At the Opera House: Mike Block & Biriba

Mike Block is a Grammy Award-winning cello player, singer and composer passionate about cross-cultural collaboration through music, hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene.” (Gramophone). Acclaimed by the New York Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”, and by Salt Lake City Desert News as “a true artist… a sight to behold”, Mike tours in a variety of collaborative projects, and was among the first wave of cellists to adopt a strap to stand while performing, using his patented design,the Block Strap.

Mike Block (Cello, Vocals), Christylez Bacon (Beatbox, Guitar, Rhymes), and Patricia Ligia (Electric Bass, Pandeiro, Vocals) form the dynamic trio Biriba, blending original music with global influences to form a fresh and accessible sound. Each member of the collective brings influences and repertoire from their diverse backgrounds, including Brazilian, Hip-Hop, Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass, Funk, and Pop styles, synthesizing them through original compositions and songs that highlight their improvisational spontaneity and high energy stage presentation. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls them “a dynamic trio, blending original music with world fusion influences”, while WSLR radio says they are “An unusual collaboration with a refreshingly new sound… improvisational spontaneity and high energy performance.”

Special advance discounted tickets, $20, available beginning August 15.