Janis Potter: America's Marimba Player

Main Street Toccoa, in partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation, will host a concert Friday, April 17, 2015 at 7:00 PM featuring Janis Potter, world renowned marimba performer. The concert will be held at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.

Janis Potter, one of America’s most in-demand solo marimba artists, is best known for her varied repertoire and energetic style.  Ms. Potter has more than 320 recitals and master-classes plus 30 concerto performances to her credit.  She has performed and lectured at more than 50 major universities in nearly every state in the U.S. and is currently planning her international marimba debut in Japan in 2013.  She has been presented at five Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, as well as many state and local PAS events, and has had several articles published in Percussive Notes Magazine.  Ms. Potter has won awards and grants from such prestigious organizations as the Sony Corporation, The Carnegie Foundation and The Myra Hess Foundation.  She has also been presented by renowned venues such as the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, The Phillips Collection, The Library of Congress, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art.  Her recordings are often aired on National Public Radio and she has performed in several television specials for PBS.

Janis served five years with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington DC- having played percussion at the White House, the U.S. Capital, and many other venues including three national concert tours.  In addition, she was a featured soloist with the band at the College Band Director’s National Association Convention performing Thea Musgrave’s Journey Through a Japanese Landscape for marimba and wind ensemble, which is now available on a live recording from Marc Records.  She released her first solo CD entitled “Marimba Tracks” in 2000, and her second CD “Variations in Blue” in 2004.

Janis received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in music performance from The Juilliard School.  She is currently in the dissertation process of her Doctor of Education degree from North Central University.

For over 24 years, The Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first-timers.  It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances, and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences.  Last season, the Foundation presented a mini-tour of 4 concerts in Georgia reaching over 175 people in Newnan, Hartwell, and Toccoa.   Likewise, this year The Piatigorsky Foundation aims to reach hundreds of people across Georgia to increase awareness and appreciation of classical music in communities throughout the state.  Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky.  Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music.  He once said, “Music makes life better.  Music is a necessity.  It is rich.  It is imaginative.  It is magnificent.  And it is for everyone.”  The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances.

The concert will be at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00.