THE GUARNERI UNDERGROUND

 

PERFORMS AT THE TACOMA FREEDOM FAIR

JULY 4, 2003 FROM 8:00 TO 10:00 P.M.

ON THE JACK HYDE PARK STAGE

       A Guarneri Underground show is a funky, upbeat, magical musical trip around the world. Featuring some of the most incendiary talents in the Pacific Northwest, this group amazes audiences everywhere they go with their virtuosity and versatility. Their sound, a wild mix of African, Celtic, Funk, and World Rock makes it impossible for audiences to sit still, so come prepared to dance! 

Their first two releases, "New World", and their latest, "Captive" have been featured on National Public Radio, the Ovation Arts Network, and over 300 radio stations across the US, Europe and Asia. Touring constantly, they have performed live on Channel 13 FoxTV's "Morning's on the Q" show, and are featured performers at this year's Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle. They also love playing to packed houses at the favorite Tacoma nightclub, JazzBones.

This crowd-pleasing group is led by New York City native electric violinist Jeffrey Sick whose credits include the Tony Award Winning Broadway show M. Butterfly, and the soon to be released film "Keep Holding On" with the Children of the Revolution. His violin playing has been featured on the soundtracks to the major motion pictures "The Gift" with Kate Blanchett and the soon to be released "Wooly Boys" with Kris Kristopherson and Peter Fonda, and the A&E Special "PT Barnum". He has also performed with rock legends such as the Meters, Jimmy Buffet, and Buddy Miles just to name a few. This might explain the groups' occasional forays into classic rock, funk, and the music of Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. 

The recent addition of Beth Quist to the group broadens the Underground's horizons considerably. She has toured for the past six years with Bobby McFerrin (Don't Worry, Be Happy), and is arguably the most amazing vocalist in the Northwest today with a natural 4-Octave vocal range with training in a slew of unusual Eastern musical disciplines. She also plays a host of instruments including Hammer Dulcimer, Dumbek (a traditional middle-eastern drum), Keyboards, and Guitar. 

Eric Jaeger, also from the group The Children of the Revolution, is equally at home on flamenco and electric guitar, and he and Jeffrey provide some of the groups most electrifying solo work. 

Mohammad Shaibu, from Ghana, West Africa, contributes mightily on African Talking Drum, Djembe, African style blues guitar and vocals. Having toured for years in Africa with Fela and IK Dairo and the African All-Stars, Mohammad brings genuine power to the Guarneri Underground's Afro/Celt sound. 

Drummer TJ Morris and Bassist Mikel Rollins lay down a groove while putting on a show unlike any you have ever seen. 

This dazzling, world class six-piece band will take you on a musical trip around the world and then return you back to the good ol' USA for an amazing Fourth of July Fireworks display! Don't miss it! 

For more information about the Guarneri Underground, visit their web site: www.guarneriunderground.com