MORGAN HENDERSON
Staff Writer
Fredonia’s bringing the 70s back to the Rockefeller Arts Center with “You’ve Got a Friend: The Music of Carole King & James Taylor” on Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
“Carole King and James Taylor made ‘thee pop music’ in the 70s,” said Jefferson Westwood, director of the arts administration.
“The performance is directed at anyone, but there will probably mostly be people [45 years old] and up there,” said Westwood.
Anyone could recognize the songs.
“There are a lot of familiar and great tunes,” he continued. There’s going to be popular hits like “How Sweet It Is,” “Carolina in My Mind,” “Fire and Rain,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Sweet Baby James” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Carole King and James Taylor released their album “Live at the Troubadour” (Carole King and James Taylor) in 2010 and it was a huge success. The show will be featuring some of that music.
“You’ve Got a Friend: The Music of Carole King & James Taylor” is fairly new, but Westwood said he’s heard really good things. It’s put on by two long-term musicians, Kirsti Manna and Jonathan Birchfield.
They’re excited to perform songs that gave them inspiration for their own musical careers.
“It’s our opportunity to pay homage to the music, the lyrics and the melodies that moved us to become songwriters and performers,” said Manna.
Manna is a speaker/songwriter/producer/publisher and an actress from Nashville, Tennessee. Her songs have been heard internationally. You can also hear them on CMT, ESPN, “The Tonight Show,” “The David Letterman Show,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Dance Wars.”
Jonathan Birchfield is from North Carolina. He’s toured with his band for over 25 years and has opened for Jimmy Buffett and many other successful musicians.
The Western New York Chamber Orchestra will be accompanying them in the show. The Orchestra will be lead by guest conductor Mariano Longo, who has 30 years of performance experience.
Kirsti Manna, Jonathan Birchfield, The Western New York Chamber Orchestra and Mariano Longo combined can only result in a great and artistically advanced show.
Students should check the ticket office the day before the show for discounts on any unsold seats.