Published: May 15, 2008 02:07 pm         

The Adams Duo returns to Playhouse

Chet Atkins called him “the most amazing guy I know on the guitar,” and a national guitar champion’s strings of gold meet strings of pearls on cello when the internationally renowned Adams Duo performs at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville on May 16 at 8 p.m. CDT. Sponsored by Progressive Savings Bank and The Rains Agency, British guitarist Richard Smith and American cellist Julie Adams play favorites like “Stardust," “Spanish Eyes," and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow," highlighting an incredible repertoire in styles from bluegrass, jazz, pop, and traditional classical guitar.

Richard Smith started learning guitar from his father at age 5 in England, playing the music his Dad loved – the country picking of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. Young Richard learned the most complicated tunes with ease, amazing everyone, and now he’s toured the world, amazing audiences everywhere, and winning the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2001.

Julie Adams is one of the most versatile cellists in music today, winning many competitions, performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory Orchestra, and appearing with orchestras in Chicago, Columbus, Dayton and Florida. She was recently featured with country star Suzy Bogguss on her album which won the 2005 Grammy for Folk Album of the Year.

The couple married in 1999 and settled in Nashville, where they are in demand as studio and session musicians, and pursue their busy touring career and their own recordings, including the album “Living Out a Dream.” Audiences in the U.S. and around the world delight in the eclectic mix of Julie’s lyrical style and Richard’s flawless technique, and the warm and surprising musical mix that comes from these soul mates – in life and in music.

Tickets can be purchased from the Playhouse Box Office at 484-5000. Visit CCP online at www.ccplayhouse.com to view their full season schedule and additional information.