tampabay-online.org/lg//singingtree/
On Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m., the acclaimed duo Singing Tree will be performing in the Grand Salon, located in Plant Hall. The unique sound produced by musicians Ray Belanger and Lloyd Goldstein stem from their blending of string instruments into an eclectic new sound that is entirely their own.
Belanger, a lifelong musician, has been playing the hammered dulcimer for over two decades now. He has won a multitude of awards for his skills, as well as much recognition within the southern region for his musical collaboration with his wife, titled Simple Gifts. Along with all of his accreditations, Ray is also a volunteer at the Moffitt Cancer Center, where he often plays music to lighten the moods of the visitors and personnel.
Goldstein, also a serious, longtime musician, has been performing the double bass for over 30 years. Having recently resigned from his 21-year-long career with the Florida Orchestra, Goldstein now is a Certified Music Practitioner and yoga instructor at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Often collaborating with Belanger, he plays throughout the hospital, often at bedsides, sharing his talent with the patients and staff. Goldstein is well known for his solo performance-art concerts, in which he combines a unique assortment of music, yoga poses, and spoken word.
Ray and Lloyd seem to have a great appreciation of each other’s skills, commenting that their combination of sounds “feel like a full body experience.” The program on Tuesday will include a mixture of music and poetry, as well as an integration of international performances including traditional French dances and Irish song. The musicians greatly look forward to their performance, hoping to share their versatile and powerful sound with the audience of UT.
