'The Fresh Aire Music of Mannheim Steamroller' is coming on Feb. 27

February 20, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — “The Fresh Aire Music of Mannheim Steamroller” is the highly anticipated concept tour created, cast, arranged and produced by Chip Davis. The 43-city tour features a Gainesville appearance at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Phillips Center.

“The Fresh Aire Music of Mannheim Steamroller” features a cast of the most talented and versatile musicians touring the world. Hand-picked by Davis himself, the core of the group is a consortium of musicians, technicians and engineers using state-of-the-art equipment to create Mannheim Steamroller’s signature sound. There will be 15 musical performers, including 10 local, professional musicians as orchestral accompaniment. While final casting for “The Fresh Aire Music of Mannheim Steamroller” has not yet been announced, founder and composer Chip Davis does not plan to appear with the band on this tour.

This performance will feature the original famous Mannheim Steamroller multimedia images, synchronized lighting, special effects and, of course, the world-renowned music of Mannheim Steamroller.

“Fresh Aire” is the Grammy award-winning series of albums from Mannheim Steamroller composer Chip Davis. In “Fresh Aire,” Davis created groundbreaking music that is an innovative blend of classical themes with pop elements that he calls “18th century rock ‘n’ roll.” The first album, “Fresh Aire” was released in 1974, and the series’ final component was released recently to great acclaim. Each of the eight “Fresh Aire” albums explores topics; the first four “Fresh Aire” albums were inspired by the magnificence and distinctiveness of the four seasons, while “Fresh Aire V” through “Fresh Aire 8” deal with man’s curiosities about the world in which we live. “Fresh Aire” has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of fans around the world. Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 5 million “Fresh Aire” records. Davis won a Grammy for “Fresh Aire 7,” and the entire series raised the bar for audio and video production standards.

In addition to “Fresh Aire,” Mannheim Steamroller has gained international acclaim with its seasonal music: from Valentine’s Day to Christmas and the Fourth of July to Halloween, people around the world celebrate holidays with music from Mannheim Steamroller.

Tickets are $45, front orchestra and mezzanine; $40, mid-orchestra; $35, rear orchestra; and $30, balcony. The performance is sponsored by Florida Citizens Bank and Koss•Olinger Financial Group.

Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida). Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster, 904-353-3309, or toll free at 800-277-1700. Orders may also be faxed to 352-846-1562. Tickets are also available in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the Reitz Union and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticketmaster is available on the on the internet at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group tickets are also available.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open Monday – Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and two hours prior to the performance. Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.