Bobby McFerrin is a 10 time Grammy® award winner. Over 20 million copies of his recordings have sold, and he tours internationally. McFerrin began as an improvisational singer, and has since expanded his talents to include conducting. He combines both of these talents, by creating musical improvisations with large groups of artists, trained or untrained.

Because he is an improvisational artist, Bobby McFerrin’s shows always include the unexpected; it is difficult to describe his concerts, because each one is different. He is capable of singing a four-octave range, and many times he alternates between the bass and the melody in a song. He presents a wide range of music styles in his concerts, too, from African to blues, jazz to Middle Eastern. Often, McFerrin invites audience members to participate in the concert with him, helping him to create music. He is open to whatever happens, and there is no way of knowing precisely what will occur. The beauty of it is that every show is unique.

Joining Bobby McFerrin is jazz pianist Dave Grusin, who moved to Santa Fe in 1986, and whose talents include many musical styles, including classical, rock and folk. You have probably heard more of his work that you think you have. Grusin has composed soundtracks for a number of popular movies. Some of his film credits include The Fabulous Baker Boys, On Golden Pond, Heaven Can Wait, The Goonies, The Milagro Beanfield War, Hope Floats and Tequila Sunrise, among others. Grusin speaks at many events for the Santa Fe Film Institute, and has received retrospective awards from the organization. Both Dave Grusin and Bobby McFerrin are active spokesmen for musical education, something that was so important in their own lives.

Bobby McFerrin and Dave Grusin will be performing in Popejoy Hall on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at 8:00pm. You can purchase tickets online at www.unmtickets.com, at the University Ticket Offices, select Albertson's locations or by calling (505) 925-5858.