Loeb Playhouse hosts Bela Fleck tonight

By Jamie Teibel
Senior Writer

It's been three years since Purdue has heard the fusion-oriented sounds of a certain well-known banjo pioneer.

But the wait is over.

Bela Fleck and his band the Flecktones will perform for a full house at 8 tonight in Loeb Playhouse, in support of their seventh album, "Outbound," due for release Oct. 2.

While there are a few scattered seats open, it is unlikely they'll be open for tonight's show, said Laura Clavio, assistant director of Convocations and the adviser to the Student Concert Committee.

She said anyone who attends the show will find something interesting in the band's performance.

"I think they can expect a full pallet of interesting music. Bela Fleck is not only known for bluegrass, but also for his fusion of jazz, gospel and other genres," she said.

Tim Deller, a junior in the Schools of Engineering, first saw Bela Fleck and his band at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis. "They're an incredible band," he said. "Bela Fleck is one of the most talented musicians you could ever go see because he appeals to music fans of so many different genres; they're so diverse."

He said the ability of bassist Victor Wooten "alone could make the show," with his 8- to 10-minute solos, often throwing Amazing Grace into the mix.

Deller encourages fans of other "jam bands" such as Phish and Rusted Root to see Fleck's performance. "It's really like nothing else."

Apparently many people think that.

Fleck has been well recognized for this mixture of genres, being the only musician to receive Grammy nominations in jazz, bluegrass, pop, country, spoken word, Christian, composition and world music.

Admission is $27.50 plus $1 box office fee. Tickets are available through Purdue box offices or by phone 494-3933 or 800-914-SHOW.

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