On Thursday evening, February 23rd, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., the
Principia College Orchestra will perform with noted pianolist Rex
Lawson.  Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and the Grieg piano concerto
are the featured performances.  The orchestra's conductor, Joe Van
Riper, has studied the reproducing piano concerts of the past as well
as pianola performances.

Principia College is in the small town of Elsha, Illinois, on the
Mississippi River near the town of Alton, Illinois.  I believe the
concert is free.

For anyone in the area who has not seen a professional pianolist
perform, this is a rare opportunity.  Rex Lawson is perhaps the best.
His ability to control the pianola in concert, speaking in a wide
dynamic range, and in perfect tempo, is an awesome experience to
behold.

I have attended many events over the last thirty years featuring Rex
and can highly recommend this concert.  Several MMDers have already
made plans to attend.

Bob Taylor
Missouri