We are thrilled to present two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, diatonic harmonica artist and composer, Howard Levy. In this performance, Howard will be joined by his frequent collaborator, jazz/blues/rock guitarist Chris Siebold.
Howard Levy, who has won Grammy Awards for Pop Music Performance and Instrumental Composition, is an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica, a superb pianist, innovative composer, educator and producer. At the age of 19, he discovered how to play the diatonic harmonica as a fully chromatic instrument by developing techniques on it that had never existed before. This enabled Howard to take the harmonica out of its usual role as a Folk and Blues instrument, and into the worlds of Jazz, Classical, Middle Eastern music, and more. His discovery unlocked infinite possibilities for the harmonica world.
At home in many musical styles, he is a favorite with audiences worldwide and a recording artist sought after by Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Paquito D’Rivera, Styx, Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, and many others. Howard has appeared on hundreds of CD’s and several movie soundtracks, most prominently on A Family Thing with Robert Duval and James Earl Jones.
His solo album Alone and Together (Balkan Samba Records) and his trio album Tonight and Tomorrow (Chicago Sessions) both received 4-star reviews in DownBeat. Howard also put out a classical CD featuring his Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica and Orchestra- the first true concerto composed for the instrument.
As an educator, Howard has taught at leading universities and conservatories, and online for TrueFire/ArtistWorks. His revolutionary technique book “Rhythms of the Breath” is the first of its kind to apply drum rudiments to the harmonica, influencing players around the world.
Howard Levy and Chris Siebold Duo
The duo has performed to great acclaim in the US, Europe and South America. Howard Levy’s virtuosic harmonica and piano playing, Chris Siebold’s masterful resonator guitar work (and soulful singing on a few numbers) - that’s all you need for a spirited evening of jazz, blues, pop, classical and original compositions that transcend genre or category.
Chris Siebold, house guitarist for 5 years on A Prairie Home Companion, draws from a deep well of influences, and plays many styles of music including blues, bluegrass, jazz, world music and rock. He is a member of the internationally renowned fusion band Kick the Cat, and has played with many notable musicians around the world. He brings intensity, soul and his incredible technique to any style of music.
Chris is a native of Chicago, where he has lived and worked as a professional guitarist since 1996. He is a guitarist, composer/songwriter, arranger, singer, free-lance journeyman. In addition to playing with Kick the Cat, and Howard Levy's various ensembles, Chris has played with MAGGIE SPEAKS, Anne Harris Band, The Renegades, Andrew Ripp, and Patricia Barber among many, many others. He received a BA in Music and Guitar Performance from Elmhurst College in 1998. Upon graduating, he accepted an adjunct teaching position at the college and taught private lessons and led performing ensembles for 9 years. Notably, Chris was a featured guitarist on NPR’s “Prarie Home Companion”, and established the Elmhurst College Gretsch Guitar Ensemble in 2000 which is still going strong today!
Your paid ticket includes coupons for three complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks).
Profound thanks to Stewart and Sue Liechti for their generous sponsorship of Howard Levy's appearance.