Chick Corea and Béla Fleck Perform in Milwaukee This April

The last time Chick Corea and Béla Fleck performed together was in 2008. Now, five years later, they are back together touring the country, making a stop in Milwaukee at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m. in Uihlein Hall for one performance only. This performance is presented by the Marcus Center as part of its continuing series Marcus Center Presents. Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 18 at 12:00 p.m. at the Marcus Center Box Office.

Two of the most gifted and adventurous improvisers in the world on their respective instruments, pianist Chick Corea and banjo player Béla Fleck unite for an evening of duets. Corea has earned 18 Grammys® for his impeccable resume that includes stints with MiLes Davis and Stan Getz, as well as the legendary jazz/rock band he founded, Return to Forever. Fleck, a 15-time Grammy® winner, is the most versatile and innovative banjo-picker in the world, fearlessly navigating bebop, bluegrass, classical and everything in between.

An NEA Jazz Master, 18-time Grammy winner, prolific composer and undisputed keyboard virtuoso, Chick Corea has attained living legend status after four decades of unparalleled creativity and an artistic output that is simply staggering.

From straight ahead to avant-garde, bebop to fusion, children's songs to chamber music, along with some far-reaching forays into symphonic works, Chick has touched an astonishing number of musical bases in his illustrious career while maintaining a standard of excellence that is awe-inspiring. A tirelessly creative spirit, Chick continues to forge ahead, continually reinventing himself in the process.

Béla Fleck is often considered the premier banjo player in the world. A New York City native, he picked up the banjo at age 15 after being awed by the bluegrass music of Flatt & Scruggs. While still in high school he began experimenting with playing bebop jazz on his banjo. In 1980, he released his first solo album, Crossing the Tracks, with material that ranged from straight ahead bluegrass to Chick Corea's "Spain." In 1989 he formed the genre-busting Flecktones, with members equally talented and adventurous as himself. He has been nominated in more different categories than anyone in Grammy history.

Throw Down Your Heart, Fleck's latest album, is his most ambitious project to date. In on-location collaborations with musicians from Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Mali, South Africa and Madagascar, Béla Fleck explores the African origins of the banjo, the prototype of which was brought to American shores by African slaves.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 18 at 12:00 p.m. and are $85-$30 (subject to change). Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202, by calling 414-273-7206 or at Ticketmaster.com. This one-night-only performance will be held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - Uihlein Hall, 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 on Tuesday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more should call (414) 273-7121 x210 or 213 for reservations and special discount pricing.

The Marcus Center will be offering a one-week-only pre sale for this show along with its Off Broadway shows, The Cooke Book: The Music of Sam Cooke and Dixie's Tupperware Party, the week of December 10-16. The Holiday pre sale offer is available ONLY in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee or by phone at 414-273-7206.

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