The British Invasion: Two electric cello shows with Alex Prizgintas

While the American Blues found its origins in the U.S., the unique sound traveled across the ocean to England were it took root and later returned as part of the highly successful British Invasion of the1960s. Travel back in time with Alex Prizgintas and learn some of the fascinating stories behind iconic hits such as Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” The Zombies’ “Time of the Season,” and more. The unique sound of Prizgintas and his amplified cello will be featured outdoors at Vern Allen Park in Washingtonville on Friday, July 5 at 5 p.m. and the Monroe Free Library on Wednesday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. (attendees must register on the library’s website). Classically trained, he employs non-classical tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic “wah-wah” guitar pedals symbolic of 1960s rock bands — all in conjunction with a looping station. Equally comfortable with intimate and stadium settings, Prizgintas is able to craft his own wall-of-sound through his 1,000-watt amp.

Those familiar with Prizgintas’s work on the cello might be surprised to learn that he recently graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree from Marist College in regional history — and currently attends the same college as a graduate student in public administration. “I tend to have two audiences; those who know me as a cellist and those who know me through my lectures on topics of regional history. My bifurcated interests certainly keep me busy developing new stories to share about our Hudson River Valley as well as expanding my concert programs that strive to keep audiences engaged, enlightened and hopefully entertained.” To learn more and see other video samples of his music and lectures, visit alexprizgintas.com.