Music Matters

Free Concerts at University of West Georgia

2012-01-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

The UWG Department of Music will feature a series of recitals in February that are free and open to the public.

On Feb. 8, internationally renowned pianist, Dorian Leljak, will be the guest artist. Leljak is a professor of piano at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and a teacher at the Royal College of Music in London. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in Kathy Cashen Recital Hall.

On Feb. 13 UWG’s Wind Ensemble will perform under the direction of Josh Byrd. The performance will be at 8:15 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

On Feb. 16, Kevin Hibbard, the chairman of the Department of Music, will conduct the Winter Choral Concert. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

On Feb. 20, UWG’s award-winning music students will perform during the Wright Scholars Concert. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in Kathy Cashen Recital Hall.

On Feb. 21, Cale Self will conduct the Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information contact: Bobbie Emmons, at 678-839-6262 or bemmons@westga.edu.

Chris Botti and Cinderella coming to Atlanta Symphony Hall

2012-01-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

COOL SOUNDS — CHRIS BOTTI
SuperPOPS! Series
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
Friday, February 10, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $25-$64.
____________________________________________________________________________

CINDERELLA
FAMILY CONCERT
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 3:30 p.m.
Jere Flint, conductor
Enchantment Theatre Company
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Tickets are $15-$20.
____________________________________________________________________________

All single tickets for the 2011–2012 season are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster outlets, and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

THE ARTS COUNCIL proudly presents LYNNE ARRIALE as part of 2011-2012 season of EVENINGS OF INTIMATE JAZZ

2012-01-09T12:04:00.000-05:00

Sponsored by Dominguez & Jones Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Internationally renowned jazz pianist LYNNE ARRIALE kicks-off EVENINGS OF INTIMATE JAZZ at THE ARTS COUNCIL SMITHGALL ARTS CENTER with a performance on SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 at 8:00pm. Series tickets are $125.00 each (includes all five performances in the Series); Individual performance tickets are $30.00 each. For tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.theartscouncil.net

“Jazz shouldn’t be just for jazz lovers,” explains Arriale. “It’s all about music, organized sound meant to reach people. It’s thinking outside the box in that there should be no box actually. It’s about finding melodies that somehow resonate with listeners. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of pop and folk music, and what strikes me most about folk music is that without any harmony, the melodies have such integrity. It has made me think about what makes a great melody and I’ve tried to employ some of my ideas here. At the end of the day it’s about connecting with people and sharing.”

Performing with Arriale is bassist Robert Dickson. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Robert Dickson received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama and a Master of Music from the University of New Orleans. He performed extensively in the New Orleans area and relocated to Atlanta after hurricane Katrina in the fall of 2005. He has performed with many jazz greats including Terri Lynne Carrington, Jerry Coker, Dizzy Gillespie, Lou Marini, Jason Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Irvin Mayfield, Davy Mooney, Ed Petersen, Shannon Powell, Lew Soloff, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Ilona Knopfler, and Johnny Vidacovich. Mr. Dickson is currently in his 6th year as jazz bass instructor at Georgia State University.

At the core of Arriale’s vast appeal is the subtle seduction of her intoxicating, memorable originals and unexpected pop tunes ranging from George Harrison and John Lennon’s classic, “Here comes the Sun,” to Sting’s bluesy “Sister Moon,” the Rolling Stones’ epic “Paint it Black,” Blondie’s signature tune, “Call Me,” and the edgy “Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails, all brilliantly and surprisingly re-imagined. She achieves a special, deep connection with her audience, and the energy flows both ways. Arriale’s emotional authenticity allows her audience to feel and think along with her.

Arriale is one of the finest Jazz pianists out on the loose right now. Her brilliant musicianship, ebullience and bandstand instinct certainly place her among the top instrumentalists of the day. Arriale’s music is highly melodic and suffused with concern for structured development. Her emotional range extends from beautifully played ballads on which it is possible to savor the pianist’s exquisite touch and sense of note placement, to almost euphoric Latin pieces and uncompromisingly driven up-tempo performances. Piano duos and trios with chemistry like hers have been likened to musical conversations. You're hearing what the other people are saying, peripherally almost, and you cannot help but respond to it.

