ARTScotland will present the “Threefifty Duo,” a dynamic New York City classical guitar act, for a concert today at 7 p.m. in The Storytelling and Arts Center building.
Threefifty Duo’s music, described as “classically influenced post-rock,” was formed by Brett Parnell and Geremy Schulick in the halls of The Yale School of Music.
Taught by current Laurel Hill Elementary School Principal Jonathan McRae at Flora McDonald Academy, Parnell was was raised in the nearby Robeson County township of Philadelphus.
“I coached the soccer team there, of which (Parnell) was the captain, and every time he had a spare minute he had the guitar out,” said McRae, who remembers Parnell perfecting the “Super Mario Brothers Theme” melody on the guitar during breaks from soccer.
Parnell has since moved on from the soccer field to play all over the United States and in Europe, but has always made an effort to return home to share his music.
The group played in Scotland County last year as a fundraiser for Scotland High School’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, where McRae was serving as principal at the time.
“A lot of people were surprised at the kind of music that comes out of their two guitars,” said McRae, describing it as “a unique sound of blended, synchronized guiars.”
That sound is not created without significant effort, said McRae, who remembers the group practiciing for nearly six hours prior to the SHS event.
Jennifer McRae, a board member of ARTScotland, heard Threefifty Duo perform last year as well. “I can not say enough wonderful things about the performance. My five-year-old son was mesmerized by their performance. It has been over a year since we saw them and he still asks to hear their music.”
Chris Fore, a local musician and guitarist, says, “It is amazing what they can do with two guitars. Their sound is rich and full. Their music is a treat.”
ARTScotland stated mission is to “celebrate and enhance the visual, literary and performing arts in Scotland County by encouraging and creating opportunities for enriching arts experiences.”
Composed of volunteers and artists from Scotland County, the group meets monthly, with meetings open to the public.
Admission to the concert is a $5 donation that will support ARTScotland and their mission to bring enriching arts experiences to Scotland County.
Coffee, Tea and Thee, the organizations cafe, will be open for the evening. It also will be the final night to see ARTScotland’s first photography exhibit, “Through the Lens.”
The Storytelling and Arts Center is located at 131 South Main Street in downtown Laurinburg. For information, call 910-384-0561, email artscotland@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.
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