From Jazz Guitar to Classical Tenor – November Has Something for Everyone @The Block

Muskegon, Michigan, Sept. 22, 2014 – West Michigan Symphony’s alternative concert venue, The Block, in downtown Muskegon will feature two concerts with two very different artists this November.

At the top of the month Saturday, Nov. 1, Chicago based jazz guitarist Goran Ivanovic, a native of Croatia, will embrace his traditional Balkan folk music with a concert that presents an amalgamation of flamenco, Balkan, classical, blues and jazz.

A skilled jazz guitarist, Ivanovic has appeared at the Chicago World Music Festival, the New York Guitar Festival, the New York City Jazz Festival and at legendary Jazz clubs such as The Blues Alley in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, Joe’s Pub in New York City and Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia.

Ivanovic’s trio (guitar, bass and drums) will perform a fusion of foreign folk music with the improvisational esthetics of American jazz in a concert titled “Guitar. Trio. Sausage.”

Later in November The Block will host well-known American tenor Christopher Pfund in “Pfund. Fauré. Fondue.” After his portrayal of the roasting swan in Orff’s Carmina Burana with West Michigan Symphony Friday evening, he’ll bring song cycles of Fauré and Schumann to The Block Saturday evening Nov. 22.

Praised for his oratorio work and a passionate performer of contemporary music, critics have praised Pfund’s “rounded vocal beauty” and The New York Times called his voice an “attractive tenor [that] helps define a sympathetic character.” Pfund will be joined by pianist Kelly Karamanov, Principal Piano for the West Michigan Symphony.

“The Block is a place where you should expect the unexpected,” said Natalie Carmolli, WMS Director of Marketing “these two very different concerts will appeal to a wide range of music lovers.” Served up with complimentary savory treats and cash bar that opens at 6:30, both concerts begin at 7:30 and run approximately 2 hours. The Block concert venue is located on the second floor of The Russell Block Building, 360 W. Western Ave. in Muskegon.

Tickets for the event are $25 and available at 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.

For more information, visit westmichigansymphony.org/the-block.