Music venue set for Miami Hamilton Artist Series

July 26, 2006

Dr. Howard Epstein has a knack for recognizing talent in the music industry.

An Educational Psychology professor and coordinator of the Performing Artist Series at Miami University Hamilton (MUH), Epstein prides himself in his ability to book little-known performers with world-class talent. He has been doing it for 22 years.

“ Our goal with the Artist Series is to provide an eclectic mix of live music not ordinarily seen elsewhere in the Greater Cincinnati area, at an affordable price,” Epstein said. For nearly 30 years the Artist Series has brought a diverse blend of rising stars and established performers in bluegrass, Latin, jazz, folk and R&B entertainment to the MUH campus, plus a little stage comedy for good measure.

“ Alison Krauss was a relative unknown when she performed here in 1992, and she blew the audience away,” he said of the now world-famous bluegrass music star. Krauss and her band, Union Station, were featured performers on the soundtrack for the popular movie ‘Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?’ Said Epstein.

The talent is booked for the upcoming Artist Series, which runs through the 2006-07 academic year. Six shows are scheduled.

The series kicks off Sept. 9, 2006, with the Jerry Douglas Band. Douglas is a nine-time Grammy winner, Country Music Academy Instrumentalist of the Year and a featured member of Alison Krauss and Union Station. He is widely regarded as the best dobro player in the world. His band performs bluegrass, country, jazz and popular music.

Following is a snapshot of the remaining events:
Cherryholmes, a family band and current International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year, will perform Oct. 21, 2006; Victor Wooten, bass player with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, and three-time Bass Player of the Year, will perform Nov. 4, 2006; Sakesho, featuring Andy Narrell, who pioneered use of the steel pan drum in contemporary music, will perform Caribbean-influenced jazz music on Jan. 27, 2007; John Starling & Carolina Star, which features three original members of the bluegrass band Seldom Scene, will perform Feb. 24, 2007; The Roches, three sisters from New York City known for their swirling harmonies and extraordinary lyrical perspective, will perform March 31, 2007.

The Artist Series was initiated in 1979. Epstein took over the reigns in 1984 and has never looked back. “ Over the years, Miami’s Hamilton Campus has hosted a number of big-time performers …. mostly music, but some comedy, too. Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal have performed here,” Epstein said.

Noteworthy past musical performances at MUH include popular Latin band Los Lobos, featuring lead guitarist and vocalist David Hidalgo; acoustic guitarist and blues singer Keb Mo; folk legend Arlo Guthrie; bluegrass stars Ralph Stanley, Doc & Merle Watson and Marty Stuart; jazz band Béla Fleck & the Flecktones; jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, and bluegrass bands Nickel Creek and New Grass Revival.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. in Parrish Auditorium on the MUH campus. Individual and season tickets are available online at www.tickets.muohio.edu or by calling (513) 529-3200.

The Artist Series is generously supported by the Bever Family Trust.