Chris Spheeris "SongBook Live" CD release party - with Chris Spheeris, Eric Zang and Courtney Yeates.

Chris (guitar, piano, voice) will be joined by Eric Zang (percussion, oud, ney) and Courtney Yeates-Levy (cello, voice) for the celebration of the birth of Chris' new live CD. "SongBook Live" is a collection of 14 vocal Spheeris originals and two instrumentals including a lovely new piano/cello duet, "Another Time". If you have not seen Chris perform recently or at all, this dynamic trio delivers an evening filled with joy, levity, intimacy and virtuosity in musical styles that gracefully highlight and blend pop, classical, world and folk music. Friday, March 26, 2010, 7:30 pm in the Great Room. All attendees will receive a free CD included in the $20 price of admission. Tickets available at Crystal Magic, Golden Word and The Worm bookstores.

Chris Spheeris

Chris Spheeris has 18 recordings spanning two decades that have sold in excess of one million copies. Spheeris’ art is an uplifting experience in the musical fusion of world harmony and is an eclectic combination of guitar and piano melodic expression. The Wisconsin native has scored numerous documentary films and is a pioneer in the field of modern romantic music. His music is heard on television and radio all over the world and recognized as some of the most elegant music gracing the airwaves today. Best known for his multi-cultural, romantic instrumental recordings, Chris Spheeris has sold more than one million records in over 40 countries.

A 20 year resident of Sedona, Chris Spheeris helped pioneer the new age movement by being one of the first such artists to be signed to a major record label in the late 80’s. Disarmingly candid and lighthearted, Spheeris’ deep philosophical nature accentuates his unusual gift for creating a warm connected atmosphere during his performances. In addition to his musical works, Spheeris also finds inspiration in authoring what he refers to as “transformational poetry”, and in capturing the moment with his colorful photography. For examples and more information please visit www.chrisspheeris.com.

In 2008 Chris received his first Emmy award for a soundtrack he created for Duncan Entertainment called "In a Just World". The documentary is an exploration of the ways abortion and contraception are practiced and prohibited in different cultures. Between occasional performances Chris directs his creativity to photography and digital art, and creating and scoring original meditations (to be released late in 2009). His extensive portfolio includes images of Greece, classic cars, flowers and cacti, portraits and abstract composite mandalas.

What does the future hold for this artist? In his own words, “Images, musical and spiritual journeys, a celebration of life, and whatever else inspiration brings. Whatever is most inspiring to me, I work to translate into a form of expression and communication. That is my fundamental nature and my job.

Here's what audience members have said about my performances:

"Chris's openness and vulnerability create an intimate evening of music, song, poetry, and storytelling. His wonderful artistic talents merge seamlessly as he interweaves them with his universal spiritual message. Spellbinding, affirming, touching, and present, Chris's artistic wizardry aligns his audience to a positive relationship with self and others. A truly joy-filled and magical evening."
"Simply....Thank you, and your musicians, for last night's incredible journey. Your music transported me from the "everyday" into a place inside myself that I didn't know existed.
Your music brought me to tears a few times! I go to concerts all the time and yours was probably one of the best ones I've ever seen!"
"It was a privilege to be with the four of you and watch and feel the music and the love flow from you. I have never enjoyed a concert as much in my life. I think that the whole world needs to hear and see and experience what you performed last night."
"At times I felt like I was transported to another place. I loved your interaction with one another and the gestures, smiles, and connection that you all have is just pure Love and Admiration."
"It was an evening of pure exhilaration and joy mixed with so much love. We are still feeling the "HIGH" vibration from your music. It is like nothing I've ever experienced."

Eric Zang

Eric Zang's background is primarily in Middle Eastern music, with influences from folk to classical styles. During his many travels abroad he has absorbed an astounding array of musical influences. Zang will play the ney, a Turkish flute, as well as several Middle Eastern percussion instruments. His past collaborations include African music with CK Ganyo, Latin music with Ted Solis and flamenco with the group Mosaico. In Sedona he has recorded with Chris Spheeris and Anthony Mazzella. For more information, visit Eric's web site at www.ericzang.com.

Courtney Yeates

Courtney Yeates is an accomplished cellist whose talent on multiple instruments has made her a sought after studio musician. Courtney has performed with various ensembles in eight countries. Classically trained, but inclined towards experimentation, she has accompanied musicians from all over the world at venues ranging from intimate coffee houses to internationally televised arena shows with Grammy Award winning artists. Courtney is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, as well as a voting member of the National Academy or Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy’s).

Courtney Yeates earned her degrees in Music and Education from Texas State University where she served as principal cellist for three years and was a four-time recipient of the Anton Bek Memorial Scholarship. Her master class credits include Yo-Yo Ma, Colin Carr, Marcy Rosen and Pinchas Zukerman. With the TSU String Quartet she also received special honors from the prestigious Hindemith Foundation in Blonay, Switzerland resulting in a performance tour that included the celebrated Montreaux Jazz Festival.

Ms. Yeates also received a scholarship for her work as a violinist and vocalist with Mariachi de TSU. She was the a member of Mariachi de TSU the year the group took first place at the annual Mariachi Vargas de Tenichitlan Contest in San Antonio, Texas and toured with Mariachi de TSU in Scotland and Great Britain. She also competed with the professional group Mariachi De Los Santos when they took second place at the Tejano Days Festival at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.

Ms. Yeates has recorded with Dan Reed, The Postmarks, and Grammy Nominee, Ximena Sarinana. She has performed with Latin Grammy Nominee Alejandra Alberti, two-time Grammy Award and three-time Latin Grammy winning Olga Tanon and as a guest soloist with the Emmy Award winning composer, Chris Spheeris.

For further information please contact
Sedona Creative Life Center 928-282-9300