Multi-percussionist hits all the right notes
Published 2:41 pm Saturday, September 23, 2017
COURTLAND
Violins. Who needs them when you’ve got Paul McDermand?
The renown percussionist, who will be accompanied by a guitarist, drummer and bassist, will be more than enough to make music to capture your ears and attention. They’ll perform for the first show of the 40th season presented by the Franklin-Southampton Concert Association.
Paul McDermand will play steel drums, marimbas and other percussion instruments when he performs on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. — Courtesy | www.jeffmobile.photo
This takes place this on Tuesday, Sept. 26, starting at 7:30 p.m. As always, the venue will remain in the auditorium of Southampton High School.
Evidently drawn to percussion at a younger age, McDermand developed his skills to a level that enabled the 19-year-old to play during “The Magic Man,” which featured another teen, David Copperfield.
Also according to the biography provided by Live On Stage Inc. — which provides a wealth of talent to the concert series — McDermand moved to Phoenix in 1981 and continued to develop his musical abilities by performing for stage shows, commercial jingles, film scores and even symphonic productions. Further, he’s performed with Tony Bennett, The Temptations, The Moody Blues and the late Natalie Cole, Liberace and Johnny Cash.
For a 1993 revival tour of the rock opera “Jesus Christ, Superstar,” he accepted an invitation to play.
Back in his home of Scottsdale, McDermand was working on the aforementioned percussion instruments and recording the results on CDs.
The story tells that popular pianist Roger Williams (“Autumn Leaves”) once wrote to him, “If you don’t stop making these beautiful recordings, you’ll put me out of business!”
McDermand and his band were recruited by Live on Stage for the 2014-2015 season, which gave them the opportunity to share their music from coast to coast.
Now, Western Tidewater will get the opportunity to discover McDermand and his music.
Nancy Rowe, the association director, urges regular members to re-subscribe as well as new people to join up. The cost is $50 per adult; $10 for students.
Contact Rowe at 653-2498 or Sandy Holloman at 653-2149 for details or if you have concerns about any cancellations because of inclement weather.
