By SARAH BROACH

Staff Writer

Classical music will be redefined when Bowfire performs at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Howard Auditorium, Center for the Performing Arts.

Bowfire combines violinists and fiddlers who play a wide variety of music styles, including jazz, country, blue-grass, rock and classical. Instruments such as the piano, guitar and cello serve as accompaniment.

"It's an unusual program," Dr. Alan Goldspiel, an associate professor of music and artistic director of the Louisiana Tech Concert Association, said.

"There are 11 musicians playing in not just one style. It's more than just a concert."

Goldspiel said the name "Bowfire" incorporates the bows used for the main instruments, along with the excitement and dramatics of the performance.

Bowfire is the second event of the LTCA season -- the first was Ballet Hispanico in October.

"[LTCA] wants to bring varied cultural performances to the Tech and Ruston community that are not otherwise available, which is the important part," Goldspiel said.

Bowfire was formed in June of 2000 and put together by Lenny Solomon, artistic director.

Bowfire made its first appearance in Hanover, Germany, and has performed all over the United States. Goldspiel expects Bowfire to be as enjoyable as Ballet Hispanico.

"All the performers that I hire I feel are first-rate," Goldspiel said. "In terms of a production, [Bowfire] will be even bigger [than Ballet Hispanico]."

Dr. Kenneth Robbins, director and a professor of the School of Performing Arts, said students should take advantage of seeing a high-caliber show at a low cost.

"Bowfire is the kind of event that one would expect to find only in major cities at a cost that would be prohibitive to most of our student body," Robbins said. Ê

Tickets for Bowfire are $3 for students with a valid Tech ID.

Robbins said students can expect to receive more than just a good show for their money spent.

"All LTCA programs are developed to broaden the scope of experience and thinking for Tech students. It is dedicated to bringing the best professional music, dance and theatre to our campus."

Caty Steward, a sophomore speech major, has been to several LTCA events over the past two years.

"They're always amazing shows," Steward said. "It's rarely something you'll have the opportunity to see twice."

Goldspiel said he has been trying to book Bowfire for the past two or three years.

"This particular event came about as a request from someone in the Ruston community a few years ago," Goldspiel said. "I finally got it for this year."

Tickets for Bowfire are on sale at the Howard Box Office from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. For more information, call the Howard Box Office at 257-4239.