If You Go…
● What: Michael Kollwitz – Solo Chapman Stick® musical artist
Double Album Release Concert for ‘Calm Waters’ & ‘The Friendly Snowman- Christmas Music on The Chapman Stick®
● When: Saturday, November 20th, 12:30 PM
● Where: Ultimate Light Mission, (SEE MAP BELOW)
2115 Mountain Rd., Sedona AZ 86336
● How Much: FREE TO THE PUBLIC
● More Info: (928) 250-9193
www.MichaelKollwitz.com
On Saturday, November 20th, Billboard charting musical artist Michael Kollwitz is performing live in concert on Solo Chapman Stick® to celebrate the worldwide release of two new albums, ‘Calm Waters’ and ‘The Friendly Snowman’. The show is from 12:30 to 2:00 PM and takes place at Ultimate Light Mission located at 2115 Mountain Rd., Sedona (next to Sedona Humane Society). Doors open at 12:00 PM and admission is free to the public.
Kollwitz is a pioneer player of a little-known contemporary American stringed instrument known as The Chapman Stick. Capable of astounding expressiveness and simultaneous multi-part arrangements, “The Stick” combines elements of guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion; all into a single instrument that is played with both hands lightly tapping the strings. The technique used to play The Stick is much more like a piano than a guitar, and it yields a full, rich sound all it’s own that is unlike any other instrument. One of the late Emmett Chapman’s first students, Kollwitz is one of The Stick’s most prolific recording artists with 29 independent releases.
A full-time Sedona resident, Kollwitz composes and records peaceful instrumental music exclusively on Chapman’s amazing musical instrument- which he jokingly refers to as “the best musical instrument you’ve never heard of.” Seeing Kollwitz once perform on Maui, Carlos Santana was visibly impressed and described his music as “a gift of the heart” and said that it made him feel good the moment he heard it.
His last three albums, ‘Serenity II’, ‘Serenity III’ and ‘Santa Plays The Stick’ have all made the Billboard Top 10 New Age charts and have received airplay in over 35 countries. His music is heard on the Spa channels of numerous international airlines and also plays in over a thousand hospitals on the CARE Channel. ‘Santa Plays The Stick’ was named Best Holiday Album of 2019 by Zone Music Reporter. His music has received numerous awards, nominations and Grammy consideration.
‘Calm Waters’ follows the peaceful, soothing tradition of the ‘Serenity’ series while ‘The Friendly Snowman’ follows the delightful, whimsical Holiday tradition of ‘Santa Plays The Stick’. At the concert, he will be performing songs from the two new albums and his vast catalog of previous recordings. Physical CDs and digital downloads of his albums will be available.
Advance reviews of both albums have been positive and more appearances on the Billboard charts would be no surprise. Music critic Jonathan Widran of Los Angeles had this to say about his music: “Entering into the mystically melodic, soul transporting musical world of Michael Kollwitz is a feeling of cool, calm euphoria. While the rich and compelling compositions he plays on the unique stringed instrument are designed for gentle reflection and meditation, these chill vibes are balanced by the extreme joy of discovery of a wonderful artist whose music I wish I had been introduced to much sooner.”
You may feel the same way at the free concert by a local talent known internationally for his compositions on the rare, revolutionary instrument. The Ultimate Light Mission is an airy yet intimate venue with red rock views so come early for the best seating. Doors open at 12:00 PM and admission is free to the public.
