Helix Collective Returns to The Block Oct. 18

Posted on September 23, 2014 in General by Megan James

Muskegon, Michigan, Sept. 22, 2014 – West Michigan Symphony’s alternative concert venue, The Block, in downtown Muskegon is bringing last season’s Los Angeles-based Helix Collective back for another concert this October.

Helix Collective returns to The Block Saturday, Oct. 18, with “Happy Hour” the ultimate Cocktail Party! Cocktail inspired stories from Hollywood screenwriters include Guy Busik, Brian Knappmiller, James Vanderbilt and Matt Popham.

Helix Collective, led by West Michigan Symphony Principal English Horn Phil Popham, works closely with composers to create new music that is fascinating and instantly loveable. With Popham on oboe/English horn, Sarah Robinson, flute/piccolo/alto flute, Meghan Schaut, piano and Lorry Black, marimba, the Helix Collective promises an evening that’s fun and fabulous.

Los Angeles-based Helix Collective performs a high-energy, out-of-the-box mix of world, classical and rock n’ roll. At performances you will find yourself dancing, singing, banging on tables and always having a fantastic time! The ensemble is at home in nightclubs and on the concert stage from a residency at Los Angeles’s venerable Silverlake Lounge to performances for the West Michigan and Pacific Symphonies.

Helix “has a little something for everyone: those who like their classics straight up, with a contemporary edge to it, or with populist appeal” (Audiophile Audition Magazine). Called “dizzyingly virtuosic [with] exquisite musicianship and world-class range” by The Free Times and praised for their “beyond-the-ordinary programming,” the flexible ensemble includes flute/piccolo/alto flute, oboe/English horn, cello, piano and percussion. The group has released two critically acclaimed albums. All In was released in 2009 followed by World Dance Club in 2013.

This season Helix Collective is hosted by the Pacific Symphony, the West Michigan Symphony, the Tahoe Chamber Music Festival, the Unexpected Film and Arts Festival and serves as ensemble-in-residence of Classical Revolution: L.A. Recent engagements include the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Live at Laguna Beach, the White Lake Chamber Music Festival, 21-Sounds Contemporary Music Series and Classical Revolution chapters around the country.

The cocktail party starts at 6:30, and the music begins at 7:30. The Block concert venue is located on the second floor of The Russell Block Building, 360 W. Western Ave. in Muskegon.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the West Michigan Symphony ticket office: 231.726.3231 ext. 223; online at westmichigansymphony.org; or in person at 360 W. Western Ave. in Muskegon. Block05 and Block10 season tickets can also be purchased by calling 231.726.3231 ext. 223; or in person at the ticket office. For more information,visit westmichigansymphony.org/the-block.