David English, Mark Freundt, Hope Larson, Lemony Snicket, and Matt Haimovitz on Triad Arts Weekend

This week we revisit some of Team Triad Arts' choice recent interviews, and get a musical look at this Earth Day Weekend. Guitarist David English is one of the performers at the Piedmont Earth Day Fair, and we'll join him in conversation with David Ford, and learn about the art of building the cigar box guitar. Our celebration of Mother Earth continues with Mark Freundt. He's conducting the 4^th annual presentation of the Missa Gaia (Earth Mass). Then we'll get a little silly & confusing with author Lemony Snicket – that is, if he even shows up. Mr. Snicket crafted the wildly popular “A Series of Unfortunate Events” novels, and now he's inking out his peculiar craft in the world of detective fiction. We keep the pen close to paper with acclaimed graphic novelist Hope Larson, and a look at her adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time.” Then we wrap things up with acclaimed cellist Matt Haimovitz. Matt explores the sonic limits of the cello from Bach to Hendrix with indie rock detours along the way. 

Piedmont Environmental Alliance Earth Day - David English and Mark Freundt

It's been said that the great B.B. King himself got his start on a cigar box with a broom stick handle and a single string.  Black Owl Guitars in New Bern, North Carolina is keeping this great music tradition alive.  It's owned and operated by David English and this Saturday, April 26th he'll share demos of his instruments - many of them made with found objects from old farms and warehouses - and he'll perform on the main stage at the 9th annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds.  The Fair's from 10-5 with live music, green demonstrations and vendors, fun for kids, and some great healthy local food options.

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Mark Freundt

Mark Freundt teaches piano at Weaver Academy for Performing and Visual Arts, jazz at Guilford College, and, since 2001, he's also been the Music Director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro.  There on Saturday night at 7:30pm he'll direct the UUC Choir and an amazing jazz sextet in a performance of the Paul Winter Consort's Missa Gaia - Earth Mass. 

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Lemony Snicket

The elusive author Lemony Snicket has written some of the most celebrated books for young readers of the past decade. The 13 volumes of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” have sold over 60 million copies worldwide, and have been translated into 41 languages. They were also turned into a film in 2004 starring Jim Carey.

The latest series to be written by Lemony Snicket is called “All the Wrong Questions.” Its a four volume story, set in the shadowy world of crime fiction. The second installment, “When Did You See Her Last?” was released last fall.

Lemony Snicket was scheduled to appear on the campus of WFU last fall. but unfortunately he was not able to attend. He also stood Eddie up for his interview – but I have been assured it was for the best. I was told this by Mr. Snicket's representative, Daniel Handler.

While Eddie cannot outright recommend you listen to the following interview with Mr. Handler, if you like to be disturbed, perplexed, or simply confused, the following may be of interest to you.

Daniel Handler also recently set up a new annual US prize, quote "honouring a librarian who has faced adversity with integrity and dignity intact".

The Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced With Adversity will remind readers everywhere of the joyous importance of librarians and the trouble that is all too frequently unleashed upon them.”

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Hope Larson

Illustrator and Cartoonist Hope Larson is one of the most celebrated comic book artists of her generation. She's won two Eisner awards, which are the equivalent of an Oscar for the comic book world.  Her first was in 2007 for Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition, and last year, she won for Best Publication for Teens, for her graphic novel adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's “A Wrinkle in Time.” Most recently, Hope wrote and directed a short film called Bitter Orange starring Brie Larson.  Hope is from Asheville, North Carolina, and visited Greensboro last year to take part in the Geek Girl Rising panel at Comic Book City Con. Hope Larson now lives in LA, where she spoke with Bethany Chafin by phone.

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Matt Haimovitz

Cellist and multiple Grammy winner Matt Haimovitz has inspired classical music lovers and countless new listeners by bringing fresh music to concert halls, rock clubs, outdoor festivals, intimate coffee houses—just about anywhere he can reach listeners with passionate performances of world class music. Last September, Matt brought that passion to the University of NC at Greensboro Recital Hall as part of the 17 Days Festival, where Matt explored everything from classic Jimi Hendrix tunes to an unaccompanied Bach Cello Suite. During this segment you'll also hear Matt's take on tunes by Blonde Redhead and Arcade Fire. He spoke with David Ford by cell phone last fall.