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River Cities Concert Association presents Ryan & Ryan on Thursday, November 19, at Blesch Auditorium (a barrier-free venue) at the Menominee Elementary School in Menominee, Michigan, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. This concert is sponsored by Jeff and Ann LaFleur and Family Practice Dentistry -- Justin Oberdorfer D.D.S. and Allie VanLaanen D.D.S.
Ryan & Ryan is a charismatic father-son piano duo that draws upon classic and contemporary music to create enthralling concert experiences. Their motto is to make "music that inspires."
A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Donald came to the United States to study music, earning degrees from Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. He is well known as a master of diverse styles--evidenced by a diploma from the Ninth International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition as well as his induction into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Donald has also earned the distinction of being among the most accomplished pianists in the world as a Steinway Artist.
Following his father's footsteps, young Barron selected the piano as his instrument of choice and has been performing onstage since the age of four. He distinguished himself in piano studies at the University of Oklahoma and has been a featured soloist across the United States and internationally. Barron is also an experienced composer, and in 2021, was named one of "Ten Innovators to Watch" by Smithsonian Magazine.
Together they have recorded three albums, including Adeste Fideles, an album of Christmas carols with joyous arrangements that sound familiar yet surprising and encompass classical, jazz, and calypso. The pair also emphasizes education. Each pianist has had extensive experience as a featured performer/speaker in the classroom--from elementary through university level--and so the duo understands well how to use music as a motivational tool for students.
As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences of all generations with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Their experience in classical, jazz, ragtime, and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. When the pair performs at Blesch, their program will feature the music of the late great American composer George Gershwin, including such hits as "Rhapsody in Blue," "Kickin' the Clouds Away," and "Sweet and Low-Down." They will also perform tunes by others of Gershwin's ilk, such as Scott Joplin's "The Easy Winners," Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," and Darius Milhaud's "Brasileira." RCCA concertgoers can look forward to "an entertaining and engaging evening of outstanding musicianship, a little bit of education, and a great deal of fun," according to Ken Busby, Executive Director, Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa.
Single tickets will be available at the door, cash or check only. For more information, please contact Barb Akins by calling 906-863-7387 or visit www.rcconcerts.com.