Thursday, September 9, 1999 Older Editions

Bobby McFerrin coming to Phillips Academy

By Neil Fater

For some, Bobby McFerrin is all about simple pleasures. Specifically, he's about his Grammy-winning album Simple Pleasures and its once-ubiquitous single Don't Worry Be Happy.

But to his fans, knowing McFerrin as a guy who sang Don't Worry Be Happy is a bit like knowing John Hinckley Jr. as a guy who kind of liked Jodie Foster. There's so much more there there.

Later this month, Andover residents will have a chance to see just how much.

That's because the Phillips Academy music department will present McFerrin in a free concert Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m., in Cochran Chapel on the school campus, 180 Main St. Cochran Chapel is handicapped accessible.

The concert is open to Andover residents, with a maximum of two tickets available, per person.

Those who attend may get a taste of why McFerrin is known as "The Voice" -- and it's not just because of his 1984 album by the same name.

As Phillips Academy notes, McFerrin has performed amazing "instrumental vocals" with such classical artists as Yo Yo Ma and jazz legends Wynton Marsalis and Chick Corea.

He now appears as guest conductor of major orchestras, most notably the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota, where in 1994 he was appointed its creative chair.

The Sept. 29 concert at Phillips is sponsored by the Bernard and Mildred Kayden Fund, which was established by the Kayden family to bring distinguished artists to Phillips Academy and the Andover community. Although the program is free, it is a ticketed event and seating is limited.

Advance tickets are available at the music department office in Graves Hall on the corner of School and Main streets.

Any inquiries regarding this performance may be directed to the Phillips Academy music department at 749-4995 or e-mail at music@andover.edu.