Barton County (Kansas) Arts Council

Eclectic musicians Erica James from Oklahoma will perform at The Back Room at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2006. The Back Room is an intimate 40-seat acoustic music venue at the back of the Barton Arts Center at Forest and Main in Great Bend. Because the venue is so small, reservations are always encouraged. They may be made by phoning (620)792-3097 or e-mailing [email protected] . Admission is $10.00 and is collected at the door.

EricaJames is a father/daughter duo out of Edmond Oklahoma who write and compose original music that is multi genre. Their music is sometimes referred to as new age, adult contemporary, jazz or a unique blend of all. Erica, who plays the violin, has unique style of her own performing mosaic sounds of jazz, blues, bluegrass and classical. James, Erica's father, plays acoustic guitar that generates the same tonal balance and abstract feel with his own finger-picking style. Playing professionally together for almost 5 years, their music is all original and unique in composition and style and reaches all ages and cultures. Their music and forum is noted as being fun, lively, toe-tapping and teary-eyed. The artistry of this duo is quickly gaining them solid ground both locally as well as regionally.

Erica has been playing the violin since the age of 10. It was obvious from a young age that she had a gift for music and had an inherent love for contemporary and classical styles of music. She began expressing a desire to learn the violin at about 10 years old and from that point on it became the main focus in her life. At the age of 4 Erica was diagnosed with epilepsy [petit mal seizure disorder] and dyslexia. Despite her many challenges she has matured to a gifted violinist and composer and continues to study music at every opportunity. One Body�s, A Childs Freedom of Faith CD, was Erica�s first recording project. Erica says, "EricaJames along with our previous band, OneBody, has given me a great opportunity to spend time with my dad. Playing the violin allows me to express myself in ways that words cannot. It has also been a great way to escape the pressures of being a teenager. God is so awesome! Keep the rosin on the bow!�

James has been playing the guitar and writing music and lyrics since the early seventies. James has recorded 3 projects since 1996, which include �Where Are You� and �Standing in the Rain� with his previous band Prism, and �A Child�s Freedom of Faith� with the band One Body. James says, "Everything I have done to this point has been a stepping stone to where I am in music today. Being able to create music with my daughter has been the greatest musical experience a man could ask for. Being a part of this duo is a blessing I pray will last for many years to come."

The Back Room series is underwritten by CPI Qualified Plan Consultants and is sponsored in part by a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.