Noted jazz pianist Marcus Roberts will become an artist in residence during the 2002 Winter Games, Ray Grant, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee's director of arts and culture, announced during a press conference Friday at Abravanel Hall.
Roberts, who was seated at the grand piano in the concert hall, said he is excited and honored to be a part of the Arts and Cultural Olympiad, planned in conjunction with both the Winter Games and the Paralympics in February 2002."There are a lot of possibilities with this," Roberts said, referring to his participation in the Olympics. "I'd like people come to see the performances and not feel like they were attacked by the music. I would want them to feel an experience and leave inspired. Much like when they watch the sporting events."
Roberts and Grant had worked together a few years ago while Grant was with the Walt Disney Co.
"Back then we worked together quite a bit," Grant said. "He was so articulate, and I'm excited to work with him again."
Roberts, 36, lost his sight when he was 5. He taught himself to play the piano and eventually went on to attend the Florida School for the Blind in St. Augustine.
The pianist's influences include Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin and various jazz musicians. He's the leader of the Marcus Roberts Trio.
"Jazz music, to me, is a lot like sports," Roberts said. "In fact, when you see a basketball team on the floor, they're improvising and creating art with their movements. A jazz band is quite a bit like that. There are no two basketball games played the same way, and there is no way to play the same jazz concert twice."