Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) will present an Opening Nights performance featuring Grammy Award-winning producer and guitar virtuoso Larry Mitchell, in collaboration with FSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and Arts4All Florida.
“Larry Mitchell and Friends” is directed by Mitchell and incorporates the skills of five renowned Florida musicians — regional artists Matt Cravener, William (Yazid) Johnson, Trevor Williams (T-Rev) and Carly Fulcher. The performance is scheduled to occur from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at the Museum of Fine Arts within the College of Fine Arts.
“We are privileged to host Larry Mitchell and Friends at MoFA, particularly on the opening night of our exhibit ‘Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art,’” expressed Kaylee Spencer, director of the FSU Museum of Fine Arts. “Mitchell’s artistry — both as a distinguished musician and as a producer of acclaimed Indigenous music — deeply aligns with the exhibition’s themes. This evening unites powerful representations of cultural storytelling through both sound and visual art.”
Mitchell, celebrated both domestically and internationally, began his guitar journey at the age of 9 and has continued his musical vocation ever since. He has collaborated with artists such as Miguel Bosé, Tracy Chapman, Ric Ocasek, and Billy Squier; accrued 26 New Mexico music accolades; and produced the Best Native American Music Album, Totemic Flute Chants by Johnny Whitehorse of Robert Mirabal, for the 50th annual Grammy Awards.
“We will create a distinctive musical tapestry that invites listeners with diverse rhythms and melodies,” Mitchell stated. “The solo, ensemble, and group compositions will feature guitar, cello, piano, and African drums.”
Mitchell has also been a longstanding mentor for aspiring musicians. In 2020, he facilitated a series of music workshops for FSU’s University of Choice student organization at the College of Music and Leon County schools, culminating in a concert for the FSU Opening Nights Arts Festival.
“Larry Mitchell’s dedication to mentoring emerging artists is as uplifting as his music. Through performances like this, we recognize artistry and the significance of education, collaboration, and community.”
— Kevin Maynard, executive director for Opening Nights at FSU
Whether through his mentorship at FSU, teaching for Arts4All Florida in K-12 classrooms, or participating in artist residencies at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, he is eager to foster those who wish to follow in his path. His dedication to mentoring extends to the “Larry Mitchell Interchange: Music for All” initiative at FSU, where he has guided young artists in their musical pursuits.
“Larry Mitchell’s dedication to mentoring young artists is as uplifting as his music,” stated Kevin Maynard, executive director for Opening Nights at FSU. “Through performances like this, we recognize artistry and the significance of education, collaboration, and the community.”
Percussionist, saxophonist, pianist, and clarinetist Yazid has performed throughout the U.S. and globally, collaborating with Marvin Gaye and poet Gil Scott Heron. As a teaching artist for Arts4All Florida, he inspires students in Leon and surrounding counties to explore the rhythms and patterns of various percussive instruments. Yazid has also directed the FSU African Drumming Ensemble.
Fulcher, an accomplished cellist and FSU alumna, performs with the Gulf Coast Symphony and acts as Artis — Naples education coordinator. At FSU, she was a member of the University Philharmonia and served as president of the University of Choice. In 2023, she was honored as “Florida Young Soloist” by Arts4All Florida.
Pianist and film composer Cravener, recognized as Florida’s Young Soloist in 2020, has been playing since the age of 4. He has composed scores for over 30 films and is currently working on the documentary “Repair the Breach,” which delves into the theme of family dysfunction.
Singer-songwriter T-Rev secured second place in the Songwriter Sensation contest, ranking just behind America’s Got Talent finalist Chase Goehring, and has released the single “See Right Through Me.” He has made appearances on “ABC 27 Sunrise Rocks” and has been a featured artist for Arts4All Florida and the Florida CARD Conference.
The event is complimentary and accessible to the public, though tickets are necessary. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception. For tickets or further information, visit openingnights.fsu.edu/events/larry-mitchell-and-friends/.
The article FSU Museum of Fine Arts hosts quintet of award-winning musicians in free Opening Nights concert first appeared on Florida State University News.