Esperanza Spalding to perform at Brooks Center

Bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding brings her talents to Clemson University's Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Spalding, who won the 2011 Best New Artist Grammy — the first time for a jazz musician — recently released "Radio Music Society," which features a dynamic Big Band format. Inspired by her desire to write for large ensembles, Spalding has crafted her performances to spotlight the talents of her 12-piece band. 

After watching classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform on an episode of "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" at age 4, Spalding taught herself to play the violin well enough to secure a spot in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon. She was elevated to a concertmaster position by age 15.

Spalding’s participation in the group also introduced her to the bass and took her down a road filled with blues, funk, hip-hop, jazz and eventually landed her at the Berklee College of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree and became an instructor at the age of 20.

Tickets for Spalding's show are $35 for adults and $20 for students and are available for purchase online at www.clemson.edu/Brooks and through the Box Office at 864-656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.