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| John Tesh to perform at Kohler In a phone interview with The Reporter, Tesh said his latest concert series is "the most fun show we've ever done." John Tesh: Big Band Live, will be held Saturday, April 9, at Kohler Memorial Theatre, 260 School St., Kohler. Tesh and the band will perform song styles of the '20s, '30s and '40s, including jazz, classical and piano. Tesh's performance is the finale for Kohler's 2010-11 Distinguished Guest Series, according to an event press release. VIP guests will have the chance to meet him during a pre-performance meal at The American Club. Tesh said he's never been to the area. He may not have much time for sightseeing, but he is looking forward to spending some time in the Kohler auditorium and playing for the audience. It would be great if the show prompted young viewers to learn to play an instrument, he said. Tesh said he's passionate about sharing music with young people. What he sees happening today makes him both optimistic and nervous. He grew up attending a performing arts school, so his music studies were never in doubt. Tesh said he carried on the tradition with his children; his son is a musician and his daughter is a ballerina and musician. But after traveling across the country, Tesh has noticed an alarming trend — many schools have no music programs. When times are tough, districts cut the arts first, he said. It's a shame since studies prove that music helps improve a child's learning. His April 9 concert will support The Kohler Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education, arts and preservation initiatives in Wisconsin. Tesh has mixed feelings about modern media and music. Websites like YouTube can reveal new talented musicians. Problems arise when musicians are recognized for their reputation and appearance, not for musical ability, he said. Fortunately, there are shows like "American Idol, " where even the most attractive or controversial singers can't hide their pitch issues. Today's world is one of the reasons Tesh chose his current show. He said music — and noise, in general — is everywhere and often loud. It can fee like "an assault on the senses." A live concert has many levels and moods, from soft to loud, he said. It's an experience. "When you get live musicians on stage in a performing arts center, it's more active, it's more dynamic, " he said. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |