New Kids on the Block musical director makes a side trip from "The X" to "The AQ" for free show

Rob Lewis, musical director for New Kids on the Block for their current comeback tour, brings his Movement Orchestra to the Artists' Quarter at 7th Place and St. Peter Street in downtown St. Paul on Monday, October 20, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Admission is free for this very special show by one of the hottest young talents in music.  This musician, songwriter, arranger, producer and musical director works with stars including Christina Aguilera, Patti LaBelle, Babyface, Diddy, Toni Braxton and many others.  (New Kids on the Block, with musical director Rob Lewis, perform at the Xcel Energy Center the night after Lewis’s AQ performance.)

Lewis, who surrounds himself with top-shelf musicians, performed a short-notice show at the AQ in March 2007, and he fell in love with the venue.  As with that show, he is bringing in singer Sasha Allen, who is a background vocalist for Aguilera, New Kids and others.  Still in hear early 20s, Sasha Allen absolutely blew the crowd away with her talent - including some very discerning AQ regulars who came by that night.  The AQ show in 2007 was extremely spirited, featuring R&B, contemporary jazz, contemporary gospel and lots of good vibes.  Prominent Twin Cities musicians, including Ricky Peterson (keyboard player for John Mayer, David Sanborn, et al) and members of The New Congress, sat in with the band.