Arriale has been sharing her prolific body of audio and video recorded work all over the world since winning the 1993 Great American Piano Competition. Since then she continues to travel the globe and dazzle audiences. Arriale is equally dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience. She has taught at colleges and teaches privately and conducts master classes, clinics and workshops internationally. This is Arriale’s fourth season with The Arts Council, playing for its wonderfully appreciative audiences. “Normally Lynne’s concerts are performed in large halls with a massive audience. We are indeed fortunate that she continues to play in our intimate venue where the audience can enjoy her talent up close and personal,” says Gladys Wyant, Executive Director of The Arts Council.

“Lynne Arriale’s Brilliant musicianship and bandstand instincts place her among the top jazz pianists of the day” - The New York Times

“The poet laureate of her generation… a stunning composer and prolific recording artist who has followed her muse without compromise.” (Andrea Canter, Jazz Police)

“A singular voice as a pianist and leader… a powerhouse. Haunting, gorgeous - she has a knack for finding a song’s heart.” (DOWNBEAT)

THE ARTS COUNCIL is thrilled to kick-off its EVENINGS OF INTIMATE JAZZ SERIES with pianist LYNNE ARRIALE on January 28, 2012. Other artists in this Series include the Evan Christopher (Clarinetist) Trio on February 18, 2012, the Wycliffe Gordon (Trombonist) Trio on March 24, 2012, the Del Baroni (Vocalist and Bassist) Trio with Jennifer Hanson (Vocalist) on April 20, 2012 and the Larry Barker (Pianist) Quartet on May 19, 2012. All performances will start at 8:00pm at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center. Series tickets are $125.00 per person and include all five performances. Individual performance tickets are $30.00 per person. 7% sales tax will be added to all ticket sales. For tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.theartscouncil.net

DIRECTIONS TO ARTS COUNCIL SMITHGALL ARTS CENTER From Atlanta: Take I-85 north to Exit 113 bearing left onto I-985 north to Exit 20 GA Highway 60 (Queen City Pkwy/Candler RD). Turn left onto GA 60 and proceed approximately 2 miles to intersection with GA Hwy 369 (Jesse Jewell Pkwy). Turn right onto GA 369 and proceed approximately 1 / 2 mile to intersection with W. Academy St (Poultry monument/railroad museum on left & BB&T on right). Turn left onto W. Academy and proceed two blocks and the Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center will be on the right at the intersection of W. Academy and Spring St.

Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles to Lead ASO in Two Weeks of Concerts

2012-01-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

First Program To Include Atlanta Symphony Premiere of Britten Violin Concerto With Guest Violinist James Ehnes

Second Program To Feature Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, With Soprano Nicole Cabell and Mezzo-Soprano Kelley O’Connor
ORCHESTRA TO HOST PRE-CONCERT CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL JANUARY 19, 2012

MR. RUNNICLES TO LEAD READING SESSION WITH ATLANTA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles, who is celebrating his 11th season of artistic partnership with Music Director Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, will lead the Orchestra in Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony January 19 and 21, at 8:00 p.m., and January 22, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Guest violinist James Ehnes will join the Orchestra for the Atlanta Symphony premiere of Britten’s Violin Concerto. These performances will mark Mr. Ehnes’s second appearance with the Orchestra, as well as his second collaboration with Mr. Runnicles and the Orchestra in Atlanta.

Prior to the performance on Thursday, January 19, 2012, members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will host a pre-concert chamber music recital from 6:45–7:30 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall. The program will include the First Movement of Beethoven’s “Archduke” Piano Trio and Mahler’s Piano Quartet, and will feature the following Orchestra musicians: Violins William Pu and Olga Shpitko, Viola Lachlan McBane, Cellos Karen Freer and Brad Ritchie, and Pianist Peter Marshall. The chamber music recital is free and open to all concert ticket holders.

The following week, Mr. Runnicles will lead the Orchestra in Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony January 26 and 28, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. The program will feature the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, as well as Soprano Nicole Cabell and Mezzo-Soprano Kelley O’Connor.

