The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is thrilled to reprise its hit program, American Originals, with Volume 2 performances at Music Hall November 10-12 led by Conductor John Morris Russell. American Originals Vol. 2 explores American popular music at the beginning of the 20th century, re-imagined by guest artists Rhiannon Giddens, Pokey LaFarge and the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Following up on the Pops’ wildly popular 2015 American Originals concert and recording tribute to Stephen Foster, American Originals: Vol. 2 celebrates the American musical heritage, and this edition specifically explores the advent of jazz. Like the first edition of American Originals, these concerts will be recorded live for an album release on the Orchestra’s Fanfare Cincinnati label, scheduled for fall of 2018 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. It will be the first commercial recording in the recently renovated Music Hall.
The concert program will include classic songs by Irving Berlin and George M. Cohan, as well as works by African American composers Shelton Brooks, Will Marion Cook, Eubie Blake, W.C. Handy, James P. Johnson and Spencer Williams. These works will be given all new arrangements featuring the guest artists. Folk artist Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, who was recently awarded a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Award.
The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass sextet the Steep Canyon Rangers, known for their work with Steve Martin, also bring their tight harmonies and skillful expression. Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Pokey LaFarge, known for his charismatic performances and unique brand of cross-genre musical storytelling, as well as tap dancer Robyn Watson, round out the lineup.
Tickets start at $25 and are now available for all performances online at cincinnatipops.org or at the box office located in the south wing of Music Hall. Call (513) 381-3300 for more information.