Western Piedmont Symphony presents Ariel Pocock & Chad Eby Jazz Duo
Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS), the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina, presents CROSSROADS: ARIEL POCOCK and CHAD EBY JAZZ DUO in concert on THURSDAY, January 18, at 7:30 PM at Drendel Auditorium (at the SALT Block) in Hickory, NC.
Kicking off the 2024 half of the season of the CROSSROADS CONCERT SERIES on January 18 are North Carolina jazz artists Ariel Pocock, piano and vocals, and saxophonist Chad Eby. The jazz duo has been delighting audiences around the world for the past five years with their intimate duo interpretations. Expect bold and whimsical twists on the familiar, lesser-known gems from jazz, film, and popular song, as well as compelling original compositions. “From Chad’s work with Lincoln Center’s Essential Ellington program to Ariel’s performances at the Montreal and Tokyo jazz festivals, these two dynamic performers represent WPS’ commitment to bringing exceptional talent and concert experiences to our community,” noted WPS music director Matthew Troy.
Western Piedmont Symphony’s new CROSSROADS CONCERT SERIES (formerly the Chamber Classics Series) explores different genres of music in an intimate venue setting. “Hickory is situated at the true crossroads of our region, and the reimagined CROSSROADS CONCERT SERIES will showcase the diverse, rich musical traditions of our state and beyond,” added Troy.
Western Piedmont Symphony CROSSROADS CONCERT SERIES is presented in conjunction with L.A.T.E. hours at the Hickory Museum
of Art, and with generous support from the United Arts Council of Catawba County and the North Carolina Arts Council.
CROSSROADS tickets are $28 for adults and $10 for students with valid ID. Purchase by visiting wpsymphony. org/tickets, call 828.324.8603, or visit the WPS Box Office, located on the SALT Block at 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, 28601. Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Drendel Auditorium is located at the SALT Block at 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Please note: All programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates are subject to change.
Western Piedmont Symphony’s 2023-2024 season – MUSIC FOR YOU - expresses human stories and connections evident in each of the works or composers represented. The 59th season continues in 2024 with Masterworks: Carmina Burana featuring 150 singers in one of the 20th century’s most spellbinding and immersive classical music experiences on Friday, February 9, 2024. For more information about the Western Piedmont Symphony 2023-2024 season of concerts and events, visit wpsymphony.org.
About the Artists:
Ariel Pocock has received international acclaim as an equally captivating jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer. Pocock’s notable performances as a headline act include the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the 2014 Jazz Cruise, the Tokyo Jazz Festival, the Quebec City International Jazz Festival, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and many more. Chad Eby has earned widespread critical acclaim as “a consummate improviser” (Jazz Times), “has tremendous poise and natural melodic sense” (Ottawa Sun), and his “tone is boundless, bluesinflected, and wholly satisfying” (AllAboutJazz.com). Eby is Associate Professor in the Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program at UNC Greensboro and is a Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Woodwinds Performing Artist. Enjoy Ariel Pocock and Chad Eby duo’s albums “BFFs” and “Friendships: BFFs II” at www.chadeby.bandcamp.com.
About Western Piedmont Symphony:
Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS) is the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina, based in Hickory. For 59 years, WPS has enriched and engaged the communities of western North Carolina through high-quality symphonic music with creative, relevant performances, and educational opportunities for all ages. Each season, the Symphony presents an inspiring classical Masterworks series, a fun and unique Foothills Pops series, varying ensembles in the Crossroads series, familyfriendly Discovery concerts, plus education and community engagement programs in the Catawba Valley, all under the artistic direction of Maestro Matthew Troy. Western Piedmont Symphony is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. Business offices are located on the SALT Block at 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory. Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. - Fri. For more information about Western Piedmont Symphony, call 828-324-8603, visit wpsymphony.org, or email info@wpsymphony.org. Follow Western Piedmont Symphony on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X.