Myrtle Beach-area singer comes full circle with jazz acoustic concert at CCU
Rowe and Anthony will perform a range of original music and cover numbers from jazz and blues to pop with a dash of country.
Rowe, a Conway native who studied music at Coastal Carolina University in the early 2000s, was one of the founding members of POP 101, a contemporary music student ensemble that performs popular music in a rock band context. Part Nora Jones, part Bonnie Raitt and part Diana Krall, Rowe recorded the album "Move On" in 2013, a work of original songs in the genres of country, folk and soul. Rowe performs regularly at Aspen Grille in Myrtle Beach, where her former mentor David Bankston, professor of music, came to watch her play.
"She's extraordinary," said Bankston. "She's a major vocal talent in popular music."
Bankston suggested that Rowe perform a jazz concert at CCU, but the singer was hesitant.
"I have such terrible stage fright," said Rowe. "I enjoy singing in small, intimate environments, but I don't feel like a performer. Dr. Bankston gets all the credit; he's the best encourager, never quitting on me. I feel that this is a full-circle moment, when I'm finally doing something I've always wanted to do."
Rowe met Anthony by chance at a jazz duo performance in Pawleys Island, and they realized they both had an interest in pursuing jazz performance.
"It's a match made in heaven for a duo," said Rowe. "He's an amazing guitarist and completely comfortable on the stage. It's a good combination."
Anthony, a native of Little River, has shared the stage with such artists as Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Ricky Scaggs, Kellie Pickler and Toby Keith. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as well as on "The Ellen Show," "Dancing with the Stars" and "The View." He's on stage six nights a week at the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach.
The set list for the concert includes Bankston originals as well as covers by an eclectic group of artists including Nirvana and Drake.
"It will be pleasing to those who like chill jazz music; we like to meet everybody where they are, young and old," said Rowe. "We'll do a little 'Hotline Bling,' where the younger crowd will recognize it and be like 'whoa…that's jazz?' It's probably not what people are expecting."
POP 101 has presented concerts on an annual basis since 2000 under the direction of Dan O'Reilly, CCU lecturer of music. This year's event, titled "Beyond the Crossroads," is a celebration of American blues music and takes place Monday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m.
The Edwards Theatre is located in the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts at 133 Chanticleer Drive W. on the Conway campus. Parking is available in lots directly adjacent near the back of the building or in J lot near the Singleton building. Visit coastal.edu/aboutccu/campusmap.
General admission is $17. Senior Citizens, OLLI members, CCU alumni, teens and CCU/HGTC faculty and staff are $10. Tickets for children and CCU/HGTC students are $5.
For more information, contact Bankston at 843-349-2562. For more cultural events at CCU, visit coastal.edu/culturalarts.
Social media:
YouTube: Video of Rowe performing her original "River Song": Click here.