Join Steinway Artist, Pianist and Composer Chad Lawson in a Freeing Evening of Meditation and Music
“The instant he began to play, the pulsating rhythm of his signature gentle sound enveloped the studio in a blanket of calm.”—The Stanford Daily
MALIBU, CA – March 7, 2024 – The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts presents a centering afternoon and night of reflection and inspiration with the incomparable Chad Lawson on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 8 p.m.
The evening begins with a Breathe Session at 5:30 p.m. in Smothers Theatre that explores how focused breathing techniques combined with live meditative music can help achieve a more relaxed state of mind. This guided breathwork meditation is designed with all ages in mind, offering an immersive experience prior to the 8 p.m. performance in Raitt Recital Hall. The Breathe Session is free to patrons with tickets to the 8 p.m. performance or for Pepperdine faculty, staff, and students with ID.
As a world-renowned pianist with multiple number-one releases, Chad Lawson modernizes piano for the next generation through his bold interpretation of the classics—electronic loops and atmospherics resonate with electronic dance music fans and neoclassical traditionalists alike. With his latest album, Lawson took an honest look at his career and found that being true to himself was more important than any accolade. His reflections are inspirational, brave, and most of all—freeing.
Born in North Carolina, Chad Lawson knew he wanted to be a musician at the age of five. He is a master musician and artist extraordinaire, and his brilliance is evident through his gifted original compositions and his exceptional interpretations of the beloved classics. With multiple number one releases, Chad Lawson has a different approach to classical music; don’t make it classical. His number one iTunes release “re:piano” (2018) pushed the envelope of what the piano sounds like, with an album composed of loops, effects and layers of textured landscapes; all from a piano. His latest release, “You Finally Knew” (2020) is available everywhere.
In September 2020, Lawson initiated the creation, writing, narration, and production of the "Calm It Down" podcast. Through this podcast, he skillfully leads listeners in breathing and meditation techniques, addressing mental health topics like anxiety and suicide to “help you calm the mind in a world full of noise.” Listen to this 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Award nominated podcast when new episodes drop every Tuesday on Spotify, Apple, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.
Notably, Lawson has worked as the official composer for the Amazon television series, “Lore,” in addition to the podcast titled the same. His music has also been used for “The Walking Dead,” “Vampire Diaries” and “Viceland,” as well as numerous commercial placements, including clients such as Chevrolet, IBM, Microsoft, Purina, Delta Airlines, USB Financial, Asprey of London and many more.
Tickets, priced starting at $25 for the public and $10 for full-time Pepperdine students, are available now by calling (310) 506-4522 or online at the Chad Lawson event page.
About the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts
Delighting more than 50,000 patrons and participants annually with live performances, art exhibitions, and local outreach opportunities, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts serves as a hub for the arts on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, uniquely linking professional guest artists with Pepperdine students as well as patrons from surrounding Southern California communities. Three performance spaces, including the 450-seat Smothers Theatre, the 124-seat Raitt Recital Hall, and the “black box” Lindhurst Theatre, host hundreds of performances, rehearsals, and master classes throughout the year. The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, a dynamic, two-story exhibition space, showcases a revolving selection of modern and contemporary art with a focus on art made in California.
Event Details
WHAT: Chad Lawson & Breathe Session
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
WHERE: Smothers Theatre and Raitt Recital Hall, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific
Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
TICKETS: (310) 506-4522 or Chad Lawson event page or Breathe Session event page
PRICES: Tickets priced at $25-$50
Photos
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Media Contact
Ericka Sherrill
Marketing and Publicity Manager, Center for the Arts
ericka.sherrill@pepperdine.edu
310.506.4055