If you expect the Dallas String Quartet to sit quietly in long skirts and tuxes, reading sheet music, you’re in for a surprise. This group, DSQ Electric as they’re known, isn’t your grandma’s string quartet. The men appear traditionally dressed—the women not so much. And the music, where classical meets pop, guarantees you won’t snooze through the performance.

The publicity release exclaims, “Where Beethoven and Bono collide!”

Bobbi Alpha, board president for Community Concerts of the Grand Valley, explained how groups are chosen for each season.

“We look at videos provided by booking agents of each artist or group,” she said. “We narrow the list down to 10, and from those we choose the ones we want to appear.”

DSQ impressed the board with their youth and enthusiasm and the way they turn classical music upside down. The group has toured worldwide and played with the Trans- Siberian Orchestra and Kenny G, and entertained at NFL games and the famous House of Blues.

Founder Ion Zanca was born in Romania of musician parents during the Communist regime. He attended the National Conservatory of Music in Bucharest, then came to the U.S. and received a master’s degree in musical performance from Southern Methodist University. He formed DSQ about 10 years ago, with the goal of innovating in an industry and style of music that has been played the same way for centuries. Violinists Melissa Priller and Eleanor Dunbar joined violist Zanca, along with bassist Young Heo.

CCGV has been bringing music to the area for 74 years. This season's lineup features Black Market Trust, a nightclub/Gypsy jazz group, on November 15; The Jersey Tenors on March 1; Brad Ross, an illusionist billed as the next Houdini, on March 10; The Abrams, a country/bluegrass and gospel group on April 7; and Brassfire with trumpeter Jens Lindemann on April 18.

Though the first concert has come and gone, Alpha said buying a season pass now will save you money.

“Our season tickets sell for $80, and single tickets bought online or at the door are $25,” she said, “so buying a season ticket now will get people into the remaining performances for about $13 each.”

DSQ Electric plays on Monday, October 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Junction High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or by calling 243-1979.

Ticket giveaway!

Who is the best musician/performer you’ve seen live? Let us know and you could win two tickets to DSQ Electric at Grand Junction High School on Monday, October 22. Winner will be notified by October 18.

Email the following information to [email protected]

Name:_______________________________________________________

Phone number:_______________________________________________

Best live performer/musician:___________________________________

[bscolumns class="one_half"][/bscolumns][bscolumns class="one_half_last_clear"][/bscolumns][bscolumns class="clear"][/bscolumns]Congratulations to Bob & Toni Sundermeier, our September ’50s photo contest winners!