Quarteto Nuevo played on the lawn of the Hungry Bear Bar & Grill Sunday, Sept. 26. Pictured (L-R): Guitarist Kenton Youngstrom, percussionist Felipe Frage, cellist Jacob Szekely and soprano saxophone player Damon Zick. While playing several percussion instruments including a cajon, tambourine, cymbals, shaker, and wind chimes made of bottle caps and keys. In this photo Frage is playing the Brazilian frame drum called a pandeiro, a cousin of the tambourine. Its nickname in Brazil is "mini drum set" because it can imitate the sound of the kick drum, snare drum and high hat.
The founders of 2 Valleys Stage Peggy and Rolly Meinholtz enjoying Quarteto Neuvo.
Soprano saxophone player Damon Zick playing a melodica during the Jazz Road Suite "Big Sky."
SEELEY LAKE – The Quarteto Nuevo concert Sept. 26 was a concert of firsts. This was the first 2 Valleys Stage (2VS) concert in 18 months, the first 2VS concert hosted by a local business and the first performance in the concert series held outside. The founders of 2VS were also present and it was the first for many of the more than 75 in attendance hearing a world chamber jazz ensemble.
Rolly Meinholtz and his wife Peggy of Missoula started 2VS in May 2002. The original goal was to bring live professional performing events to the area. It started with musical groups and has expanded to include theatre and dance performances.
"We are so rich in so many ways here in our valleys," Meinholtz said in the April 25, 2002 Pathfinder article "Performing Arts Coming in May." "We have simply some of the most magnificent scenery in Montana, with outdoor opportunities that won't quit, especially the fabulous hunting and fishing. We have great friends and some rewarding activity groups. And we are pleased to go a step further – more food for the mind and spirit especially during the winter months."
Peggy is still so pleased that along with the community performances, the educational outreach in the form of hands-on workshops, now called "informances" have continued in the area schools. Quarteto Neuvo visited Swan Valley Elementary and Seeley-Swan High Schools Monday and Seeley Lake Elementary Tuesday. Potomac School workshop was canceled due to them being in remote instruction.
During Sunday's concert, Quarteto Nuevo played a wide variety of world, classical chamber and jazz music. Many of the songs were original compositions, including a commissioned Jazz Road Suite featuring songs about Colorado, Big Sky and Wyoming.
Soprano Saxophonist Damon Zick explained Quarteto Neuvo is part of a larger project entitled "The Jazz Road Tours" through a touring grant they received from South Arts. Along with songs "Aquilegia" about Colorado and a tribute to Wyoming called "Arches", "Big Sky," written by Percussionist Felipe Frage, debuted at this concert. It was his first composition to be performed with Quarteto Neuvo.
In the song, Soprano Saxophonist Damon Zick played the Melodica, a free-reed instrument, used in place of an accordion. Guitarist Kenton Youngstrom played the Chilean Charango, a small Andean stringed instrument of the lute family.
Many in attendance and Quarteto Neuvo agreed how wonderful it was to be back together and enjoying live music once again with 2VS.
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