Hey Nonny to welcome visionary Dixon’s Violin

For better or worse, most musicians, singers, bands, or ensembles are placed in music genres: jazz, pop, funk, and classical to name a few. It helps listeners sort and find content that suits their taste. So, what to do with Dixon’s Violin? Chip Brooks, co-owner of Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, decided to just book a show (two, in fact), and let people decide for themselves.

“I could say that Dixon is the world’s premiere visionary violinist, but what is a visionary violinist anyway?” Brooks said. “All I can say is that Dixon has performed more than 10 times at Burning Man; has appeared on radio, TV and film; and has given three TED Talk performances. How’s that for a start?”

Dixon’s Violin is booked for shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. An accomplished symphony violinist, Dixon is also a leader in incorporating technology into his music and has combined his two skill sets to launch a new genre of music altogether.

“It’s so rare that a classically trained violinist is also capable of improvisation,” Brooks said. “On top of that, he has a remarkable personal story of transformation that he shares in conversation and song to not only entertain but also enthrall and inspire his audience.”

Dixon performs on an electric five-string violin with an electronic looping system he developed himself to create a live one-man symphony. He has toured extensively across North America.

“This is one I can’t wait to see,” Brooks said. “I think it is a performance guests will remember for a long time.”

Tickets for both shows can be found at heynonny.com.

Hey Nonny is a bistro and music venue located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. The bistro serves an array of fresh seasonal Midwestern comfort-food-with-a-twist and a seasonally changing menu. The music venue hosts live music six days a week, featuring Chicago and touring acts playing jazz, blues, country, folk and rock.