Switchback to perform at CLC
Switchback, the award-winning duo of Marty McCormack and Brian FitzGerald, will present a concert of original Americana tunes at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, at the College of Lake County.
The concert will be in the 250-seat Studio Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. In this Americana program, FitzGerald and McCormack draw on their superb songwriting and delightful harmonies to play a repertoire that ranges from sentimental ballads to blistering rock songs, reflecting both their Midwestern roots and Irish heritage.
Switchback's songs about the Midwest cover everything from the flooding of the Mississippi and the heartache of losing the family farm to the travails of a lonely trucker. The Midwest could easily be considered the duo's musical backyard. They have played almost every state that the Midwest comprises and have their own experiences on the road that have played into the songs.
According to the duo, a lot of their songs come from personal experience and celebrate the joy of living in the Midwest, such as the lighthearted "Haybarn Rendezvous" about a boy and girl sneaking out for a bit of romance while trying to keep away from the dad's pitchfork.
The duo will play mandolin, acoustic guitar and bass, and are known for an almost brother-like blending of voices. In addition to their Americana roots music, Switchback is also considered one of the premiere Celtic acts playing today. The Irish Music Association named them as the top duo for North America, Ireland, UK and Europe in 2009. But, it is their Americana originals that have attracted the interest of producers such as Grammy winner Lloyd Maines, who produced three of their albums including their latest, "Kanoka."
Two concert specials produced by the Emmy-winning director Jack Ginay of WTTW Chicago have aired throughout the US on PBS stations. Switchback's music has also garnered some commercial success, with Chevy Blazer using the song "Climb That Mountain" in a TV ad. The duo plays 200 engagements at performing arts centers and festivals a year around North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.WayGoodMusic.com.
Regular tickets are $38; senior/staff/alumni tickets are $37; CLC students and teens are $15; and children's tickets are $12. A $2 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added at the time of purchase. Other fees may apply to Internet purchases. CLC student tickets are not available for online purchase. Teen and children's tickets must be purchased with adult priced tickets. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300 (option 5). The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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