Saturday, August 30, 2008

Voices Finalizes Details for September 6th Concert

August 28, 2008: Voices is finalizing details for the upcoming Fall Benefit Concert on September 6 at The Wadsworth in Newnan. The concert brings together extraordinary talent from The Southern Arc: the female solo ensemble Zaphyra (who will also be performing at the upcoming Powers' Crossroads Festival in Newnan this weekend;) the Southern Nights Chorale, a men’s precision a capella ensemble; and young talented violinist, Matthew Roberts, are included in the program.

This season’s first more intimate production unites the talent in solo and ensemble combinations, offering, as it has now become the trademark of this performing arts organization, and eclectic amalgamation of music. The program blends soundtrack and musicals selections from “Cold Mountain,” “Evita,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Oliver,” & “Porgy and Bess;” classical evergreens such as Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” and Delibes’ “Flower Duet” from the opera Lakme; as well as a tribute of pieces made popular by Celtic Woman, Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

Hair design is being developed by Carlos Salon in Peachtree City. “Part of our intension is to engage businesses from The Southern Arc in a creative capacity,” explained Ms. Ugarte, Voices Artistic Director. “So we approached Carlos Salon to join us in this adventure and they enthusiastically agreed.” Piano Crafters in Newnan will be contributing the use of a grand piano, “which will add a magic touch to the performance.” Zaphyra’s wardrobe, obtained at David’s Bridal, has received the Voices touch, another staple of these performances. The Post Concert “Meet & Greet” Reception is being sponsored by Ten East Washington. This prime Newnan restaurant will helping crown the night with some delectable platters.

Tickets are available for sale at the Voices website (www.VoicesOnline.com,) through Brown Paper Tickets (24/7 Ticket Ordering Hotline: 800-838-3006.) Tickets can also be purchased at Scott’s Bookstore in Newnan (28 S Court Sq.) Please contact info@VoicesOnline.org or call 404-358-2950 for more information. Updates, directions and details are available at the Voices website.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Organ Concert at PTC First Presbyterian September 21


A new tradition begins at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City on Sunday, September 21 at 4 pm as organist Sam De Carlo presents an afternoon of inspirational music. De Carlo will be joined in concert with John Beresford, senior music student from the University of Michigan. The community is invited to attend the concert at no charge. A love offering will be taken. First Presbyterian Church is located in Peachtree City at 206 Willowbend Rd. across from the Library and City Hall. For more information, please call (770) 487-7757 or email concerts@firstpresptc.com.



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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Natalie Cole to Perform in Special Concert at Cobb Energy Centre October 19th

Fidelity Investments Broadway Across America – Atlanta presents as a season special Natalie Cole in concert Sunday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The performance follows the release of her much-anticipated new CD, Still Unforgettable, which will be available in stores September 9.

When Natalie Cole’s seminal Unforgettable…With Love came out in 1991, the jazz collection set a new standard for reinventing the Great American Songbook. The CD, which captured six GrammysÒ, including Album and Record Of The Year, spent five weeks at No. 1 and sold more than eight million copies in the U.S. alone.

Yet instead of exploiting the moment and rushing out a second volume, Cole thoughtfully took a step back, devoted herself to several other stellar projects including her riveting autobiography, and waited until she felt ready to return to the songs that fulfill her heart and soul.

“Timing is everything, and I wasn't in a hurry to make this kind of a record right away,” Cole says. “Something about now just seemed the right time. There is never a guarantee of success when you are ready to put out a record—especially one like this. You have to go with your gut, but I didn't want to be shamelessly chasing after the success of Unforgettable…With Love, so I waited.”

A co-venture between Natalie, DMI Music and Rhino/WEA, Cole lovingly wraps her unparalleled supple voice around 14 standards. On this, her 21st studio album, Cole also takes the reins as producer for the first time.

Just as she lovingly partnered with her late father, the legendary Nat “King” Cole, for a posthumous duet on the title track on the 1991 masterpiece, this time they reunite on the delightful “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home,” first recorded by Cole’s father in the early ‘50s.

“If there was going to be another ‘duet’ with Dad, I felt it should be something more whimsical, fun and light,” Cole says. “At the same time, I was looking for a song that would also be familiar to a certain type of audience. I think this is going to work just as well. It’s adorable and loving between parent and child. It feels like he’s right there with me. How do you top that?”

