The Bee Cave Bee

 

A unique opportunity begins the new year Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, with the performance of Invoke, a genre-bending string quartet unlike anything else in Austin. The family-friendly show starts at 7 p.m. at Spicewood Vineyards Event Center.

 

Third in the concert series presented by the Spicewood Arts Society, Invoke has become known for their inventive take on traditional string music, dubbed “not classical. . .but not not classical.”

All four of Invoke’s members, Nick Montopoli, violin/banjo; Zach Matterson, violin; Karl Mitze, violin/mandolin; and Geoffrey Manyin, cello, received classical training. Currently they are the Young Professional String Quartet in Residence at UT-Austin, studying with the esteemed Miro Quartet.

 

They’re gathering accolades around the country for their fearless approach to the usually formal music, writing their own compositions weaving together bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, and minimalism. While influenced by American composers like Aaron Copland, the result is truly original. 

 

Invoke incorporates poetry, song, and the spoken word into their music, and it’s all about telling a story.

 

“Everything we do stems from a love of narrative, a love for story,” said cellist Geoff Manyin.

Their second year of residency has been a busy one. Releasing their first album with vocals, Furious Creek, in October, they went on the road, performing in Columbia, SC for the Southern Exposure new music series and soloing with the Glacier Symphony in Kalispell, MT. They’ll finish their residency in May and plan to stay in Austin, finding it a rich area for collaboration.  They’re also enjoying Austin’s tacos and breweries.

 

For more information on Invoke, visit www.invokesound.com.

Included in season tickets, the single ticket price for the show is $35. Parking is free. Light refreshments will be available at intermission. Spicewood Vineyards’ award-winning wine will be available for purchase.

 

The Spicewood Vineyards Event Center is located at 1419 Co. Rd. 409, Spicewood. For more information or to purchase tickets, see www.spicewoodarts.org or call 512-264-2820.