NY Nightclub Singer/Pianist to Play Cal Poly Theatre 1 of 2 file:///X:/Copyright/Submissions/_PressReleases%20&%20Cal%20Pol... Skip to Content Cal Poly News Search Cal Poly News Go California Polytechnic State University Sept. 30, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LISA WOSKE (805) 756-7110 NY Nightclub Singer/Pianist to Play Cal Poly Theatre SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA - Renowned for her unique blend of cool American jazz, original compositions, and Brazilian standards, pianist/vocalist/composer Eliane Elias performs at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at the Cal Poly Theatre. Cal Poly Arts presents the Grammy-nominated Elias, whom Jazz Times called "...powerful (and) lyrical...," as part of the new Cal Poly Arts 2003/04 season. Based in New York City, Elias is heralded as one of jazz's finest pianists who "...not only understands how to make great music, but has [the] wisdom, confidence and perseverance to keep it happening." (MusicHound Jazz: "The Essential Album Guide.") Born in Sao Paulo, Elias began playing the piano at an early age, immersing herself in the music of her country as well as studying the works of jazz icons and the classical piano literature. Throughout her illustrious 16-year recording career, Elias has documented her passion for jazz as well as having explored the music of her Brazilian homeland within a jazz context. She has performed in a range of settings, from straight-ahead jazz to free-style improvisation. In addition to innovative jazz stylings, an Eliane Elias concert features distinctive renditions of a variety of Brazil's music, including intricate bossa nova and moving interpretations of classic tunes by her country's great songwriters. Elias' own musical vision is celebrated for her ability to add new textures, colors, and shapes to her original compositions. She continues to exercise her prowess as a sensual pianist and sultry vocalist on her latest CD, "Kissed by Nature." Elias explains, "This time, instead of creating an album of pianistic virtuosity, I set out to create music that is beautiful as well as artistically engaging." The result is a CD of coolly romantic, reflective ballads and swinging upbeat numbers. Recently, in addition to her touring and recording schedule, Elias was a featured performer in "Calle 54," director Fernando Trueba's documentary film on Latin jazz. The soundtrack album was nominated for a 2001 Grammy in the "Best Latin Jazz Album" category. Elias was also nominated that same year for a Grammy in the "Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album" category 9/25/2009 9:44 AM NY Nightclub Singer/Pianist to Play Cal Poly Theatre 2 of 2 file:///X:/Copyright/Submissions/_PressReleases%20&%20Cal%20Pol... for her album, "Impulsive!" A pre-performance lecture will be presented by Music. Dept. faculty member Paul Rinzler, held at 7 p.m. in the Philips Recital Hall. Tickets for the performance are $28 & $34, with student discounts available, and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Ticket Office. Ticket Office hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. To order by phone, call 805/756-2787; to order by fax: 805/756-6088. This performance is sponsored by Bill and Harriette Shaffner and American Airlines/American Eagle. Co-sponsored by KCBX FM 90.1. For audio and video samples of Cal Poly Arts events, visit www.calpolyarts.org. - 30 CP Home • CP Find It Get Adobe Reader • Microsoft Viewers Events • Recent Releases • Cal Poly Magazine • Cal Poly Update E-newsletter • Contact Public Affairs • Alumni • Giving • Athletics Cal Poly Public Affairs California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805.756.7266 polynews@calpoly.edu 9/25/2009 9:44 AM