Take four classically-trained musicians. Put custom-crafted, electric string instruments in their hands. Give them a catalogue of music that spans the Baroque to modern-day movie themes. The result, Stringfever.
Stringfever will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College (CLC). Presented as part of CLC's Cultural Arts Series, the show promises a night of music presented in an unique fashion.
Hailing from London, England, Stringfever is touring the United States with their high-energy show and seen by audiences from coast-to-coast. According to one reviewer, the band "exudes charisma and warmth, coupled with such talent and humor." Another reviewer said of the performance: "Stringfever produced an outstanding performance combining obvious musical accomplishment and clever audience awareness with quick repartee."
The show has several mainstay features to it. The quartet plays a medley of movie music themes, often run as a contest with a prize for anyone guessing all 20 themes. Stringfever plays Ravel's masterpiece "Bolero" with two audience volunteers and the four band members playing one cello at the same time, something that has to be seen to be believed. "The History of Music in Five Minutes" is made up of 40 tunes packed into a frenetic five minute finale.
Stringfever is made up of three brothers and a cousin, all sharing the last name Broadbent. Giles is the big brother leader of the pack. He's a former West End konzertmeister. With training from the Royal Academy of Music, he's a gypsy violin demon: You name it, he'll play it, the faster the better. His favorite sports include skiing and cordless bungee jumping. Giles plays a bright blue five-string Violectra.
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Ralph is the middle brother, and serves as the Trusty Lieutenant. With a degree from the Royal Academy of Music, Ralph is known as The Orchestrator: You hum it, he'll arrange it. Self-described as "football mad," he plays a sunburst yellow and green six-string Violectra.
Neal is the little brother. He describes his musical style as Yo Yo Ma meets my ma's Yo Yo. He fancies himself a male model, international playboy and general 'Funky Gibbon.' Neal learned to walk in 1986. You name it, his brothers will tell him to do it. He plays a red five-string Violectra.
Graham is the cousin in the quartet of Broadbents. He's known both as a gentle giant and as "Mr. Rhythm." With training from the Royal College of Music, Graham is a do-it-yourself expert: You name it, he'll build it (violas included). His hobbies include general knowledge and eating a lot. Graham plays a navy blue five-string Violectra.
Tickets for Stringfever are available from the CLC Theatre Box Office at 855-8199, or online at clcmn.edu/arts.
