Innovative architecture, innovative music

Wertico Cain & Gray jazz trio to perform Feb. 15 at Dana-Thomas House

[February 08, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site kicks off its 2014 series of musical performances Feb. 15 with an appearance by the innovative jazz trio Wertico Cain & Gray, featuring Grammy-winning drummer Paul Wertico. They will perform at 7 p.m. next Saturday.

This first event in the "Made for Music" concert series features a unique combination of sight and sound. Wertico Cain & Gray create what they call "sound portraits," using both music and visual effects.

A sample of the trio's work set against images of the Dana-Thomas House is available at http://youtu.be/BoKR5FufFv4.

The "Made for Music" concert series takes advantage of the Dana-Thomas House's brilliant architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house with music in mind, creating spaces with performance balconies and architectural elements that support live musical presentations.

Tickets for the Wertico Cain & Gray performance are $50, or $100 for a package featuring a reception, the concert, a signed CD and a high-definition headset that lets guests tour the Dana-Thomas House while listening to the concert. Tickets are available through the home's Sumac Shop at 217-744-3598.

In addition, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency is partnering with the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, to offer a special Valentine's Day package.

The "Get it Wright on Valentine's Day" package includes the Wertico Cain & Gray concert, a night's stay at the hotel — featuring warm cookies on arrival, an indoor pool and fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and tavern — and a special Frank Lloyd Wright gift wrapped and waiting for guests at the hotel. Gifts include men's neckties, jewelry, Dana Thomas House cayenne sumac vases and more.

To check prices and book the package, call 217-782-6776 and ask for the "Get it Wright on Valentine's Day" package.

The Dana-Thomas House was built between 1902 and 1904. It is perhaps the best-preserved of Wright's Prairie-style homes, with more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings.

The house, located at Fourth and Lawrence streets in Springfield, is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. For more information, visit http://www.illinois.gov/ihpa/ and http://www.dana-thomas.org/.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]