The Block

World music and jazz featured in Block concert with cellist Ian Maksin and guitarist Gabriel Datcu

Muskegon, Michigan, January 29, 2018 – Cellist and composer Ian Maksin returns to The Block with guitarist Gabriel Datcu for a concert of jazz and world music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 10. Maksin—who describes his playing as “a continuation of my own body and soul… much deeper than strings vibrating on a piece of wood”— has gained international recognition for his beautiful tone and innovative style, taking the cello well outside its conventional role. Datcu is a versatile guitarist in his own right, incorporating styles from Classical to jazz, latin, funk, R&B, Motown, acoustic rock to current top 40s hits.

Maksin embraces the fact that his music is hard to classify, explaining that “I would like to break those boundaries to avoid any sort of categorization. I’ve been playing all sorts of music since I was a kid. I have been classically trained and involved in jazz and world music. All of those things are incorporated in my music. It’s the cello itself that is the common denominator.”

The Russian-born Maksin came to the U.S. to attend the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and later became the principal cellist of the New World Symphony, America’s one-of-a-kind training orchestra under direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. Apart from being highly regarded as a classical artist, Maksin collaborates with other artists in a variety of musical genres: jazz, blues, flamenco, rock, R&B and world music, blending many styles together. As a guest artist, he has performed and recorded with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, P. Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Gloria Estefan and Barry Gibb.

Gabriel Datcu is actively performing locally as well as nationally. Some of the past and current performing venues include Pritzker Stage, Grant Park, Jazz Showcase, City Winery, Shedd Aquarium, Willis-Sears Tower’s Metropolitan Club, The Peninsula Hotel, and Chicago Theatre. With over 17 years of experience, Datcu has successfully provided live entertainment either as a solo guitarist or with ensembles in USA and Europe.

Ticket prices are $25, $10 for students with ID. Tickets and information can be obtained by calling 231.726.3231 or at theblockwestmichigan.org. The Block is located at 360 W. Western Ave. in Muskegon.

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