The Community Concert Hall (CCH) at Fort Lewis College continues its music series, LIVE @ The Smiley Café featuring a ‘Pop-Up Performance’ by singer/songwriter, Brice Beaird, Friday, May 6, 7:30pm at the Smiley Café located in historic downtown Durango.
Born and raised in Dallas, singer-songwriter Brice Beaird began writing songs when he was ten years old. With the help of his musical mentor, world-renowned church choirmaster, Dr. Paul Thomas, he gained a true appreciation for classical music, songwriting and performing, as well as performing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He teamed with famed high school classmate, Texas singer/songwriter, Willis Alan Ramsey and continued writing and performing. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Beaird co-founded the rock group, The Coconuts, and toured southwest college campuses and local club venues.
After time spent in Nashville, Tennessee pursuing his songwriting career, Beaird returned to Dallas to open his own advertising agency and continued to write music. In 2001 he produced his first CD, Another Side and its popular response opened doors to travel playing venues in Texas and Colorado. He has shared the stage with Robert Earl Keen, Willis Alan Ramsey and Karla Bonoff and continues to play on a regular schedule at Poor David’s Pub in Dallas.
In 2009, Beaird released his second CD, Now Appearing. His hit song, When Will It End was featured and helped to raise over $25,000 for Mental Health America/Operation Healthy Reunions. He continues to write cause-related songs and praised by the Dallas Morning News saying, “This socially conscious folk singer/songwriter from Dallas has a knack for addressing causes in his lyrics as well as penning feel-good, melodic material.”
The Smiley Cafe offers a small, intimate experience for an audience of 50 – creating the perfect “listening room” venue. Beer, wine, and spirits along with special coffees will be available for sale throughout the evening. Charles Leslie, CCH Director says “we are excited to continue this series to introduce Durango to artists they may not know and create a platform for these touring artists to tell and perform their own stories through music.”
Tickets are $20 and go on sale Friday, April 8 at 12 pm online at www.durangoconcerts.com or by phone at 970-247-7657.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.