(Not your average) Joe Trio brings music, comedy to The Loft

Joe Trio is not your average piano trio. They don't want to be neatly categorized, but instead strive for diversity, versatility, and more than a little humour and unpredictability.

Their repertoire consists of the classics – from Haydn to Shostakovich – as well as new works by contemporary composers, and their own arrangements of popular, jazz and rock tunes.

They're not afraid to mix together so many styles of music into a single piece it makes your head spin, according to a news release for their shows at The Loft, April 14 and 15.

"The trio's members are fantastic performers who engage the audience in a way few classical musicians can."

"Amply witty, charming, and tremendously musical, Joe Trio leaves audiences with a new appreciation for classical music."

Since Joe Trio was formed in 1989, this classically trained violin-cello-piano threesome has presented hundreds of concerts throughout Canada and the United States.

Joe has been heard on National Public Radio in the U.S and on many CBC Radio shows including the old Morningside show, Disc Drive, The Music Room, West Coast Performance, and Quirks and Quarks.

As well as giving concerts, the trio enjoys offering their services for education outreach programs, and has played many school shows for children of all ages.

They recorded their first CD, A Cup of Joe in 1997.

Among other highlights of their career, in 2003 they joined forces with Canadian broadcaster and writer Stuart McLean when Joe fiddler Cameron Wilson set the music to McLean's A History of Canada, and later collaborated with McLean on a number of concerts including a broadcast on The Vinyl Cafe.

The Joe Trio performs Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The Loft at the Algoma Conservatory, 75 Huron St. Evening will include a cash bar. Tickets are $40, all fees included, or $25 for those 30 and under.

Purchase tickets online or by phone with a credit card at 705-971-4197.