Peter, Bethany & Rufus bring The Spirit of Woodstock to Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts September 19 | Press Releases

The 2008-09 season at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts opens on Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. with Peter Yarrow of legendary Peter, Paul & Mary fame, his daughter, Bethany Yarrow and her talented musical partner, cello virtuoso Rufus Cappadocia in "The Spirit of Woodstock," an evening of tributes to the music of the 60s.

"The Spirit of Woodstock" was a PBS special, shot on location near Woodstock, N.Y. in the Bearsville Theatre, a venue started as a performance haven for musicians of the 60s era. The theater was the brainchild of Albert Grossman, manager of Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin, among other legends. The PBS project grew out of a musical collaboration of Peter, Bethany & Rufus on the CD, "Puff & Other Family Classics" recorded in 2007 for Salasree Records.

Together, the three musicians from two vastly different generations revisit the Woodstock of Peter's youth in music at once familiar and new. Peter's classic, "Puff, The Magic Dragon" and Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," meet the music of Bethany and Rufus, a contemporary sound born of an unadorned cello and voice that combine with the rooted power of old chants to create a starkly beautiful sound that crosses musical genres and generations. Through their deep connection to music of the world and their use of traditional folk instruments like banjos, dulcimers, harmonicas and slide guitars, they unleash an electrifying energy that pushes "the boundaries of American folk music far into unexpected territory," as described by All About Jazz.

Goldmine Magazine describes Bethany's vocal production as delivering, "low, smoky tones that call to mind Nina Simone or Cassandra Wilson." And as a duo, "Bethany and Rufus move ... in arresting new directions." Add to that the distinctive sound of Peter, member of a legendary folk group, and audiences of all ages are included in an evening of transcendent music and song.

Tickets are $35, $30 and are available online at www.quickcenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 877-ARTS-396.