Free Planet Radio just sold out 20 shows in 30 days in China. On Sunday, they’ll share the love for free in Tryon. Photo by Matt Rose
Last spring, renowned world-music percussionist River Guerguerian spoke to Bold Life about his 15 years playing with bassist Eliot Wadopian (a Grammy winner) and composer/sitar-and-many-other-exotic-instruments player Chris Rosser in their trio Free Planet Radio. “You can put together what you want [in Asheville],” he mused. “Whether it’s a relaxing meditation thing, or the gothic or underground metal scene, you can do it in your own authentic way. I don’t think it would sound the same if we lived in a big city. Maybe it’s taken us longer to get to our certain sound, but it’s been worth the journey.”
The group is no stranger to world travel, either; in fact, they just got back from a hugely successful month in China. Here’s a report from their press contact, recently posted on the band’s website: “We don’t know what stirred things up over there more: Typhoon Megi or this talented trio! Even though they were unknown to the Chinese public, every one of the concerts generated great enthusiasm.”
“[We] played 20 concerts in 30 days, in some of the most incredible halls we’ve ever seen,” Rosser confirmed when contacted by Bold Life. “We had a great reception from the audiences ranging from 300 to 700 people. After the shows, we signed tons of autographs and sold every CD we brought. It sort of felt like going to ‘Fantasy Rock Star Camp’ or something!”
This Sunday, the triumphantly returned trio plays a rare free show, billed as a “world-music tapestry of some of the new pieces written especially for the China Tour, blended with old favorites including instrumentals and original singer-songwriter [compositions].”
October 23 at Tryon Fine Arts Center (34 Melrose Ave.). 3pm. Sponsored by the Polk County Music Foundation. 828-859-8322. See tryonarts.org for ticket information.
