Duo will perform for symphony series

The Augusta Symphony will open its third season of the Columbia County Music Series with the tunes from the husband and wife duo Montana Skies.

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Jennifer and Jonathan Adams will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center inside the Columbia County Library.

Jonathan Adams plays a variety of guitars, and his wife plays different styles of cellos, said Sandra Self, the executive director of the symphony.

"It's an unusual pairing of cello and guitar," she said. "It really creates a unique new sound."

The couple, who live near Atlanta, met in the 1990s while studying music at the University of Georgia, said Jonathan Adams. Montana Skies was formed in 2002 and started touring in 2004.

Both musicians are classically trained, Jennifer Adams said, but their music is blended with a contemporary and "jazzy" sound.

They perform a wide spectrum of music that includes tunes by Pink Floyd, Rush, Vivaldi and Bach.

"The journey to what we are now as Montana Skies has been a very long journey of self-discovery and making our own artistic vision and artistic voice," she said.

They tour nationally and internationally, said her husband, and they recently returned from Russia.

"We do a lot of original music and we also do covers," he said. "When we do covers, they're really our own interpretations, so we feel those are original, too."

Guests at the concert can expect an exciting and energetic performance, Jonathan Adams said.

"The audience is encouraged to participate, and there's a lot of energy in our show," he said.

Jennifer Adams said she has no set expectations going into the show, but hopes to make a connection with the crowd.

"It's the connection with the audience that matters, and that's what we always seek out," she said.

Self said the duo provides an "eclectic feel" to the series.

For information about Montana Skies, or to view their videos, visit www.montanaskiesmusic.com.

The Columbia County Music Series has been a success in previous years, Self said.

"We love the series at Columbia County and we'd love to make many more of the concerts," she said. "We're delighted with the reception that we receive, and we hope that'll just keep getting better and better."

Future series performances will include violinist Levon Ambartsumian and pianist Evgeny Rivkin in November, Keowee Chamber Players in January and pianist Valentina Lisitsa in March.

Tickets cost $30. If available the night of the concert, tickets for students and military personnel cost $7. Series tickets for all four concerts cost $95.

For information, call (706) 826-4705 or visit www.augustasymphony.org.