ive music and silent films have a long history, but one rarely heard together in recent times. All that changes when Hope College's Knickerbocker Theatre welcomes Blue Dahlia on Friday, Oct. 17, for 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances to Buster Keaton's film, "Seven Chances."

ive music and silent films have a long history, but one rarely heard together in recent times. All that changes when Hope College's Knickerbocker Theatre welcomes Blue Dahlia on Friday, Oct. 17, for 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances to Buster Keaton's film, "Seven Chances."

Blue Dahlia, described by the "Detroit Free Press" as "more adventurous than anyone else dares to be," has found success in a number of musical areas. The group's works include creating original soundtracks for silent films, including some by the legendary "stone-faced" comedian Buster Keaton.

The Knickerbocker Theatre performance, appropriate for the whole family, is Keaton's 1926 film about a down-on-his-luck stockbroker who is told he can inherit $7 million if he can get married that night.

Blue Dahlia has been performing since 1995, and has completed three recordings and several compilations, including the soundtrack to "Seven Chances." While playing the usual club circuit, Blue Dahlia has also been called on to perform at the Sound of Silents Film Festival, and has collaborated with Wellspring/Cori Terry and Dancers for live performances.

The group is known for defying usual musical categories, instead blending multi-ethnic percussion, lush melodies, and vocal harmony to produce a unique sound. More information may be obtained on the group's Web site, www.bluedahlia.com.

Tickets for the performance are $6 and will be sold at the door.

The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. 8th St. in downtown Holland.