Nanaimo Folk Connection Coffeehouse

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Friday, November 20th, 2009
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Corbin Keep - the Wild Cellist

Corbin Keep, originally from Seattle, Washington, is a unique, gifted cellist and multifarious musician.

A rich and diverse musical background began at age eight with guitar, followed by his introduction to the cello when he was twelve. Interest in many styles was apparent early on; in high school, he excelled in both the classical and jazz areas. At 17, he had his first pickup and effects pedal for his cello, which he played, along with guitar, in the school jazz combo.

University followed and over the course of three years at two schools (U. of CO at Denver and Western WA U. in Bellingham, WA) all but two of his courses were in music. Five years on the road were next, playing pop, rock, metal and even some country in bands and a one-of-a-kind experimental duo called 'Meet Men Not Machines'. This featured Corbin on guitar, electric cellos, Taurus pedals and vocals, with a partner playing 'body drums' (their invention) keyboards and vocals.

Within a year after the demise of the 'Meet Men', Corbin's life and musical interests had shifted dramatically. Preferring acoustic cello over all of his other instruments, he began doing 'cello portraits,' (improvised sound readings of people), work with an improvisational theatre company, dance troupes, art show openings, plus occasional performances with various acoustic ensembles. In 1993, ending a six year hiatus from being a full-time professional musician, Corbin returned to the scene with a new solo act featuring the combination of cello and voice, playing a wide variety of music, in settings ranging from intimate coffeehouses to opening for rock bands.

In 2002, Corbin was a presenter at the annual New Directions Cello Festival, where he played a solo concert and led workshops on alternative cello techniques. He has returned to this same festival every year since 2005 to teach, and has also appeared at a number of other music festivals in the US and Canada.

Nanaimo Folk Connection Gatherings are held on the third Friday of each month, at 7:30pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 2174 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo. Admission $5. Refreshments available. Wheelchair accessible. For more info phone 754-1321 or 753-1187.