Rock ‘n’ Roll Bagpipes Belt the Tower
If you think Spain is just flamenco, prepare to have your perceptions shattered. From Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain comes bagpiper Carlos Núñez. Called the “Jimi Hendrix of the bagpipes,” Núñez makes his only stop in Oregon bringing his energetic brand of Celtic rock ‘n’ roll to the Tower, Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 pm. Núñez, a million-album selling piper, made his breakthrough in Irish music being “adopted” by The Chieftains as “The Seventh Chieftain,” touring with the acclaimed Irish group and playing on five of their Grammy-winning CDs. Núñez then launched his solo career, collaborating with musical stars Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, Jackson Browne, Ry Cooder, and Sinéad O'Connor.
Núñez is the undisputed master of Galicia’s signature musical instrument, the gaita, or Galician bagpipes. “What the flamenco guitar is to the south, the gaita is to the north,” he explains. “The pipes have been here for over a thousand years. Scottish bagpipes and Irish pipes are descendants of the Galician pipes.” In the hands of Núñez—who also plays pennywhistle, ocarina, Jew’s harp, tin whistle and flute—Galician bagpipes are an exciting and funky 21st century instrument. “People say I play the pipes like an electric guitar!”
With a new album and tour, Carlos Núñez brings Galicia’s Atlantic coast traditions to our own shores. “Galicia,” Núñez explains, “is a magical part of Spain, shaped by ancient Celts over 2500 years ago.” But, says Núñez: “America changed my way of seeing music.”
Special dinner deals the night of the show are available at 10 Below restaurant in the Oxford Hotel.
The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic stage in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading performing arts organization, providing cultural and education programs that make an essential contribution to Central Oregon’s lifestyle and strengthen the community. Membership, program information and individual and group tickets are available at the box office (835 NW Wall), by phone (541-317-0700) or online (www.towertheatre.org). Details on events are also at facebook.com/TheTowerTheatre.
What: Carlos Núñez
When: Sunday, February 16 – 7:30 pm
Where: Tower Theatre – 835 NW Wall Street – Bend, Oregon
Tickets: $22 / $32 / $37
Plus $1 Historic Theatre Preservation Fee
Reserved seating
541-317-0700 or TowerTheatre.org
