October 9, 2003

Pianist O’Riley, Nickel Creek will perform at Pick-Staiger

Nickel Creek

Music with a stylistic twist will be performed this fall when classical pianist Christopher O’Riley presents a concert of Radiohead music (Oct. 11) and the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass trio Nickel Creek perform a fusion of alternative rock, pop and folk works (Nov. 5).

Both concerts will be held at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.

O’Riley’s Pick-Staiger debut at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, is geared for wide audience appeal. A renowned classical pianist, O’Riley is known for his broad repertoire and original programming. Many of his recordings include rarely heard classical works or his own interpretations of pieces. With his transcriptions of music by the British rock band Radiohead, O’Riley has found a unique and entertaining way to bridge popular and classical music.

Nickel Creek fans will hear the group’s “postmodern” sounds at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. Originally formed in Southern California more than a decade ago, the trio has received high praise for its “inventive” sound that blends traditional bluegrass with classical, rock, pop and folk music.

Nickel Creek trio members — fiddle player Sara Watkins, guitarist Sean Watkins and mandolin player Chris Thile — are all in their early to mid-20s. Individually, they have performed or recorded with The Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Bela Fleck, Glen Phillips and others. Both Thile and Sean Watkins have released two solo albums each, and all three members have won various instrumental contests in their teens.

After being nominated four times, the Nickel Creek band recently received their first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Rolling Stone magazine included the group in their “Best of 2002” selections, while Time magazine featured the band in the music innovators special in May 2000, naming them one of five Music Innovators for the Millenium.

Tickets for the Oct. 11 Christopher O’Riley Plays Radiohead concert are $12 for the general public; $10 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $7 for full-time students.

Tickets for the Nov. 5 Nickel Creek performance are $25 for the general public, senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff, and $15 for full-time students.

For more information, call the Pick-Staiger Ticket Office at (847) 591-5441. To order tickets by phone call (847) 467-4000.