Being an accordion player is a calling that can push and pull. Embracing that creative friction has helped Simone Perrin reach the stage of A Prairie Home Companion and many other venues, including Weber Music Hall at UMD this week.
"I started playing the accordion as a way to accompany myself; I had never played it solo without my voice," said Perrin, who initially learned to play the instrument as a way to enhance her stage performance as a love-scorned vampire.
Later, Perrin felt the restive tension again -- this time in a karaoke bar attached to a Chinese restaurant in Iowa.
"It was one of those moments when I took a song that had never had an accordion attached to it from singing it in karaoke," said Perrin about her arrangement of Nancy Sinatra's 1966 song "These Boots Are Made For Walking." "I took the song and kind of thumbed around, put it in a minor key and it's turned out to be a really fun song to do. I really enjoy it."
Another person who enjoys hearing Perrin perform is her touring partner Kevin Kling, a playwright, book author, storyteller, and commentator on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered."
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"Well, when it comes to Simone, it's Simone before the accordion,"
he said. "She's an amazing performer and a really great person.
The accordion is just a bonus. She's a wonderful player."
"I think people will find that Simone will definitely surprise you with her playlist," said Bill Payne, dean of the School of Fine Arts at UMD.
Perrin and Kling have toured together since 2006. Both have a theatrical background. Together, they have produced three full-length plays and some small shows.
"Kevin is funny and insightful," Perrin said. "He has a lot of life experience that backs up his really amazing stories. Even though I've heard some of these stories over 50 times, he still manages to make me laugh and think about different things."
Kling's life experience includes being born partly disabled with a small arm. Then, in 2001, he had a motorcycle accident and lost the use of his other arm.
Kling plans to tell a combination of regional stories, family stories, and a poignant story in between.
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"The stories can go from a really personal one of me growing up riding in the car with my dad and mom, or can come from my world of disability," said Kling. "The stories are not about what makes us different, but about what makes us the same and how we connect. In that sense, I think all my stories are family stories."
"I directed two of his plays for the UMD theatre within the last decade," Payne said. "We've forged a friendship during those years. He's an amazing storyteller and writer. He's a very inspirational performer. It's a unique evening of theatre which will be funny, inspirational and moving."
The performance in Weber Music Hall begins at 7:30 p. m. on Friday, Sept. 14. Call 218-726-8561 for tickets. Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $5 for students not enrolled at UMD can also be purchased at www.tickets.umn.edu .
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin in performance
WHAT: A evening of story-telling, singing and accordion music.
WHERE: UMD Weber Music Hall
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
