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KMFA'S OFFBEAT CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS

INVOKE WITH BRANDON RIDENOUR

EVOKE

Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. | Draylen Mason Music Studio

KMFA Classical 89.5 presents the Offbeat Concert Series performance of Evoke – an exciting collaboration bringing together the genre-bending string quartet Invoke and internationally acclaimed trumpeter Brandon Ridenour for one-night only on April 26, 2025, in the Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA.

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Trumpet and strings may hail from different musical families, but the synergy between Invoke and Brandon Ridenour is undeniable. This one-of-a-kind collaboration is a celebration of genre-defying artistry, blending refined classical elegance with folk, jazz, and modern sounds. Audiences can expect a dynamic performance featuring original works, reimagined classics, and a world premiere by Ridenour, inspired by Invoke’s innovative sound.

In additional to Ridenour’s world premiere, the show will also include Evolve by Inoke’s Karl Mitze, Tel by Invoke’s Nick Montopoli and array of covers and new arrangements including Vivaldi’s Sento e Seno, the Beatles’ Blackbird, and Wild Man Blues by Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong.

Violinist Zach Matteson of Invoke describes the program as a meeting of "favorite things," where each piece showcases the blend of individual and collective artistry. Trumpeter Brandon Ridenour brings his innovative approach, adding jazz-inspired flair to Invoke’s rootsy string sound.

“Brandon is one of the best trumpet players in the world,” says Matteson. “He pushes us into exciting new territory.”

The collaboration between Invoke and Ridenour began nearly ten years ago when their paths crossed through the Concert Artist Guild. A shared passion for blending classical and modern genres fueled their creative synergy, culminating in this much-anticipated performance.

General admission tickets $30; student tickets $15. Seating is limited; advance ticket reservations are highly encouraged. 

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Tickets include a pre-concert talk beginning at 7:00 p.m. and complimentary sips from Tito's Handmade Vodka, Milam & Greene Whiskey, and Dos Cuernos Tequila.

Thanks to our in-kind sponsors:

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, April 26
• Time: 8:00 p.m. (Pre-concert talk at 7:00 p.m.)
• Venue: Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA

Ticket Information

• Cost: General Admission is $30.00 | Student Tickets are $15.00

Presenter Details

• Name: Invoke with Brandon Ridenour

ABOUT INVOKE:

Invoke is a multi-instrumental quartet that masterfully blends classical, folk, bluegrass, and Americana into a unique musical experience. Comprising Nick Montopoli (violin, banjo, vocals), Zach Matteson (violin, vocals), Karl Mitze (viola, mandolin, vocals), and Geoff Manyin (cello, vocals), the ensemble is celebrated for its genre-defying artistry and innovative compositions. Strings Magazine notes that Invoke "simply cannot be contained by any one label."

The quartet has earned numerous accolades, including winning the Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition in 2018 and serving as the Young Professional String Quartet in Residence at the University of Texas at Austin from 2016 to 2018. Invoke's discography features albums such as Souls in the Mud (2015), Furious Creek (2018), and Evolve & Travel (2023), each showcasing their commitment to creating original works that resonate with diverse audiences.

ABOUT BRANDON RIDENOUR

Brandon Ridenour is a distinguished trumpet soloist, composer, arranger, and conductor, celebrated for his innovative approach to the instrument. Described as "heralding the trumpet of the future" by the Chicago Sun-Times and praised for his "full-bodied, atmospheric arrangements" by The New York Times, Ridenour began his musical journey at the age of five, studying piano under his father's guidance. He later took up the trumpet in fifth grade in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from The Juilliard School, he toured with the Canadian Brass and embarked on a solo career.

Throughout his career, Ridenour has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Sting, James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Esperanza Spalding, and has performed with esteemed ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic and the International Contemporary Ensemble. In 2023, he joined the American Brass Quintet and became a faculty member at The Juilliard School, The New School (Mannes), and the Manhattan School of Music, where he is dedicated to developing a progressive model of music education.

Venue Details