Burlington-Vermont based live-looping, singer-violinist Emma Back performs "Strife and Joy" at the Waterbury Grange on Friday December 13th.

"Strife and Joy," creates for listeners an intimate experience of impermanence, receptivity, conflict and creation, delving into the intersection of the personal and universal as a way to heal, find hope and move forward through challenging times. Through layers of vocals and strings, Back's dynamic, live-looping performance gathers listeners in a web of haunting melodic storytelling.

The concert will occur on Friday December 13th at the Grange Hall, 317 Howard Street, Waterbury Center. Doors are at 6:30 and the concert begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are by donation. Please come prepared to make a contribution to the artist at the culmination of the performance, as generously as you are able. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat by registering online at https://www.grangehallcc.com/events/.

The idea of "Strife and Joy" emerged during a solo Songwriting retreat in the Vermont woods in February 2019. After writing an album (Little World, 2018) that focused on conflict and social issues, Back decided to delve into the more internal, emotional experience of being human, seeking to unmask the connection between the two extremes of suffering and bliss that form much of our life stories. Through inquiry and imagery, Back's latest work offers heart-wrenching melodies that spiral rapidly between dark and light with more simplicity, space and focus on harmony than her earlier work. In her live-performances, Back has her audiences write reflections on "Strife and Joy" throughout the evening. She draws these writings from a jar in between songs, encouraging audience participation, dialogue and community connection.

Dec 18, 2024, 5 to 6 PM

Dec 19, 2024, 3 to 4:30 PM

Dec 21, 2024, 7 PM