July 24, 2014

Justin Furstenfeld, whose innovative talents spurred alternative rock band Blue October to Platinum-selling heights, will appear on stage Saturday, Sept. 6 at Amarillo College’s Ordway Hall on the Washington Street Campus.

“An Open Book: An Evening with Justin Furstenfeld” will feature segments of the spoken word, some Q&A and an acoustic set (softer versions) of some Blue October fan-favorites.

Proceeds from the show, which is being sponsored by AC’s Mass Media Program and the Student Life Department, will benefit students at Amarillo College.

The show begins at 8 p.m. with special guest Ashleigh Stone, a pianist, vocalist, songwriter and mainstay for Divine Anthology.

Tickets are on sale at the Amarillo Civic Center and any United Supermarkets—any Panhandle Tickets location,www.panhandletickets.com—at a cost of $20 plus a service charge.

“This is a unique opportunity for fans of Blue October to see Justin Furstenfeld, the voice and lyricist for one of the most popular alternative rock bands of the last 10 years, up close and in an intimate setting,” Brian Frank, program director for AC radio station FM90.

Separate tickets are available only at www.blueoctober.com for a special meet-and-greet with the guest artists. Meet-and-greet tickets do not include tickets to the performance, but they do entitle patrons to meet and have photos taken with the artists, submit questions for the Q&A, and to receive autographed posters.

Furstenfeld continues to perform these open book shows scheduled around Blue October dates because he enjoys the opportunity to connect with fans who have been emotionally touched by his lyrics.

“I always look forward to the spoken word/solo shows,” Furstenfield said. “The fact that I’m sitting just a few feet away from the audience, that there are no rules as to what they ask me, or that I don’t have boundaries on my answers, is what is exciting to me.

“Through poetry, music and conversation, we heal.”