DBR + the SQ Unit

Last February we went to NC State in Raleigh to see a concert of DBR + the Mission. Last night was a toned down version, "unplugged" if you will, of DBR + the SQ Unit. "SQ" meaning string quartet. Sadly, Kimberly could not get out of work with all her days off for Europe and lobbying stuff, so Chris made the solo drive out to Raleigh to see the show himself.

A stop in Raleigh at Flying Saucer Draught Emporium first for dinner after work. The delicious Founders Breakfast Stout was on the docket, yet another brewery making their entry into the North Carolina beer market. Life is good. A French Dip and some stouts, then it was on to the NC State campus and the concert.

Excerpts from A Civil Rights Reader, pieces composed in tribute to heroes of the civil rights movement, were performed.
String Quartet No, 1 X (1993)
String Quartet No. 2 King (2001)
String Quartet No. 3 Powell (2003) -- for Adam Clayton Powell, not the general
String Quartet No. 4 Angelou (2004)
String Quartet No. 5 Parks (2005)

The Parks quartet was interesting with a movement entitled Klap Ur Handz, which had relegated moments and structured composition for hand clapping. Great fun! Takes "classical music" and turns it on its ear. The creativity and message behind the music was jaw-dropping.

Also on the program was a commissioned piece for an octet: a professional quartet plus a quartet of amateur students. 4 students from NC State met the band Monday, and performed onstage as the octet Tuesday. Unreal. Can't imagine how nervewracking that could be. A balance of the complicated and the simple-yet-still-important to the fabric of the piece. Nifty.

February's concert was an auditory onslaught of what you could do with an amplified and electrified violin. Last night's, even though it was unplugged, still exhibited the skills and virtuosity of making the instrument sing and create notes not heard in conventional arenas.

The big score was after the concert, where groupie Chris hung around for autographs and photos. A wonderful evening. Oops, sorry Kimberly. I meant to say that the evening was a waste and the concert was no fun at all. There's no need to feel bad about having to work and missing the performance. It sucked, Kimberly.

Not.