Still Unforgettable combines much-beloved classics like “The Best is Yet To Come,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Nice ‘N’ Easy” with great songs that Cole discovered for the first time, such as “Coffee Time,” a recommendation from Tony Bennett. “Every single one of these songs was a challenge to sing because the original performances are so iconic. It was difficult to find a way to approach each one without losing the essence of what makes them so great,” Cole says.

Therefore Cole and her co-producer Gail Deadrick turned to a who’s who of A-list arrangers including John Clayton, Patrick Williams, Nan Schwartz and Victor Vanacore, all of whom paid homage to the originals, while creating something new.

Before she captured 1975’s Best New Artist GrammyÒ, Cole appealed to fans and critics alike with her versatility as an R&B, pop and jazz singer of the first order. Her canon includes such No. 1’s as “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” “Inseparable,” “Our Love,” “I’ve Got Love On My Mind,” “Pink Cadillac” and “Miss You Like Crazy.” The eight-time Grammy winner continues to astonish with her vocal dexterity and her intimate, knowing way with a lyric and melody.

Tickets for the Atlanta performance of Still Unforgettable: An Evening with Natalie Cole are on-sale now for $57.50 - $127.50 and available through authorized ticket sellers at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre box office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 404-817-8700. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Contemporary Christian Music Featured Sunday, Aug. 31 at Powers' Crossroads 3-Day Labor Day Weekend Festival in Newnan, Ga.

PRNewswire - The three-day Powers' Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival, which opens for its 38th consecutive year on Labor Day Weekend, will feature an afternoon of contemporary Christian music on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Scheduled entertainment beginning at 2 p.m. on the festival's main stage includes One Way Caravan from St. Louis, Mo., featuring Adam Trotter and Kevin Schulte.

West Georgia local favorites Jake Eugene and The Summit of South Fayette, and Chandler, featuring lead vocalist Jeff Chandler, are also scheduled to perform. Contemporary Christian radio station J93.3, WVFJ-FM, Atlanta, is sponsoring the afternoon of music.

The festival, which is held every year on the rolling and wooded 100 acres of historic Powers Plantation in Newnan, Ga., near Franklin, Ga., will open at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 with the annual Rising Star competition set to kick off at 10 a.m.

The festival will wrap up at 5 p.m. Labor Day afternoon, Sept. 1, after a 2 p.m. Miss Coweta County Pageant, a preliminary event for the Miss West Georgia competition in January 2009.
Visitors to this year's festival will also find perennial favorites in shopping for unique arts and crafts. Each of the more than 175 artisans showcasing their work for sale is selected by judges during the course of the year.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and military personnel, $3 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Parking is free and complimentary shuttle service is available from the parking areas.

Visit www.newnan.com/powers for additional information and driving directions.

The Powers' Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival is organized and produced by five local non-profit organizations as their annual major fundraiser with net proceeds divided among the organizations. They are: Newnan Coweta Chamber of Commerce, Newnan Coweta Arts Association, Coweta 4H, Newnan Coweta Jaycees and The Pilot Club of Newnan.

Presenting sponsors include Buffalo Rock Beverages and Food Services, Newnan, Ga., Toyota of Newnan, and in part by the Georgia Department of Economic Development through the Georgia Tourism Foundation.
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Voices to Hold Concert in Early September

Voices will be holding a benefit concert this upcoming September 6, 2008 at The Wadsworth in Newnan. This production launches the recently announced two-year season in The Southern Arc, presenting Voices’ usual eclectic combination of music. “This whole series has a mysterious quality to it. There is an abundance of haunting melodies that will most certainly be following you home!” explained Ms. Ugarte. The program combines soundtrack and musicals selections from “Cold Mountain,” “Evita,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Oliver,” & “Porgy and Bess;” classical evergreens such as Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” and Delibes’ “Flower Duet from the opera Lakme; as well as a tribute of pieces made popular by Josh Groban, Celtic Woman, Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

Returning for its second appearance will be the solo female vocal group Zaphyra. Zaphyra was born as a result of the first Voices concert in 2006 and formally organized during 2007. “While working on the mixing of the recording of the 2006 Voices concert, I was drawn to a particular song, Sale ascende.” explained Ms. Ugarte. “This is what triggered the idea of creating Zaphyra.” The ages of the group range from 11 to 44. Original members Maria Pia Ugarte and Alison Chambers, have recently welcomed Megan Zerbe, Paige McCauley and Jill Safko to join the ensemble. “Each singer has a very different kind of voice and style. Each member is a unique strong individual performer and at the same time has the ability to combine in a group with a special quality and warmth.” Zaphyra will be performing solo and ensemble pieces, including an a capella arrangement of “Somewhere” from West Side Story. The group recently finished recording a new version of “The Star Spangled Banner” that will be released as a maxi CD in the next few months.

