Tuning Up: Pearl Fryar gets national attention, new jazz band formed
Good morning!
“Tuning Up” is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order…
A pair of #SCartists updates once again from “Tuning Up,” so let’s get to it.
- National spotlight shines on Pearl Fryar: Bishopville’s Pearl Fryar is a living legend. His work has brought untold amounts of delight to those who visit his topiary garden, spread over his own three acres in the tiny Lee County town. Often referred to as one of South Carolina’s best secrets, that narrative is changing—quickly. Garden & Gun magazine published a feature on Fryar and his new apprentice, Mike Gibson, yesterday. Go check it out! Fryar received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2013.
- Charleston Jazz gaining Momentum: A brand-new jazz band debuts in Charleston this March under the auspices of Charleston Jazz. It’s name? Well, no doubt you solved that puzzle. From an email: “The members of Momentum create an eclectic mix of Classic and Contemporary Fusion, R&B, Soul Jazz, and Gospel. Their music is inspired by Robert Glasper, Jon Batiste, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Jill Scott, and Snarky Puppy. Led by Demetrius Doctor (below), music director of the Royal Missionary Baptist Church, Momentum will be an exciting new group comprised of All-Star musicians!” Look for their debut March 11 as they perform 7 and 9:30 p.m. sets at Forte Jazz Lounge.
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