Carnegie Hall’s Second Stage Series continues with The Marks Family “String Beings” on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Old Stone Room. Guests are invited to come early for the Second Stage Lounge from 6 to 6:45 p.m. A cash bar and snacks will be available.
The Marks Family “String Beings” live and practice in Hillsboro, WV. A family of five, they continue a family tradition of making music together that started a generation before. Paolo Marks grew up playing cello in ensembles with his father and brothers, all of whom made careers in music. He made the violins that he and his daughter Sal play. Erica Lipps Marks grew up playing cello with her father and brother who also made lives in music. She plays a cello made in WV by John Preston and Harold Haslip.
Asa Marks plays trumpet at Greenbrier East High School as well as viola in the family quintet. In addition to family teachers, she studies with Russell Fallstad. Sal Marks plays trombone at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School in addition to first violin in the family quintet. Fenna Marks is a fourth-grade student at Hillsboro Elementary School and studies piano with Susanna Robinson. She is also learning cello.
The two families’ musical habits would not have been possible without the essential support of the grandmothers who, while not performing musicians themselves, worked hard to create environments where musicians could grow.
The Marks Family “String Beings” play classical, folk, and original music. Their repertoire includes Mozart and Haydn string quartets, arrangements of movie and pop songs, and tunes that they have written and arranged. Beyond giving their best performances possible, the Marks family wants to engage and include audience members of all ages at a live show. They believe music is for everyone and are planning an evening of interactive music, art, and surprises at their first public performance as a whole family.
The Second Stage Series consists of five special events that take place in the Old Stone Room located on the ground floor of the Hall. The intimate setting creates a “speak easy” vibe with an eclectic line-up of entertainment. Seating is general admission.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Thanks to the Carnegie Cardinal Fund, Greenbrier County Students attend for free, but still must reserve a seat.
Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.carnegiehallwv.org, calling 304-645-7917, or stopping by the box office at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg. Discounted Second Stage Series Subscriptions are also available through the box office.
Carnegie Hall is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala. The Hall is located at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg. For more information, please call 304-645-7917 or visit www.carnegiehallwv.org.