Michael Stairs Memorial Concert
Featuring Vernon Reid
Guitarist and Songwriter
Living Colour
Thursday, May 25
in Centennial Hall
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Performance starts at 7:30 p.m.
About the concert
The community is invited to the fourth annual Michael Stairs Memorial Concert, in honor of The Haverford School's legendary music teacher who passed in 2018. The Concert brings to campus a renowned musician to perform in Centennial Hall and spend time in a masterclass with Haverford music students. The event aims to celebrate music as an academic discipline, as well as a source of inspiration and joy.
The concert is free and open to the public.
About Vernon Reid
Guitarist Vernon Reid is best known as lead guitarist, songwriter, and founder of the groundbreaking African-American rock group Living Colour, who was prominent in the 1980's and 1990's. But to recognize Reid solely for his Grammy Award-winning work as a rock musician would be to miss a rich and varied body of work that has extended into virtually every musical genre. Reid has played with artists ranging in style from Mariah Carey to Public Enemy, and from Mick Jagger to jazz guitarist Bill Frisell.
The Lecture Series
The Michael Stairs Memorial Concert brings a renowned musician to perform and spend time in a master class with Haverford students. The event aims to celebrate music as an academic discipline as well as a source of inspiration and joy.
The Michael Stairs Memorial Concert Fund
Established in 2018 by alumni, parents, and friends, the Michael Stairs Memorial Concert Fund honors Stairs' service to Haverford as an outstanding music teacher and director of the Glee Club and the Notables from 1986-2012. An accomplished organist, Stairs played for Bryn Mawr's Church of the Redeemer, the Wanamaker Grand Court at Macy's, and was appointed as organist of the Philadelphia Orchestra by Riccardo Muti in 1985. This fund is overseen by the Chair of the Performing Arts Department and supports an annual concert by a performer or composer who evokes the inspiration and admiration of students, just as Stairs did.
Support
If you are interested in learning more about this concert or making a pledge or gift to the Michael Stairs Memorial Concert Fund, please contact Jeff Day at 484-571-7052.