SHJ: Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn to perform in Spartanburg

by Jason Gilmer For the Herald-Journal

For some listeners, it might make no sense to pair a stringed mountain instrument with classical-trained orchestra performers.

For Béla Fleck, the Grammy-winning virtuoso who has performed on the banjo for decades, it made perfect sense.

“It’s part of my mission to change the thinking about the banjo. It has its place,” wrote Fleck last week during an email interview as he toured Europe. “It makes sounds no other orchestra instrument can make. It works, actually.”

Those who don’t believe in the combination should give Fleck the chance to change their minds and the Spartanburg Philharmonic have offered the opportunity. The local philharmonic has done a series of bluegrass concerts at the Chapman Cultural Center and wanted to pair orchestral music with bluegrass.

Local picker Kristin Scott Benson (an award-winning player in her own right) helped make the connection…