Perhaps I'm unnecessarily contrary, but I'm addicted to the road less traveled.
Robert Frost was probably not too far off track:
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Takes my breath away...
The sage warning of little known Greek poet and algorithmic philosopher Netflictus who, as recorded on a recently unearthed tablet from the Foro Romano now identified by archaeologists as a corollary to the Book of Faces, still holds true two millinnea hence: "There are at any point in time and space, whether on one's way to market in the morning or seated in the smallest room of one's dwelling place in the evening, an infinite number of roads to choose from; even vermin know the careless mouse will get lost in a maze of meaningless pursuits if he doesn't choose higher ground."
When choosing my own less-trodden pursuits, I try to navigate by Isaac Newton's wonderful morsel: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
I admire people who in some small way forge fresh tracks, unearth new pathways out of the wisdom of old soil.
Broadway's song-writing duo Kerrigan and Lowdermilk falls into this category. Simple and seemingly unsophisticated at first blush, their music and lyrics are fresh, vibrant and immediate; repeated listening reveals a depth of expression that makes you fall in love. Similar to Adam Gwon, another favorite up-and-comer Broadway composer striking out in new directions, their songs disarm you unexpectedly and leave you wanting more.
A couple months ago I reconnected with Brian Lowdermilk because I was dying to present a couple more of his songs at our concerts this weekend. Broadway orchestrations are typically for a pit orchestra of only 8-17 or so musicians, so the Philharmonic would need something bespoke. Brian consented :)
Last night he shared:
"Thrilled to have my good friends Josh Young and Emily Padgett
performing my songs with David Wolff and The Carolina Philharmonic. I feel very lucky that for the past two years David has offered me the chance to premiere new 52-piece arrangements of my work. Opportunities for young theatre writers to write large scale orchestrations are extremely rare, and I'm very grateful to David and to the CP."
The results are gorgeous!! On Tuesday night the orchestra read through "Say the Word" with Emily Padgett, who brings grace, beauty and passion to it, and "Run Away with Me" (without soloist Josh Young, who flies in today after a concert last night in Philly).
Take a listen to these two songs in their pre-orchestrated versions, sung epically by Josh from his new CD and poignantly Lauren Samuels.
Come out on Saturday to hear Josh and Emily sing them in full splendour.
Want to learn more about artists above?
Visit them on Youtube and on Twitter: Kerrigan and Lowdermilk, @kaitandbrian; Josh Young @joshpaulyoung; Emily Padgett @MissEmPadgett; Lauren Samuels @Laurensamuels88; Adam Gwon @AdamGwon
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SATURDAY'S CONCERT. THE 7PM SHOW SOLD OUT WEEKS AGO BUT THERE ARE STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE 3PM MATINEE OF "A NIGHT ON BROADWAY"
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
(there are no online fees, and tax is included.)
You may also get tickets at our Box Office (5 Market Square, Pinehurst, open weekdays 10am-4pm), by calling the ever-friendly Sherry at 910-687-0287.
General admission tickets (seats pre-assigned) – cash or check only – are available by visiting any of our outside vendors around our local communities:
Heavenly Pines Fine Jewelry, 5 Dowd Circle, Pinehurst
Artist League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St, Aberdeen
Arts Council of Moore County, 482 E Connecticut Ave, Southern Pines
Nature’s Own, 95 Bell Avenue, S. Pines
Sandhills Winery, 1057 7 Lakes Dr, West End
The Country Bookshop, 140 NW Broad St, Southern Pines
The Given Outpost, 95 Cherokee Road, Given Outpost, Pinehurst