UPDATE: ALL BEN SOLLEE PERFORMANCES AT BOTH THE TEMPORARY AND THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE LAKE CHRISTINE FIRE
Cellist Ben Sollee bucks tradition by blending bluegrass, R&B, jazz and folk music. He’ll play two shows in the Roaring Fork Valley this week.
Sollee is known for more than just his eclectic approach to the cello. Since 2009, he’s also cycled 5,000 miles, towing his instrument behind him as part of his “Ditch The Van” tours.
He often peppers his live shows with stories and discussion about social and environmental issues, like mountain-top removal strip-mining.
Sollee partnered with bluegrass band Kentucky Native for his latest album, which was recorded entirely in a cabin south of Louisville, KY. He said he “wanted to make a record that was just humans, sitting in a room, playing instruments of wood and metal.”
The Wheeler Opera House is partnering with The Temporary to bring Sollee to the valley. He’ll play a show at the Temporary Thursday evening, and take the stage at the Wheeler on Friday.