By Holly Peterson
It won''t be men in lederhosen dancing on grassy hilltops -- but the performance by the Folk Music Ensemble, March 20, is guaranteed to lift the blues.
Step into history and explore heritage through music from different cultures. The assortment of music is energetic and fast-paced, said performer Melinda DeBry, 19, sophomore from Middleton, Idaho, majoring in marriage, family and human development.
'The music just makes you feel good -- you can really get involved and absorbed in the sounds,' she said.
The ensemble consists of several groups playing a wide variety of music, said director Mark Geslison.
American music, from traditional to bluegrass sounds, will be featured as well as international music stemming from all corners of the world, Geslison said. The music is reflected from the roots of all heritages.
It''s especially neat to compare the older, traditional music with new and modern sounds to hear how music has evolved over the centuries, he said.
The concert will be a good time for everyone, Geslison said.
But this opportunity doesn''t come around too often.
This particular concert only happens once a year, so it is a unique experience, Geslison said.
However, despite few opportunities to play on campus, the group is no stranger to performing.
The Folk Ensemble is probably one of the top performing groups on campus because they are the only group of their kind at BYU, Geslison said.
Numerous performances at elementary schools, events and conventions keep the group busy.
The music seems to appeal to everyone, said Heidi Krueger, 19, a freshman from Spanish Fork, Utah, majoring in English teaching, who is a member of the ensemble.
'Whether or not you like country, traditional or bluegrass music, folk music really does have something for everyone,' she said.
Maybe it is because there is something familiar about it since it includes so much history and tradition, she said.
The concert begins at 7:30 in the de Jong Concert Hall of the Harris Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $8 for the public, $5 for students.