Weston High School senior Stephen Blinder wants to bring music to the area to unite people.
“Music for me is more than a passion,” Blinder said. “In a world where we have so much conflict and division, music can unite people, it can transcend all of the boundaries that we face.”
Stephen is bringing his mentor, Weston High alumnus Arthur Lipner, to the Weston High School auditorium for a concert on Friday, Feb. 9.
The concert will feature Lipner performing with Weston High’s jazz ensemble, the wind ensemble and an alumni group, all at different points throughout the evening. There will also be a solo section from Lipner.
The performance begins at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:15. Stephen anticipates the concert will be approximately 90 minutes with a short intermission.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Weston High School music program.
There is also a $50 VIP option, where people will get a chance to meet Lipner.
Arthur Lipner is a well-known musician in the jazz world. A percussionist who specializes in vibraphone and marimba, Lipner has toured across the world countless times.
When Stephen was 7, he told his family he was interested in percussion. They reached out to Lipner and Stephen has been working with him since.
Now 18, Stephen has played dozens of shows with Lipner throughout Connecticut and New York City.
“When I get hired to play a gig, my primary job is to make people smile,” said Stephen. “Too many people think musicians just get the money, play the show and leave. We want to show them that isn’t how most musicians approach it.”
Arthur Lipner
A Redding resident, Lipner is a graduate of Weston High School’s Class of 1976. He went to Weston schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and since graduating has been intrigued by the idea of coming back to the school for a performance.
“I’ve always wanted to come back to do something as community awareness and as a fund-raiser,” said Lipner. “The idea behind this is to involve as many of the student musicians as possible.
Lipner is renowned as a vibraphone and marimba player. Neither instrument has much visibility in mainstream American culture, but he sees them as global instruments.
“The marimba has seemed to grow a little in popularity,” said Lipner. “There still isn’t much in mainstream American music, but the culture where marimba is from has become prevalent due to globalization.”
Marimba is especially popular in Caribbean and South American countries. Lipner has toured South America extensively during his career.
“The stamps on my passport don’t mean as much to me anymore,” said Lipner. “I’m more interested in sharing my talents and sharing music to help people experience the world around them.”
Lipner urges area residents to come to the event and support the arts in the region. He said events like this remind him of when he was growing up in the area.
“When I was young, there used to be live music clubs up and down the Post Road,” said Lipner. “People aren’t going out to see much music anymore; people stay home, lifestyles have changed. It’s important to come see events like this.”
Stephen believes local concerts highlight the talent that exists in the community.
“This is a perfect way to get people from around the region to know about the amazing music program at Weston,” he said. “I hope we’re able to inspire people here and in the surrounding area.”
Tickets for the concert are available at WHSCompany.com.