By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
According to Joe Zubrick, Caribou Performing Arts Center director, “one of the most unique and compelling interpretations of the late John Lennon’s music comes from The Nu-Utopians (formerly The John Lennon Song Project), a 7-piece ensemble created and led by Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare. “Together they have produced a thoughtfully re-imagined tribute that celebrates the genius and artistry of this icon’s songwriting and singing,” he said.
Contributed photo
Members of the Nu-Utopians will rock CPAC on March 4.
On Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m. the band’s live show will feature entertaining storytelling, superb lead singing and three-part harmonies, plus a host of talented musicians on acoustic, electric and bass guitars, cello, violin, mandolin, accordion, chromatic harmonica and light percussion.
Concert-goers will be treated to exquisite renditions of Lennon’s legendary Beatles’ songs, often weaving melody, lyric and song together in a series of singles and mini-medleys. “These tunes are given surprisingly fresh treatments that often inspire a whole new meaning to Lennon’s original lyric,” said Zubrick.
Selected songs from Lennon’s solo years are also featured during the performance.
In conjunction with the release of “Imagined,” the Nu-Utopians’ live concert will be touring throughout 2011.
Folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step burst upon the scene with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1972. As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim. Since then, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together. www.aztectwostep.com
For 30 years, Devonsquare (Dean, Alana MacDonald and Herb Ludwig), signed to Atlantic Records by Ahmet Ertegun, toured the US and Europe and released five CD’s. A devoted fan base followed these musicians from coast to coast to hear the shimmering three-part harmonies and award winning songs that have earned them an international reputation. www.devonsquare.com
The “Imagined” CD, produced by Fowler and Dean, is dedicated to the late Herb Ludwig and John Lennon. All songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney except “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Johnny’s An Angel” by Rex Fowler.
Don’t miss out on this compelling performance at the Caribou Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 4 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.
Call 493-4276 for details or go to www.rsu39.org/PAC/PAC.html.
