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NASHVILLE LEGACY: THE MUSIC OF FLOYD CRAMER & CHET ATKINS COMING TO WVC’S BRUBECK THEATRE

Mt. Carmel, IL – An extraordinarily pleasing concert which will leave theatregoers smiling and happy, full of reflection and reminiscence, will be presented in the Brubeck Arts Center on the campus of Wabash Valley College on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., November 18.

Floyd Cramer and Chet Atkins – Two legends at their instruments, two giants in the music industry. FLOYD CRAMER’S unique “slip note” piano style was an essential part of countless country, pop, and rock hits in the 1950s and ‘60s. Exemplified by his 1960 smash hit, “Last Date,” Floyd’s distinctive touch is instantly identifiable and is widely regarded as the standard for country piano. CHET ATKINS is known as one of the world’s preeminent guitar virtuosos and most prolific record producers. His innovative thumb-and-two-finger style brought him unparalleled success as a guitarist, and many of the records he produced for RCA have become classics.

The two have each been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame, and their names have been synonymous with the “Nashville Sound” they pioneered as well as their unique methods of playing the piano and guitar. And though they both lost their lives to cancer – Floyd in 1997 and Chet in 2001 – their Nashville Legacy lives on through Floyd’s grandson, pianist Jason Coleman, and Chet’s niece, guitarist Meagan Taylor.

From a young age, it was evident that JASON COLEMAN had inherited his grandfather’s “slip note” touch at the piano, as it managed to “slip” its way into even the most elementary songs from his early piano lessons. Jason’s keen ability to play music by ear led to a childhood spent arranging his own renditions of the songs he loved, just as his “Grandad” did throughout his career. In addition to sharing the piano bench at home, Jason grew up performing with Floyd at his concerts and on national TV, and though he was only 12 years old when Floyd passed away, the close relationship they shared formed the foundation upon which Jason has built his own career in music.

Jason made his Grand Ole Opry debut at age 17, and two years later, he was given the honor of playing for the Medallion Ceremony recognizing Floyd’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Since then, he has spent his career in the studio and on stage, producing a collection of his own piano albums and touring across the country in concerts that pay tribute to his grandfather’s enduring legacy and signature piano style. Jason makes his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife, Natalie.

Growing up in the family of a guitar legend, MEAGAN TAYLOR was surrounded by a heritage of music – but it was only after high school that she began to seriously develop her own musical talents. Though Chet had taught her to play fiddle as a child, Meagan was 18 when she first picked up a guitar and turned to her “Uncle Chester” for help in the months before he passed away.

In the years since, Meagan has continued learning her uncle’s distinctive fingerstyle guitar from his closest friends and fans. She has recorded a guitar album of her own as well as two collaborations with Jason. Meagan, her husband, Chris, and their three children live in Franklin, Tennessee.

Tickets are $10 and are available at seatonc@iecc.edu, or by calling 618-263-5124. Patron Passes will be honored.