Editor's Note: This performance has been postponed indefinitely given COVID-19 concerns.
Country music has strong roots in Texas and has birthed some of the most-loved singers and musicians of our time. This is no different when it comes to American country music classic Asleep at the Wheel.
Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Texas-born band Asleep at the Wheel performs in partnership with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra on March 22 at 5pm in Rudder Auditorium. With 10 Grammy Awards, 20 albums, and 20 singles on the Billboard country charts, AATW has a country-pop sound, known as “western swing,” which has enthralled fans across the board.
If there is a pop band that can bridge the gap between pop and classical concerts, it is AATW, says Marcelo Bussiki, music director and conductor of BVSO.
“They have the following of a very selective and engaged audience that I am sure will be open to an experience with a symphony orchestra,” Bussiki says. “For the ‘classical,’ so to speak, concert goer, this will be a good entry into a diverse world of Asleep at the Wheel.”
AATW was established when Ray Benson, Floyd Domino, and Lucky Oceans, along with Leroy Preston, Chris O’Connell, and Gene Dobkin joined forces. They started with a simple goal: to play and help revive American-roots music.
What began as an opening gig for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, D.C., in 1970 led to a mention by Van Morrison during a Rolling Stones interview, which gained the band record offers and soon fame.
Recent additions Katie Shore, Dennis Ludiker, Connor Forsyth, and Josh Hoag have brought a new sound and style to the band’s Western twang, joining Benson and David Sanger for the now six-piece band. What better way to introduce this new sound than to bring their music to a new generation with the help of BVSO?
The idea behind having AATW perform with BVSO came about during a live performance. The uniqueness of the band, the richness of their arrangements, and the versatility of their style would make a great combination for a joint concert with the symphony and would provide a fresh sound to the community, Bussiki says.
“I approached the band and proposed a performance with the BVSO, which they agreed to, and, a couple of years later, here we are at their 50th anniversary tour,” Bussiki says. “At the time, I was unaware that they had symphony charts ready, which made for a much simpler undertaking.”
The BVSO has made a strong effort in the last few years to expand their season and music genres by including a few more “pop” programs to help bring the concert in line with the steps to explore this path of music, Bussiki says.
“This show can open new doors for our Bryan College Station music community and symphony goers,” Bussiki says. “The main purpose of this show is to offer a unique, fun live musical experience.”
For more information on Asleep at the Wheel and to purchase tickets for the show, visit www.boxoffice.tamu.edu.
