Time for Three to play at WVU Creative Arts Center

Self-proclaimed "garage band" Time for Three is set to kick off this year’s schedule of events at West Virginia University’s Creative Arts Center.

Performing Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Time for Three looks to bring its unique brand of classically influenced compositions to the CAC stage for the enjoyment of all in attendance.

"The sound and energy of our music is attractive to anybody," said Time for Three violinist Nick Kendall. "But, for the classically trained listener, there is a lot more to hang your hat on."

Such a sentiment describes the group perfectly; in covering hits from artists such as Leonard Cohen, Charlie Rouse and Lennon and McCartney, Time for Three appeals to a broad spectrum of casual listeners.

However, the group’s members also boast formal classical training from Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music, so there is a complexity and intricacy to their work not typically found in other walks of music.

Aside from building a knowledge and love for music at the Curtis Institute of Music, Kendall also notes a brotherhood was formed within the walls of the establishment that created the tightly knit group Time for Three is today.

"We are not like some interchangable classical acts," Kendall said. "We have different realizations for why we work together, but we are 100 percent irreplaceable."

The strong relationship among its members is a reason Time for Three is able to produce such a varied yet cohesive set list, and fans in attendance can expect anything from bluegrass to hip-hop to traditional jazz.

In particular, West Virginian fans in attendance can expect a heavy dose of bluegrass in honor of the traditional Mountain State sound.

"We will probably pull out some bluegrass, but we usually do not plan our set until the day of the show," Kendall said. "We’re going to cover a lot; it’s our standby."

With performances at a variety of locations ranging from Philadelphia’s Mann Center for the Performing Arts to Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco to a residency at the Kennedy Center, it is safe to say Time for Three has experience in nearly any musical setting.

The University environment, however, is especially appealing to the group according to Kendall and this will certainly lead to an inspired and enthusiastic performance from the trio.

"We find our audience (at colleges) has a diverse international crowd that is interested in more than the standard," Kendall said. "We like playing for people our age as well, because the energy in the room is always fantastic."

Aside from lighting up stages across the United States with its compositional genius, Time for Three takes pride and pleasure in its impromptu "pop-ups" on streets and campuses.

"We will randomly pop up on streets or in shops when we visit campuses," Kendall said. "We think it is a fun way to interact with the town’s people, and our audiences are usually very receptive."

Time for Three brings a honed-in and sculpted sound wherever it goes, still maintaining the energy and feel of an impromptu offering, and this blend of styles makes the trio a hit anywhere, anytime.

"Time for Three are masters of their craft," said WVU Public Relations Specialist David Ryan. "This will be a great show for anyone who appreciates terrific music from world-class performers."

Tickets for Time for Three can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com, the CAC and Mountainlair box offices and via phone at 304-293-SHOW.