Concert in the Dark

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to experience music? If so, you won’t want to miss the upcoming Concert in the Dark with Diane Schuur and musical guest Heart and Music. This concert is a unique opportunity to experience music in a new way while celebrating artists with vision loss.

“I’ve been focusing on the condition of our world and chose songs that make a statement about what is and also some songs of hope, about what can be.” – Diane Schuur

The concert is being hosted by The Audio Information Network of Colorado (AINC), an organization that is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals who have vision loss or other barriers to reading print.

The concert will take place on May 4th at 5 pm at the Masterpiece Theater in Denver, Colorado. The lobby will feature sculpture by Trevor Hahn and photography by Robert Weinberg. This is not just a concert, but a complete sensory experience.

“Diane Schuur is that rare breed of vocal artist or what I refer to as a harmonic chameleon that can sing anything and is able to deliver unique and incredibly memorable performances each and every time. Artistic integrity, lyrical respect and the ability to embrace the true meaning of the lyrics” –Brent Black, Bop-N-Jazz

Meet Diane Schuur

Black and white photo of diane standing, laughing, with hands together. Wearing glasses and suitejacket.

Long regarded as one of Contemporary Jazz’s leading vocalists, Diane Schuur is as eclectic as she is brilliant. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Schuur was blind from birth; but she was gifted with perfect pitch and three-and-a-half-octave vocal range. She initially taught herself piano by ear and later received formal piano training at The Washington State School for the Blind, which she attended until she was 11 years of age. Schuur’s latest recording Running On Faith was co-produced by Schuur and Grammy winning saxophonist Ernie Watts. On this very personal musical statement, released by Jazzheads Music Group (JH1243), the vocalist creates new versions of songs for which she has a deep-rooted affection. Performing on piano throughout, Schuur arranges music by some of her favorite performers and songwriters; from Miles Davis to Carole King to Paul Simon. According to the artist, “I’ve been focusing on the condition of our world and chose songs that make a statement about what is and also some songs of hope, about what can be.”

Nicknamed “Deedles” as a child, she grew up surrounded by the world of Jazz embraced by both of her parents: Her father was an amateur pianist, and her mother kept a formidable collection of Duke Ellington and Dinah Washington albums in her home. Not surprisingly, Dinah Washington is often listed as Schuur’s major vocal influence, and she learned the iconic singer’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” while she was still a toddler. She also developed her own rich, resonant vocal style at a very young age.

With a distinguished recording career that spans over three decades, including two Grammy awards (Timeless and Diane Schuur and The Count Basie Orchestra on GRP Records), as well as three additional GRAMMY® nominations, Schuur’s music has explored almost every corner of the American musical landscape. Her musical collaborations include the aforementioned Count Basie Orchestra, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Jose Feliciano, among countless others. These collaborations have resulted in numerous top Billboard Chart recordings, including Pure Schuur and Heart to Heart with B.B. King.

Ms. Schuur has appeared on PBS and many other television specials as well as a very special visit to the beloved TV show, Sesame Street. She has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and The White House on multiple occasions. She was one of the select musical guests invited to sing for Stevie Wonder at the Kennedy Center Honors when he received his prestigious award. She continues to tour and perform extensively at concert halls and festivals around the world.

Get tickets

AINC has secured a special 20% discount for both volunteers and listeners, so you can enjoy this amazing experience at a fraction of the cost. As a listener, you can use the discount code BVI. As an AINC Volunteer, use the discount code VOLUNTEER to receive your discount. You can purchase your tickets on the Eventbrite page , but act fast because tickets are selling out quickly.

This concert is a great opportunity to support a great cause and experience music in a new way. AINC is dedicated to empowering individuals with vision loss or other barriers to reading print, and this concert is just one way they are making a difference in the lives of others.

Don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy an incredible night of music and art.

Practical Info:

Date and Time: May 4th, 2023. Doors at 5:00pm, music at 6:00pm

Location: The Masterpiece Theater, At Rocky Mountain PBS 2101 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205

Accessibility: The Rocky Mountain PBS building is fully ADA compliant. If you have other accessibility questions about the venue, please contact them directly at 303-892-6666

Food and Drink: Complementary, sponsored by Rocky Mountain PBS.