Get ready to jam to the real school of rock. Hosted by former music students and friends, a special tribute concert to the late Clark “Doug” Burris will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2016, 7 p.m., at the North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. The free rock concert features Ex Norwegian, The Velocity Gospel, The Macsters and Spacekamel along with special performances by Rodolfo Troncoso, Jennifer Kaiser, Karen Feldner and David Weinstein.
Teacher Fostered Hundreds of Musicians throughout His 40-Year Career
The event’s lineup represents four decades of performers born through Burris’ inspiration, not just as a teacher, but also a friend and mentor. All groups are almost entirely comprised of former music students and aides. Burris, the beloved quadriplegic music teacher, fostered hundreds of artists through his 40-year tutelage at Miami Beach Senior High School and his Rock Ensemble program – the first ever of its kind that started in 1972. Burris passed away on January 28 at the age of 73 after a lifetime battle with multiple sclerosis.
Spacekamel, an up-and-coming groove band, will kick off the show followed by The Macsters, a power pop band who originally formed in the late ‘80s. Psychedelic experimental rock act The Velocity Gospel will follow before Ex Norwegian, proclaimed as one of the “brightest pop rock bands” by RingMaster Review, brings the night to a close. In between acts will be acoustic performers connected to this local legend: David Weinstein, Jennifer Kaiser, Rodolfo Troncoso, and Karen Feldner, and more.
“To Burris, every day was an invitation to enjoy great music. This concert will unite his fans, his friends, and anyone who shares a part of his spirit through their love of music will come together,” said Emmanuel Canete of Volosity Gospel, who as a 14-year-old student went to live with Burris when his parents could no longer care for him. “We will honor him with a once in a lifetime ‘Concert for Burris.’”
Burris wrote in his memoir, Walk & Roll, “The community [always] deserved a free concert, especially around the holidays and in the spring.” This night will stay true to that creed.
The free event at the beautiful open-air North Beach Bandshell welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Food trucks and beverage stations available throughout the event.
The city of Miami Beach proclaimed April 11 as “Doug Burris Day,” in recognition of his 40 years of commitment to the musical education of his students, his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry, and for serving as a beacon of accomplishment for others with multiple sclerosis as well as the Miami Beach community at large.
Visit http://www.northbeachbandshell.com/ for complete venue information. Contact: Caroline DeFreze: 786.720.7634, carolinejdefreze@gmail.com
CBS Sunday Morning did a profile on Doug Burris and the Rock Ensemble. You can view that HERE
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Official website: http://www.exnorwegian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exnorwegian
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/exnorwegian
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exnorwegian
SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/exnorwegian
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/exnorwegian
ABOUT THE VELOCITY GOSPEL:
Singer-songwriter Emmanuel Canete released The Velocity Gospel’s debut album in January of 2015, Truth in Prose and Stories, a symphonic blend of alternative baroque pop. After successfully touring throughout Florida, Indiana, Tennessee, and Los Angeles, California, The Velocity Gospel is ready to release its new EP, featuring a combination of experimental psychedelic rock and world music in 2016. The Velocity Gospel’s influences range from The Beatles, The Cure, The Smiths, and Nine Inch Nails to Animal Collective, Bjork, Ariel Pink and undeniably, Clark Douglas Burris.
Website: http://www.thevelocitygospel.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thevelocitygospel/?ref=bookmarks
SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/thevelocitygospel
