Dr. Lisa Cheryl Thomas will take the stage of The Waldo Theatre Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Dr. Thomas' “Dances with Ivory” concert presents piano selections based on indigenous tribal melodies.

The piano is used in unusual ways to achieve ethereal effects, such as strumming inside the body of the piano on the strings and using the pedals in creative ways to pick up the tonal vibrations of native flutes, singing, speaking, and playing the soundboard for drum beat effects. The performance includes native storytelling to illustrate the significance of an oral tradition, a very different way of learning compared to modern schooling. She performs in native regalia and uses multi-media to illustrate the cultural background of each song.

Dr. Thomas was a Fulbright Scholar in Canada in 2017 at the University of Alberta and did her doctoral dissertation on native melodies that were collected by ethnographers around the turn of the 20th century. She has performed this music in many theaters and concert halls in many countries. Passionate about presenting performances that embody Native American music, dance, art, and culture via performances of compositions by American composers, her repertoire also includes bluegrass and patriotic American music.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Waldo Theatre is at 916 Main St., Waldoboro.  To purchase tickets: https://our.show/danceswithivory