The Southern Nights Chorale -- a men's precision a cappella ensemble – joins Voices for the first time. Founded by and under the direction of J. D. Holmes, it is made up of singers from the South Metro Atlanta area. They actively perform in The Southern Arc and have also been heard at Turner Field singing the National Anthem as well as at the Governor’s Mansion. “I heard about the Southern Nights Chorale and decided to approach their director to see if they would be interested in being part of Voices this season,” explained Ms. Ugarte. “J. D. accepted and we are very excited about the collaboration.”

Also returning for a second year is young violinist Matthew Roberts. Roberts started playing the violin at the age of six. He is a talented young musician who really enjoys playing his instrument and has an unlimited future ahead of him.

Hair design for Zaphyra will be done by Carlos Salon. “Imbedded in the concept of Voices, is the idea of fostering creative synergy among different channels within the community. Hair design is certainly an art form. I have known Carlos for several years, as well as his wife Julisa. They are both exceptional hair stylists.” Carlos Salon is located on Highway 74 in Peachtree City and is proud to offer the community an exceptional quality of service.

Another creative aspect that has become a characteristic of the Voices concerts is the wardrobe. Daivd’s Bridal in Morrow has supported this effort this year. “People have really enjoyed the visual and sophisticated nature of the performances and costumes,” said Ugarte. Zaphyra’s wardrobe has been a key component and received many compliments last year. David’s Bridal has responded very enthusiastically to being a part of Voices. “But expect surprises, as the dresses will most definitely have the Voices touch!”

This first concert – as well as the two following events -- will help fund the full scale production in 2009. This initial, more intimate performance will be taking place at The Wadsworth in Newnan (25 Jefferson Street.) The 1930’s Art Deco landmark -- listed on the National Register of Historic Places – was designed by noted Georgia architect R. Kennon Perry. “I learned of it through my friend and artistic colleague, writer Jeanne Chambers, one the founders of The Twilight Theater. I was very surprised that I had not heard of this place before. It is certainly worth a trip just to come and see this magnificent building, which has been recently restored.” Gene Surber, award-winning historic architect, served as the consultant for its rehabilitation. “Rein Pirn, who designed the acoustics for Spivey Hall at Clayton College and State University in Morrow, developed the acoustical plan.”

Presale tickets are available at the Voices website, www.VoicesOnline.org. Doors open at 7:00 pm, with the performance starting at 7:30 pm. A petite silent auction will take place before the concert and during intermission. A Meet & Greet Reception will take place after the concert. Please visit the Voices website for continued updates and information about this and upcoming events.
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Friday, August 15, 2008

A Good Ole Fashion Gospel Revival in Alpharetta to Support Two Very Worthy Causes

PRNewswire/ -- This praise and worship event which will serve as the 10th Annual Friends and Family concert presented by THP, Inc. will be a night to remember. The event, which promises to stir the soul, will take place at St. James United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 23rd starting at 7:00 pm. The church is located at 3000 Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta. Tracey Harris has been quoted saying, "We will reach the masses spreading not only the good news in song and dance, but we will educate and bring awareness about issues plaguing the community: Child Abuse, Domestic Violence & AIDS. We will be that shining light providing health resources, parent resources, child development and community resources. We have placed these items at the forefront of our mission and focus."
A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Jerusalem House in Atlanta with a portion going toward their program for single adults. The program serves single homeless adult men and women who have AIDS. The balance will be used for the Family Program that helps children and their HIV positive single mothers who are homeless. The programs include:
-- Apartments for program participants.
-- Counseling, case management and resident plan development.
-- Personal care assistance when needed -- bathing, cleaning, preparing
meals, etc.
-- Access to an on-site learning center with computers and internet access
managed by the center coordinator.
-- Tutoring for children and mothers.
-- Support groups for both the mothers and children.
-- Recreational and social activities including monthly community
meetings.
-- Resident Advisory Committee.


THP, Inc. will also donate 30 tickets to the Roswell Senior Citizen Community Center for them to attend free of charge and participate in this evening of praise and worship.
For more information about the event or ticket sales go to www.mypraiseparty.com .

