Kelleen Strutz

The Franklin College Music Department, in collaboration with the Franklin Symphonic Council, is proud to present the second annual Patricia Stevens Distinguished Artist Series as it welcomes Kelleen Strutz to campus from March 19-20.

The series is possible thanks to a grant presented to the college from the Franklin Symphonic Council in 2021. It is named in honor of the late Patricia Stevens, a long-time member of the Franklin Symphonic Council and wife of John Stevens, emeritus professor of economics at Franklin College. Each year, the grant will fund a guest artist at the college who will teach master classes to students, engage with the community and perform a free public concert.

Strutz is an accomplished pianist and vocalist. Musically versatile, she masterfully integrates jazz, classical and pop standards – reminiscent of her early influencers Carol King, Carly Simon, Nancy Wilson and Barbara Streisand, to create a sultry, timeless sound.

The public is invited to attend the following free events at Franklin College:

• Tuesday, March 19, 6 p.m. – The Guest Artist Reception will take place in the Old Main Lobby.
• Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. – “Lessons I’ve Learned on My Musical Journey (expressed at the piano).” Lecture with Q&A will take place in Custer Theatre, on the first floor of Old Main.
• Wednesday, March 20, 1 p.m. – Piano Masterclass will be held in Room 102 in the Johnson Center for Fine Arts.
• Wednesday, March 20, 4 p.m. – Masterclass with FC Jazz Collective will be held in Custer Theatre in Old Main.
• Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m. – Guest Artist Recital will be held in Custer Theatre in Old Main.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

By: Alona Gilpin ’24, Pulliam Fellow

POSTED Mar 12, 2024