WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Ballroom Thieves, an alternative/indie rock band based in Boston, Massachusetts, will bring their musical stylings to the West Plains Civic Center stage for a 7 p.m. concert Jan. 29.
Tickets are $10 each for adults. Children age 13 and under, and Missouri State-West Plains students with a valid BearPass ID, will be admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the civic center box office, 110 St. Louis St., or by calling 417-256-8087. The concert is being sponsored by Missouri State University-West Plains’ University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department.
The Ballroom Thieves, which features Martin Earley on guitar and vocals, Devin Mauch on percussion and vocals, and Calin Peters on cello and vocals, has developed a captivating mélange of acoustic styles, blending folk conventions with modern hymnals, delta blues grit with rich harmonies, exploring the basic constructions of pop music while almost wholeheartedly rejecting its restrictions at the same time, according to the group’s biography on its website, www.ballroomthieves.com.
“Our own personal growth and explorations in songwriting and musicianship caused us to end up in this unique spot where we can generally feel free to be who we are at all times, which is sadly not a luxury enjoyed by all,” says guitarist Martin Earley. “I think we have a certain sound at the moment, but that sound is constantly evolving, and I hope it keeps doing that.”
Using pop music as a base, the group expands on that style by drawing from many different genres for inspiration, organizers said.. They highlight musicianship and songwriting and are known for their unique style. Recently, they released their first full-length album, A Wolf in the Doorway.
“Their sound could be described as a mix of Mumford and Sons and The Civil Wars, although it’s impossible to box this band in because they’re so creative and bold as musicians,” said Jennifer Moore, coordinator of U/CP’s theater and events programming. “This incredibly talented trio is starting to get a lot of attention on the national stage, and I think the sky’s the limit for them!”
In fact, The Ballroom Thieves just won Folk Artist of the Year and Americana Artist of the Year at the 2015 Boston Music Awards, which took place earlier this month.
For more information about this and other U/CP events, call 417-255-7966 or visit www.wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/.