The Colorado Springs Philharmonic gets back to business this weekend with “Sea to Shining Sea.” Only business is not quite as usual.

Colorado College assistant professor Idris Goodwin is guest narrator for a program touted as a chance to “hear our generation’s most loved patriotic themes, including military favorites, wartime classics and some of today’s most recognized film scores.”

Goodwin’s claim to fame is as a hip-hop and rap writer and performer. He’s also an award-winning playwright whose plays dig deep into the African-Amercian experience. He’s performed on HBO, Discovery Channel and “Sesame Street.”

“I have collaborated with a wide array of musicians and artists, but never a symphony orchestra,” he said. “I don’t think of it in terms of genre. I think in terms of feel, of tone. Sound is sound. I listen to the music, and try and try to find a comfortable place to put the words.”

He’ll be featured in the evening’s final two works: Karl Jenkins’ “Presto from Palladio” and Randy Edelman’s “Suite from Gettysburg.”

“We thought the Edelman might be interesting as it incorporates text – and what a text,” explained Goodwin.” Really a treat for someone who enjoys saying words as much as I.

“As far as the Jenkins, I wrote the piece ‘The Road Calls,’ based around the theme of the concert, and Thomas Wilson thought the Jenkins piece would be a nice complement. I agree. I like the pace and feel of it. I perform from a place of urgency and ‘Presto from Palladio’ has that in spades.”

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“Sea to Shining Sea” with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Thomas Wilson, conductor; Idris Goodwin, narrator; 
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Pikes Peak Center. $21-$63; 520-7469; 
pikespeakcenter.com

David Sckolnik, 
david.sckolnik@gazettedev.gazette.com