Man To Play Rock Hits On Cello At Mahwah Library

MAHWAH, NJ — Want to hear the rock and roll hits of the 1960s and 1970s performed on a cello?

Alex Prizgintas, an author, historian, and Central Valley, N.Y. native, will perform British Invasion hits, as well as favorite tunes from Springsteen and Joan Jett, at the Mahwah library on Saturday.

“When we started our first rock shows on the cello, we never could have imagined how popular they would be received,” Prizgintas said.

The musician has made a career of blending harmonies with the rich histories of composers and songwriters from decades past, in addition to pushing the classical cello into new realms.

Opening with the Joan Jett’s iconic rock anthem, "I Love Rock and Roll," the new catalogue of blockbuster tunes will include Bruce Springsteen’s "Born to Run," Chicago’s "25 or Six to 4," as well as tunes from ZZ Top, Mountain, Three Dog Night, Sugarloaf, Edgar Winter, and more.

Classically trained, he employs non-classical tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic "wah-wah" guitar pedal.

The Poughkeepsie Journal recently wrote that his work both “inspires and amazes,” while the Times Herald-Record said he "pushes the limits.” They also wrote that he “brings his knowledge and interest in history and music together.”

The unique sound of Prizgintas and his amplified cello will be featured at 2 p.m. Visit the library website or call 201-529-7323 to register.

To learn more and see video samples of his music and lectures, please visit alexprizgintas.com or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.