The next destination for the Taj Mahal Trio will not be as exotic as those it draws its influences from. Instead, the group will head to the historic Stuart’s Opera House for its next pit stop.
The Grammy-winning trio will take Stuart’s stage for the first time Wednesday night.
“I think this is a perfect show for Stuart’s and our audience,” said Brian Koscho, marketing and promotions coordinator for the theater. “Stuart’s Opera House works to bring great music to our region, both in the form of legendary and well-known musicians and those who are up-and-coming as well. I think Taj Mahal falls into that first category.”
Born Henry Fredericks, Mahal’s career began in the 1960s when he began his ventures into blues music. The composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist has released 25 studio albums, eight live albums and 12 compilations.
Mahal draws inspiration from music from many places throughout the world, including West Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. Mahal said he focuses on creating music with a beat that gets people moving.
“The one thing I’ve always demanded of the records I’ve made is that they be danceable,” he said in a news release. “(It’s) danceable, it’s listenable, it has a lot of different rhythms. It’s accessible, and it’s all right in front of you.”
According to the news release, Mahal has influenced other well-known musicians such as Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Angelique Kidjo and Los Lobos.
Koscho said the nature of the band should work perfectly with the atmosphere of Stuart’s.
“I think everyone can expect a great evening of music in our intimate and historic venue,” he said. “Stuart’s is a perfect place to see a group like this, and it will be a great show.”
Tickets are $42 in advance and $47 at the door.
eb104010@ohiou.edu
