Acoustic group, rising jazz singer will perform at River Campus

The 442s, a new acoustic instrumental quartet in a combo with Erin Bode, a young, fast-rising jazz vocalist, will be in residence at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus on April 1, working with students and presenting a concert, according to a news release from the university.

"This should be a very cool concert, especially since they are also bringing with them Erin Bode," said Jeffery Noonan, professor of music at Southeast Missouri State University.

Bode's distinctive repertoire and crossover appeal -- evoking comparisons to Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones -- have proved at home in grand venues or relaxed clubs.

The 442s will present workshops and classes for students throughout the day at the River Campus before a 7 p.m. concert in the Shuck Music Recital Hall.

The 442s, a "contemporary string band" of players from the St. Louis Symphony (violin and cello) and the jazz world (acoustic bass, guitar/keyboard), blends musical genres to create a mix that appeals to pop music and classical audiences. Adam Maness composes the bulk of the ensemble's music of instrumental and vocal works.

The quartet will be supplemented by Bode, who is making a name for herself with performances across the country.

"Their music is very accessible to a general audience -- it really is pop music played with classical virtuosity. Once people hear it, they really are pulled in," Noonan said in the release.

The 442s are named for the modern standard of musical tuning in a 442 Hz tone.

Brought together by the compositions of Maness, who plays guitar, accordion, melodica and glockenspiel, The 442s also includes Shawn Weil on violin, Bjorn Ranheim on cello and Sydney Rodway on bass.

The collaboration combines group singing, improvisation and whistle solos in a blend of jazz, classical, folk and rock music.

General admission tickets are $10, and student tickets are $3. Tickets may be bought at the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, by calling 651-2265, or by visiting RiverCampusEvents.com.