by Bill Kopp for Bold Life
Matt and Adena McDaniel lead an unconventional musical outfit, the six-member Spartanburg Philharmonic Percussion Ensemble. The group began in 2016 as an offshoot of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Along with Patrick Lowery, the McDaniels were already playing with the Philharmonic. For their premiere performance — a sold-out show as part of the Friday-night Espresso Concert Series in early 2017 — they were joined by Kevin Mavis. Today the group includes Kevin Maloney and Veronica Weygandt, as well. The Ensemble uses an impressive array of percussion instruments — bongos, Chinese opera gongs, cajóns, and more — to perform intriguing musical works. Ahead of their March concert at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, they provided a preview of what to expect.
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