Strings Meet Metallica When VIOLIN FEMMES Comes to UCPAC

Bella Electric Strings, an all-female group of electric violinists that appeared on the very first season of America's Got Talent, performed with the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Shakira and Beyoncé, and comprised the majority of the string section alongside Deep Purple in Las Vegas, are coming to the Union County Performing Arts Center. The performance will be held on July 29 at 8 PM.

Their production, entitled Violin Femmes, boasts custom arrangements of rock songs from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, AC/DC and Queen (all written by the group's founder, Nina DiGregorio), as well as original material within the same genres.

The talented women of Bella Electric Strings all boast extensive and varied classical training and experience: from starting their training as young as 2-5 years old, to obtaining master's degrees in string performance, to appearing on television shows and at prestigious venues, etc. It is this foundation that the performers use to delve into the world of rock, from classic rock to heavy metal. Every member of the group is adept at improvisation and solo techniques, which are used extensively by rock guitarists. In addition, with the use of custom pedals appropriate to the sounds of the genre, the violinists consistently control the ever-changing tones of their instruments and influence where they want their notes to fall. From wailing, despaired cries to frenzied runs up and down the scale, violins are able to add an entirely new emotional impact to the source material fans know and love. It can be equated to hearing one's favorite song again for the first time. Violin Femmes also includes a live rock band, choreography, video and lights, and comedy for an all-out full-scale production.

Tickets for Violin Femmes range from $10 to $40 and can be purchased online at ucpac.org, over the phone by calling (732) 499-8226 or in person at the box office. Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM- 5 PM, with extended hours of 11 AM- 8 PM on Thursdays. (During July and August, there are no Saturday hours.) The Union County Performing Arts Center is located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street and is easily accessible to major roads and public transportation.