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Monday, August 04, 2008

An Evening of Romance on One Tank of Gas

“Staycation” is the refrain this summer, as economic conditions appear to be keeping more people close to home,” reports The New York Times. “There was a time when a drive a short distance from home might not have qualified as vacation. The traditional view was that a real getaway meant getting as far away from home as possible. But who takes that point of view now?”

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s new 12,000-seat state-of-the-art facility Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre is located in Alpharetta, Georgia, just twenty miles north of midtown Atlanta easily accessible via Highway #400. This one-day musical vacation is available from many parts of the South with just one trip to the filling station i.e. one tank of gas.

This weekend, Music Director Robert Spano leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in an “Evening of Romance” on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. as part of the inaugural season at the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, the orchestra’s new summer home in Alpharetta.

The August 8th program includes Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” and Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 3” with soloist Garrick Ohlsson, the first American to win top prize in the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition.

During the evening, the symphony keeps up their tradition of introducing members of the audience to members of the ASO with an evening-long, on-site simulcast of the concert on large, enhanced video screens, visible on either side of the stage. The live feed features a pre-concert introduction, live intermission interviews, and behind-the-scenes close-ups.

The venue’s food is fashioned to match the theme of the music. Ovations, the on-site caterer for Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, offers a romantic candlelight cuisine to harmonize with the “Evening of Romance” concert.

Concertgoers may pre-order a picnic basket (for two) of Marinated Chicken on a Wild Rice Kiev Salad, Russian Teacakes, Strawberry Romanoff Shortcake or Fruit & Cheese Skewers.

Those with box seating and/or admission to the VIP Cadillac Club may choose Parmesan Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta or Filet of Beef Medallions.

Future ASO classical performances at the new venue include the “Turner Classic Movie Evening” with host Robert Osborne on Saturday, August 16th.

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Army Ground Forces Band and Guest Soloist to Perform Salute to Pavarotti

Photo: Capt. Domingos Robinson, commander of the Army Ground Forces Band, conducts the band as it rehearses for its tribute to Luciano Pavarotti at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City, Ga., Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.

The U.S. Army Forces Command’s Army Ground Forces Band will perform a concert in honor of opera’s great lyric tenor Luciano Pavarotti at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City, Ga., Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.

World-class guest tenor Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Giuliano will help make the evening a memorable one.

With selections from Verdi’s Aida, Puccini’s La Boheme, Ponchielle’s La Gioconda and Verdi’s Rigoletto, as well as overtures from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Wagner’s Lohengrin, the evening should prove to be not only a tribute to Pavarotti but also a celebration of some of classical music’s greatest moments.

On Sep. 6, 2007, Pavarotti lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 71. Under the direction of Capt. Domingos Robinson and 1st Lt. Dae Kim, the Army Ground Forces Band has put together a program that honors his extraordinary life as one of classical music’s most popular personalities and talents. The program includes six of Pavarotti’s favorite arias from various operas.

In a culture where opera music is often regarded as a musical form for the elite, Pavarotti managed to popularize opera and become a household name. Pavarotti certainly made a lasting impression on young Antonio Giuliano, who bought two Pavarotti albums in 1982 when he was a high school student in Pensacola, Fla. Now Sgt. 1st Class Giuliano sings with The U.S. Army Chorus.

Giuliano has had some memorable performances of his own. He has appeared in operas, concerts and recitals throughout the United States and Europe. As a senior vocalist and soloist with The United States Army Chorus, he has performed for heads of state, royalty and presidents worldwide. At the funeral services for President Ronald Reagan, he sang an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace," President Reagan's favorite hymn.

“Since 1988, I have been serving my country while using my God-given voice to represent our great Army and our nation as a musical ambassador,” he says. “I am an American Soldier. My mission is to serve as a musical ambassador of the American combat Soldier -- instilling pride in our troops, promoting a spirit of patriotism within our nation, and sharing a universal vision of peace, liberty and freedom through music.”

As one of only three Army bands with a national touring mission, the Army Ground Forces Band has traveled throughout the United States, performing at local, regional and national events.
The band also performs internationally when directed. Last year the Army Ground Forces Band traveled to Kuwait, playing five concerts for hundreds of Soldiers and other service members who were deployed there in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

To learn more about the band or Sgt. 1st Class Giuliano, visit the band’s website www.forscom.army.mil/band.