Blues, Roots and Rhythm: Corey Harris Band Live at UVA Wise

Grammy nominee and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Corey Harris has carved out his own niche in blues by incorporating influences from reggae, soul, rock and West African music, keeping one foot in tradition and the other in contemporary experimentation. The Corey Harris Band will play the Gilliam Center for the Arts Black Box Theater at UVA Wise on Thursday, September 4th at 7 p.m. in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 49th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series. Tickets are $15 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. For more information and to make reservations, please visit proartva.org.

Corey Harris has performed, recorded and toured with many of the top names in music such as B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Henry Butler, R.L. Burnside, Ali Farka Touré, Dave Matthews Band, Tracy Chapman, Olu Dara, Wilco and Natalie Merchant. Harris was a featured artist and narrator of the Martin Scorsese film, "Feel Like Going Home," which traces the evolution of blues from West Africa to the southern U.S. Harris was born in Denver, Colorado, to parents from Texas and Kentucky. He began his career as a New Orleans street singer, travelling throughout the south. In his early twenties he lived in Cameroon, West Africa, an experience that has had a profound effect on his later work.

With his enduring dedication to pushing the boundaries of the blues, Corey Harris continues to create music that blends tradition and innovation. Corey Harris will perform at UVA Wise with his four-piece band, featuring keys, drums, saxophone and bass.

This performance is made possible in part by the Town of Wise and Pro-Art.