Photo by Chase Jarvis

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- The annual Les Paul Concert at Ramapo College will feature a performance by Emmy-nominated cellist Zoë Keating on Saturday, February 18 at 8:00pm. The Concert, generously supported with funding from the Les Paul Foundation, is a collaboration between Ramapo’s Berrie Center for the Performing and Visual Arts and the College’s esteemed music department.

Keating, a composer and performer, uses a cello and a foot-controlled laptop to record and layer sounds to create lush, beautiful yet unclassifiable music. Her performances are unique as she spontaneously improvises around her works, demonstrates how she makes them, and tells the stories behind each piece.

For the past 20 years, Keating has used her DIY approach to compose, produce and independently release her albums, which have sold over 35,000 copies. Keating also composes for TV, theater, film and dance, and most notably, she co-composed the score of the HBO film “Oslo” with Jeff Russo, which earned the pair an Emmy Nomination in 2021.

Tickets are available for purchase online: Adults:  $35/32/25   Children under 17: $18. Attendees are invited to stay for an intimate post-performance conversation with Keating.

Ramapo’s Berrie Center is a centerpiece of the College’s School of Contemporary Arts (CA). Students enrolled in CA programs benefit from hands-on learning with artists like Keating and can choose to focus their studies in:

* Communication Arts (with concentrations in Digital Filmmaking, Global Communication and Media, Journalism and Writing, as well as Visual Communication Design which includes Game Design and Graphic Design)

* Music (with concentrations in: Music Industry, Music Performance, Music Production, Music Education and Music Studies, and an MFA Program in Creative Music Technology)

* Theater (with concentrations in: Acting, Directing/Stage Management, Design/Technical Theater, and Theater Studies); and

* Visual Arts (with concentrations in: Art History, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, Electronic Art and Animation, and Photography)

As a community resource, the Berrie Center hosts a range of performances year-round including compelling student theater productions and musical performances as well as countless talented professional musicians, theater groups, and performance artists. The Center is generously supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Events are open to the public with discounts for children 17 and under, and feature easy access and free parking. For exact event information and to purchase tickets, please visit ramapo.edu/berriecenter.

The Berrie Center for the Arts is located at 505 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, New Jersey.