The electric sounds of Dixon’s violin

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Reviewer: Beth Detloff

Venue: Pit and Balcony Theatre

 

Late Saturday evening Pit and Balcony Theatre opened their doors to Dixon and his electric violin. Dixon is currently on his Human Kindness tour and made a stop in Saginaw. This was the Michigan native’s first time stopping in Saginaw. Dixon has roots in the Great Lakes Bay area. After each song was completed Dixon chatted with the audience about his musical background. He got his start with classical music and even played with the Midland Symphony Orchestra, many years ago. Now Dixon travels with his electric violin to an eclectic range of venues throughout the United States and has several shows in his home state, Michigan. 

Dixon combines his classical training and previous field work in technology to bring a unique musical experience to the audience. There was a wonderful range of age groups nestled in Saturday night as the house lights went down and Dixon took the stage. Several of his biggest fans were in the front rows, and the whole theatre gave a standing ovation. It was a treat to listen to the music but also to Dixon each time he returned to the microphone to chat with the audience. It truly was a cozy evening and Dixon is a genuine and heartwarming human. 

More than once Dixon referred to his style of music as weird but at the root of all humans is a weirdness that makes us unique. He encouraged people to dig into the things that they are passionate about and discover their own talents. Dixon gravitated to an electric violin when he realized he could reach a deeper sound range than with a classic violin. He could also have more fun, which he seemed to accomplish judging by the facial expressions he kept sending out to the audience. 

Dixon used his violin in unconventional ways on stage, creating unconventional sounds that melded seamlessly with the pieces he was performing. From clicks and taps with the bow stick to plucking the strings like a guitar or cello, Dixon likes to be playful and inventive with each piece. My personal favorite was the piece that Dixon mentioned would have deeper, darker sounds. The Pit and Balcony seemed like the perfect venue to house Dixon, with a feeling of being right up close and personal with the artist. He even was in the lobby before and after the show to talk with fans. 

Dixon’s violin is a staple at several large music festivals. Maybe you have attended Michigan based festival, Electric Forest, and heard the violin winding through the trees on a warm afternoon. I encourage anyone who is looking for an engaging and approachable night of music to check out Dixon’s violin. He has several shows upcoming around Michigan, and now that he knows he has a fan base in Saginaw he is sure to return.

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