dancing Cat Productions
George Winston, Grammy-winning pianist, will
perform in EOU's McKenzie Theatre on Oct. 9
at 7:30 p.m.
By Laura Hancock
Media and Publications Writer
lhancock@eou.edu
La Grande, Oregon – Grammy-winning solo pianist, George Winston, will perform a live concert in McKenzie Theatre on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m., hosted by the Community School of the Arts at Eastern Oregon University.
Recognized for his signature style of melodic folk piano, Winston has recorded ten solo albums. His most recent release, “Montana – A Love Story,” is inspired by his childhood memories growing up in Big Sky country. Winston will perform songs from this latest CD and from his 2002 Grammy nominated release, “Night Divides the Day – The Music of the Doors.”
“We are extremely excited to be able to bring an artist with such talent and international acclaim to the campus of EOU,” said John Winn, director of the Community School of the Arts. “This is a great opportunity for our community and we hope this is will be the first of many such concerts in the future.”
Early on in his life, Winston was inspired by the sounds of R&B, blues, rock and jazz. In 1971, he recorded his first solo piano album, “Ballads and Blues,” and in 1994 he won a Grammy for his release, “Forest.” He is also an accomplished artist on the guitar and harmonica.
Winston founded Dancing Cat Records in 1983 and began recording and producing albums featuring the music of Hawaiian slack key guitarists. The first of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Series was released in 1994 under Dancing Cat’s label.
“Having a national recording star in La Grande is important to the community and to young musicians, especially someone like George who grew up in rural Montana,” Winn said. “It helps them to see that if someone from a small area can become a national artist, there are possibilities for them as well. This is just one of the many concerts CSA hopes to bring to La Grande.”
Advance tickets are now on sale for $20 at the EOU Bookstore, Sunflower Books and through the CSA Office. Tickets at the door will be $25. A portion of the net proceeds of Winston’s fall concert tour will be donated to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
For more information contact the CSA Office at (541) 962-3629 or visit www.eou.edu/csa.
Contact Information for Admissions
Eastern Oregon University
University Advancement
One University Boulevard
Ackerman Hall, Room 209
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: 541-962-3740
Fax: 541-962-3680
Email: advancement@eou.edu