Christopher O'Riley is not your grandma's classical pianist, though she would probably enjoy his playing. O'Riley, who is also famous as the host of NPR's From the Top, has earned critical acclaim for his classical arrangements of Generation X Mozarts like Radiohead and Elliott Smith. Although he's not the only one to try this sort of thing, his solid pedigree in classical music as well as jazz makes it nearly impossible to utter the word gimmick.
Since last year's release of Out of My Hands, which featured arrangements of Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box" as well as songs by Pink Floyd, R.E.M., and others, O'Riley has played recitals featuring selections from the album all over the country, and that trend is set to continue into 2011. At his show at the Kravis Center, however, fans will get the chance to see him tap into his classical roots, as he will perform a duo concert featuring pieces with master cellist Carter Brey. This could be the most grandma-geared show he's played in a while, but fans could see a little alternative action from the man who can flow seamlessly from black tie into blue jeans in one sitting.