Artslink

ArtsLink’s 2021-22 Concert Series concludes with a concert by pianist Barron Ryan on Thursday, April 28 at 7pm at the Gold Derrick Gallery on Wells Street in Sistersville.

The evening’s entertainment will feature Barron Ryan in his concert “Classic Meets Cool”. ArtsLink coordinator Donna Earley comments, “Barron is not your usual classical pianist. Keep your fingers crossed for some Michael Jackson. His classical music really is cool!”

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

Everything did not come up roses, however, as Barron was then rejected from all the music conservatories one might be impressed by. Disheartened and a little annoyed, he briefly gave up on the piano in pursuit of a satirical hip-hop career. But due to a favorable result in a piano competition that sent its winner to perform internationally, that project was graciously short-lived.

Thanks to that concert tour, Barron found his artistic voice. He discovered the joy of jazz- and ragtime-inspired concert music (found on his debut album, Classical with Attitude), and learned from great jazz pianists by replaying their solos (found on his second album, The Mastersá Apprentice).

In 2019, Barron noticed a shocking lack of funk-, pop-, and country-inspired classical music. Realizing he could fill that void, he composed the “Magic City” Sonata and a dance suite called Suite Thing. Those works are now published and recorded on his third solo record, First of Its Kind.

Barron is following in his favorite composers’ footsteps by publishing his original works in the public domain. He offers his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe. What’s next? You’ll have to wait to find out, but rest assured that in all Barron Ryan’s music, Classic Meets Cool.

Reservations may be made by calling ArtsLink at 304-455-2278 or by purchasing tickets at the door. Ticket prices for ArtsLink members are $10 individual, $15 family; non-members, $15 individual, $25 family; students $5. Credit cards will be accepted.

Funding for this program made possible with support from West Virginia Northern Community College, WETZ/WYMJ Radio, Ohio Valley Online, EQT Foundation, and the Dominion Foundation. This program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. This engagement of Barron Ryan is made possible through the Special Presenters Initiative program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. With additional support from the Harry E. and Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact us at 304-455-2278 to request assistance.