Beat Hunger, one of the UTC Music Department’s most popular concerts, is set for Sunday and Monday nights in support of the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
The annual performance is presented by the UTC Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Monte Coulter to kick off the Christmas giving season. Students entertain their audience with performances on everything from traditional drums to African djembes, iron pipes and cymbals.
“We’re doing two pieces never done before that are terribly difficult,” said Coulter of the upcoming shows. ” ‘Valse Brilliante’ is a xylophone number with marimba quartet accompaniment.”
Tom Thomas will be the featured xylophonist, and the quartet will be composed of Betsy Taylor, Michael White, Jared Horner and Coulter.
The piece is by xylophonist George Hamilton Green, whom Coulter said performed the original music to “Steamboat Willie.”
The other new piece is “Shadow Chaser” for marimba soloist (White) with percussion ensemble accompaniment, said Coulter.
Among the four remaining numbers in the program is a concerto for drum set that will feature soloist Chris Smith.
Fans of Beat Hunger know to arrive early because once Roland Hayes Hall fills, the doors close to prevent overcrowding.
As an added treat for early arrivals, Coulter said Chattanooga-based drumming band Funk-a-Buckets will perform in the Fine Arts Center lobby before the concert.
“If you have not yet seen Funk-a-Buckets live on the street corners of downtown Chattanooga, they are a quartet of expert drummers — part improvisation, part theater and always explosive and tight. You will love them,” Coulter said.
If You Go
* What: Beat Hunger percussion concerts.
* When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
* Where: UTC Fine Arts Center, corner of Vine and Palmetto streets.
* Admission: $2 check made payable to the Community Kitchen or two nonperishable food items.
* Phone: 425-4601.