Sep 13, 2025

Béla Fleck trio to bring genre-blending performance to McCain Auditorium

Posted Sep 13, 2025 10:17 AM
The Béla Fleck trio will perform at McCain Auditorium on Sunday, September 28, tickets are available now. Courtesy of Kansas State University
The Béla Fleck trio will perform at McCain Auditorium on Sunday, September 28, tickets are available now. Courtesy of Kansas State University

Kansas State University

Kansas State University's McCain Performance Series will showcase an extraordinary musical collaboration featuring banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez on Sunday, September 28, in an evening of cross-genre artistry.

The ensemble is led by 19-time Grammy Award winner Fleck, whose groundbreaking career spans from his beginning work with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones to collaborations with jazz legend Chick Corea and a bold reinterpretation of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

For decades, Fleck has redefined the banjo's boundaries, breaking past traditional bluegrass scores and into the genres of jazz, classical, world music and more.

Joining him is Colombian-born jazz harpist Castañeda, celebrated for fusing Latin rhythms and modern jazz expression with classical performance. Known for leading acclaimed ensembles and collaborating with renowned artists including Hiromi, Paquito D'Rivera and Grégoire Maret, Castañeda brings the spirit of his native country to global stages.

Completing the trio is five-time Grammy Award-winning drummer Sánchez, best known for his innovative work with the group Bad Hombre and his Golden Globe-nominated percussion score for the acclaimed 2014 film "Birdman."

The Mexico City native has performed alongside guitar master Pat Metheny and jazz legends including Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Charlie Haden and Michael Brecker.

Together, the trio will perform original compositions — including selections from their collaborative album "BEATrio" — blending rhythm, melody and fun into an unforgettable performance.

Purchase tickets:

  1. Onlinemccain.k-state.edu
  2. Box office: McCain Auditorium lobby, noon to 4:00 pm , Wednesday-Friday
  3. Phone: (785) 532-6428

Available discounts:

  1. Bundle packages — seven or more events
  2. Group rates — 10+ tickets
  3. Youth, military, senior and K-State faculty/staff discounts

For discount details, contact the ticket office. Additional information is available at [email protected].