CU’s Artist Series begins the spring half of its 2004-2005 season with a performance by virtuoso vocalist Bobby McFerrin in Boulder’s Macky Auditorium Thursday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. This is the premiere event of CU's splendid 2004-05 season.  Tickets for this performance are extremely limited and will sell out at any time.

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin is one of the world's best-known vocal innovators and improvisers, a world-renowned classical conductor, the creator of one of the most popular songs of the late 20th century and a passionate spokesman for music education. His recordings have sold over 20 million copies, and his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea, the Vienna Philharmonic and Herbie Hancock have established him as an ambassador in both the classical and jazz worlds. In 1988 he released the album “Simple Pleasures,” which was his homage to the music of the 1960s. A joyous ditty created on the spot in the recording studio became the phenomenal hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Given this taste of unexpected pop superstardom, Bobby McFerrin seemed to switch gears and decided to take a sabbatical and to begin a serious study of conducting, including lessons with Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Meier and Seiji Ozawa. The enthusiasm, infectious joy, and virtuosity that characterize his solo performances have made McFerrin a successful communicator in the classical music world as well.

In recent years, he has extended his vocal journeys to larger groups of singers—whether trained or not. McFerrin’s solo concerts have always included audience participation; McFerrin sees them not as “singalongs” but as a genuine collaborative process of making music in the moment. For more information including a complete biography and print quality photos visit http://www.bobbymcferrin.com.

A pre-concert conversation with CU-Boulder Instructor of Choral Music Education Sue Williamson will be held before the performance at 6:45 p.m. in Macky Room 102. This event will provide insights into Mr. McFerrin's experience and skills that will expand the excitement of his performance.

The Artist Series, now in its 67th season, has a rich tradition of bringing the finest performers in the world to Boulder’s Macky Auditorium. Past performers on the series have included Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Bell, and the Garth Fagan Dance Company. In addition to serving audiences with an exciting variety of performances, the Artist Series has an important educational mission, including outreach events planned in conjunction with almost every concert.

The CVJS Afterglow is one of a series of events designed for audiences to 'digest' exciting performances and, when possible, honor the skills of the performer. CVJS cannot guarantee Mr. McFerrin will attend (his taxing tour schedule leaves little room for parties), but the event will feature a short but rewarding program by Colorado's premiere vocal jazz ensemble,Groove Society, skilled in performance and training, and 2003 Champions of the Rocky Mountain Harmony Sweepstakes! Join us in our salute to these wonderful performers and the music they love so much. (see above)

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