The 2019 Winter Underground Sound Series will feature a number of artists that don’t fit into a specific music category. In fact, the lineup for this winter Underground Sound will showcase bands and solo performers that are intent on making innovative, genre-busting music that defies what we conventionally know as rock, pop, country, hip-hop and more.
Returning this January, the upcoming Underground Sound Series will be held at the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) in Beaver Creek from Jan. 21 to March 7. These concerts feature six emerging artists, each with their own distinctive style and sound. Underground Sound is an opportunity for audiences to see and hear up-and-coming performers.
A pass for all six shows and six drinks for $150, a savings of over $100.
Indie-rock favorites and a new hip-hop orchestra
Kicking off the concert series on Monday, Jan. 21, is Blitzen Trapper, an indie rock-folk band from Portland. Formed in the early aughts, the group first caught the attention of major music outlets in 2007, when their song “Wild Mountain Nation” was named number 98 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Best Songs” list that year. In 2018, Blitzen Trapper re-released a 10th-anniversary edition of “Furr,” their critically-acclaimed album from 2008. Whether you call them indie-rock or alt-country, Blitzen Trapper continues to be a favorite of the Pacific Northwest music scene.
On Thursday, Jan. 31, Ensemble Mik Nawooj will take the stage at VPAC. Led by composer and pianist JooWan Kim, Ensemble Mik Nawooj bills itself as a “hip hop orchestra,” using live classical musicians and compositions to underscore the lyrical rhymes of MCs Do D.A.T and Sandman. Dubbed by the Huffington Post as the “cutting edge of hip-hop,” this creative mashup of classical music and hip-hop is unlike any orchestra concert or hip-hip show you’ve ever seen before.
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Where Bach meets Bon Jovi
In February, the Winter Underground Sound Series continues with its theme of highlighting artists who are breaking musical barriers. On Wednesday, Feb. 6, JJ Grey & Mofro will perform at VPAC with opener The Commonheart. Mixing a little bit of rock, country and Louisiana swamp-blues, JJ Grey has toured around the globe and is known for his electric live shows.
On Friday, Feb. 22, the Dallas String Quartet – Electric will bring their fresh and experimental take on classical music to Beaver Creek. Describing themselves as “Where Bach Meets Bon Jovi,” this talented foursome is taking classical music and updating it for the 21st century.
On Tuesday, Feb. 26, Christie Lenee will perform at VPAC for the first time. Born and raised in Florida, Lenee was recently named the winner of the 2017 International Finger Style Guitar Championship Contest. In addition to her expert guitar playing, the singer-songwriter has a powerful voice fit for an intimate venue like VPAC.
The hillbilly queen of country
Nikki Lane will wrap up the Underground Sound Series at VPAC on Thursday, March 7. The country singer released her third studio album, “Highway Queen,” in 2017, cementing her place as one of the most exciting songwriters and performers to come out of Nashville in recent years. Known for her breakout hit “Right Time,” Lane’s music combines a hillbilly sensibility with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.
VPAC is currently offering an Underground Sound pass, which includes all six shows and six free drinks for $150. Passes are transferable and the concert series gives audiences the chance to discover new music in Beaver Creek throughout the winter season.
If you go …
What: Winter Underground Sound Music 2019.
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek.
When: Jan. 21 through March 7.
Cost: 6 shows and 6 drinks for $150.
