11th & Grant with Eric Funk is bringing the music in April. Here’s a look at a few of the upcoming shows. In America during the late 50s and early 60s, a new sound made landfall: Brazilian Jazz. This intimate, straight-time “bossa nova” sound quickly hit the airwaves and took hold on records and in live performances by everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Dave Brubeck. Rio brings us a stylistically pure performance through the haunting voice of Julia Yates and the skilled hands of guitarist Tim Drackert on 11th & Grant with Eric Funk in the April 7th episode airing at 7pm on MontanaPBS.
Kalispell classical guitarist Steve Eckels will be featured in the April 21st episode, also airing at 7pm on Montana PBS. Eckels is a skilled guitarist and educator whose formal training as a classical guitarist enables him to perform in a variety of styles. Steve showcases his arrangements of well known classical pieces, combined with traditional American folk songs, creating a unique sound and varied repertoire. From Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, La Boheme and Tosca to Americana classics like Red River Valley and Deep River Blues, Steve’s virtuosity takes center stage. Throughout his career, Eckels has become well versed in all things music, and he shares that passion and knowledge as a long time teacher and in the publication of several works ranging from textbooks to magazine columns. He holds a Master’s degree in guitar from New England Conservatory and a Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music. 11th & Grant with Eric Funk is the premiere outlet for music performance in Montana, seeking out the state’s most acclaimed, accomplished, and pioneering talent. The seven-time Emmy winning performance series also devotes significant time to each artist’s personal story, insights into their music and their approach to life, ultimately providing a deeper experience than a seat at a concert. Accomplished composer and musician Eric Funk serves as host and artistic director, hand selecting each performer from communities around the state to form a diverse series featuring genres from jazz to classical, country to zydeco, and rock to fusion. 11th & Grant with Eric Funk airs on MT PBS. Visit montanapbs.org/ for more information. •
