Calendar of Events

Southern Expressions

Saturday, November 02, 2019

7:00pm | Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church

Songs of the South featuring all JCC performance choirs 

and

Special Guest Artists: Violet Bell

(more about Violet Bell)

Tickets are no longer available online.

They will be available in the lobby after 3:30pm.

Can't make it to the concert? Email KT Boling to purchase a DVD. 

 

Sponsored by

 

 

Violet Bell weaves original Americana from folk, soul, and bluegrass music. Based out of Chapel Hill NC, Lizzy Ross and Omar Ruiz-Lopez draw inspiration from the natural world, ancient mythology and the Piedmont’s green hills. The duo honed their strong onstage chemistry playing hundreds of shows from Montreal to Miami since forming in 2016.

Ross & Ruiz-Lopez share a love of rock and R&B that finds its way into their traditionally rooted music. “She’s a songwriter, I’m a composer and multi-instrumentalist, and our ability to blend genres works well for us,” Ruiz-Lopez says. “The world of songwriting offers more freedom than purely instrumental, ‘classical music.’ Combining those singer-songwriter qualities with orchestral technique allows us to create unique textures around our message.”

Violet Bell’s momentum radiates from recording their debut full-length album, Honey in My Heart, set for 2019 release. The album was produce by Violet Bell and Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Nneena Freelon, Dom Flemons, Bombadil, Shana Tucker). The songs were recorded largely live in single takes, free of vocal tuning, isolation and click tracks. Full of personality, Honey in My Heart feels consistent with the duo’s true selves as opposed to hidden behind studio wizardry.

Violet Bell was an official showcasing artist at Americanafest 2018, and has played venues such as WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, Rooster Walk Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Ocrafolk Festival, the Charleston Bluegrass Festival, the Festival for the Eno, the Beaufort Music Festival, Campfire Festival, the Haw River Ballroom, and many more. Violet Bell has worked with KidzNotes, the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra, and others to engage local communities of all ages in educational and inspiring performances and workshops.

Violet Bell was born in 2016, when singer-songwriter Ross recruited Ruiz-Lopez as a multi-instrumentalist for a live album recording show… two weeks before the show. Ruiz-Lopez slayed the performance and brought out a new dimension of beauty in the music. The duo released their debut EP Dream the Wheel in 2017 and have been playing ever since.

“Atmospheric, captivating vocals… Durham duo Violet Bell puts an avant-garde twist on traditional roots music. — IndyWeekly

TICKET NOTE: The JCC is committed to providing quality cultural experiences for audience members of all ages, although young children might find it difficult to sit quietly throughout the entire performance. Therefore, this concert is not recommended for children under 5 years old. Regardless of age, all children must have a ticket. Please inform Ticket Office personnel or Usher if you are attending with a child so that they can assist you in making the best seating selection. No strollers are permitted.

“The JCC is more than just a chorus; it is truly a life-changing experience. The Chorus has opened me to new experiences, provided me with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and helped me discover singing is not just one of my interests but rather a lifelong passion.”

Emma D., JCC Alum

“JCC truly embodies some of the best qualities of team sports: camaraderie, discipline, patience, persistence, and positive mentoring.”

Wali Gomes, JCC Parent

“Being a part of the JCC has not only allowed Christian to experience the fun, excitement and pleasure of singing with friends, it has also helped him to develop a sense of confidence that comes from life skills of hard work and perseverance.”

Elaine Bourne, JCC Parent

“Music is such a valuable part of life. The way it enriches one’s life and encourages creativity, I do not believe anything else can do as much. We in Jacksonville are certainly blessed to have the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus.”

Scott C. Snyder, President, Compass Consulting Group

“Music plays a major role in the full development of a child. Not only does it enrich lives, it also serves as a pathway for students to express themselves and explore new ways to communicate with others. For 20 years, kudos to the JCC for molding the lives of young artists, and I look forward to the next 20 years.”

Tim Cost, President, Jacksonville University