Alvin M. Keeling 
CASPER, Wyo. – After spending three years on the hardscrabble music scene in New York City, Casper frontman Matt Stairs says he’s able to bring a little more authenticity and experience to the songs he sings.
For his ARTCORE concert on Sunday at First United Methodist Church, Stairs said he used the songs from the first act to tell the story of what he has learned and what he has done since returning to Casper.
“It’s not just music that people are going to be able to listen to, it’s a story that they can learn,” Stairs told Oil City this week. “It’s a testimony, in a way.
There will be a range of genres represented, from musical theater and Disney songs to pop and country. The second act will feature artists from the Wyoming Opera performing Christmas carols (one of the company’s new hire services).
“When I grow up” from Frozen II is a song that Stairs chose specifically to warn against postponing happiness until future goals are met. He has noticed, both in himself and in others, the tendency to “rush to try and find where the grass is the greenest.”
“Better than me”, from Joseph, king of dreams, also speaks of a hard-won lesson: “It’s about surrendering and letting go by trying to control every little thing, because that just isn’t possible. “
Although he won regional contracts, a number of off-Broadway gigs, and made contacts that saw him take part in The CW’s “The Christmas Caroler Challenge” last year, Stairs said New York was a tough scene and at one point he was working five part-time. works.
“One thing I have definitely learned is that there are more things that are important to me than just playing alone.”
Keeping in close contact with his family is one of those things he enjoys: “You don’t really know until you’re completely alone. “
Stairs will also play the role of Ice Harvester from Frozen II Saturday at the Dream Upon a Princess Holiday Ball Saturday at the Lyric.
ARTCORE performances:
- Sunday 12 December
- 4:00 p.m.
- First United Methodist Church
- General admission: $ 13
- Seniors: $ 12
- Students and teachers: $ 7
- 12 years old and under: $ 5
Tickets can be purchased here or at one of the following points of sale:
- The Bon Assurance Agency
- Express printing
- The Hill Music Company
- Sonic Rainbow
Dream Upon a Princess Holiday Ball Saturday at the Lyric
Tickets can be found here.
- Regular tickets: $ 36
- Chaperone pass: $ 6
- VIP: $ 55
- The Lyric (230 W. Yellowstone Highway)
- Saturday 11 December
- 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- 3 years and over recommended