Ms. Cabell and Ms. O’Connor are both frequent guests, and friends, of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Ms. O’Connor was recently featured in the Orchestra’s June 2011 ASO Media release of Lieberson’s Neruda Songs and Atlanta School of Composers member Christopher Theofanidis’s Symphony No. 1.

Additionally, Mr. Runnicles will lead a reading session with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra during a rehearsal in late January. This will mark his first collaboration with the Youth Orchestra.

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2011

2011-08-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

Nov 25, 2011 (Fri) 8:00 PM

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2011, a cherished holiday tradition marking its 14th anniversary, brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Joining multi-GRAMMY® nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Koz on the coast-to-coast outing will be trumpeter/composer/producer Rick Braun, South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler and Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer. The foursome will perform hits from their respective catalogues and jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in an uplifting, high-energy show the whole family will love. Koz’s latest record, Hello Tomorrow, contains the chart-topping hit “Put The Top Down.” He has also released three classic holiday albums – December Makes Me Feel This Way, A Smooth Jazz Christmas By Dave Koz & Friends and Memories of a Winter’s Night.

Tickets on sale: Aug 26, 2011 (Fri) 10:00 AM $76.00, $56.00 & $35.00 plus fees
www.cobbenergycentre.com
www.cobbgalleria.com

Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Partner for Music Appreciation Night

2011-08-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

Turner Field
Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Members of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra To Perform National Anthem
Pre-Game Activities To Include Instrument Petting Zoo and Education Panel
The Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will partner for the first Music Appreciation Night at Turner Field when the Atlanta Braves take on the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, August 17, 2011. The game begins at 7:10 p.m. and tickets are available exclusively online at: braves.com/atlantasymphony.

Members of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, led by Youth Orchestra Music Director Jere Flint, will perform the National Anthem at 6:55 p.m. Pre-game musical and educational activities will be available and free only to ticket holders of that day’s game from 4-6:50 p.m., including an Instrument Petting Zoo and an Educational Panel. (See details below.)

“Imagine the impact of music on kids if they could just learn to play or sing,” said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra President Stanley E. Romanstein. “Offering music-rich educational experiences to kids throughout Atlanta and Georgia is at the core of what we do, so we are proud to partner with the Atlanta Braves for a day of music awareness at Turner Field. Together, we hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of kids throughout this great city and region.”

Pre-Game Activities

Prior to the game, fans will be able to see, hear, touch, and play various instruments as part of a pre-game Instrument Petting Zoo in Monument Grove. The Instrument Petting Zoo will take place from 4:00-6:50 p.m.

Fans will also have the chance to enjoy a pre-game Education Panel from 5:15-6:15 p.m., hosted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and moderated by WXIA News Anchor Karyn Greer. Guests will hear music and sports panelists discuss how music has impacted their lives and careers. Panelists will include:

Stanley Romanstein, President, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Bruce Kenney, Horn, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Ken Meltzer, Program Annotator, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Brandon Bissell, Manager, Game Entertainment & Talent Buyer, Atlanta Braves
David Barbe, Director, UGA Music Business Certificate Program (Tentative)
Natalie Colbert, President, American String Teachers Association

Diamond Rio at the Buckhead Theatre this Friday

2011-08-03T20:03:00.000-05:00

Friday August 5th
Doors 7:00
Tickets $25

Country/Christian Music Group Diamond Rio recently won a Grammy for their 11th album The Reason which also garnered the band their first Dove award. Formed in 1984, Diamond Rio features lead singer Marty Roe, guitarist Jimmy Olander, drummer Brian Prout, keyboardist Dan Truman, bassist/harmony Dana Williams and Gene Johnson on mandolin/harmony. The band signed with Arista Records in 1988 and embarked on one of the most successful careers in country music. The band has sold over 10 million albums, won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year award four times as well as netting two Academy of Country Music Awards in the top Vocal Group of the Year category and received Fourteen GRAMMY ® nominations. When they debuted in 1991 with the hit “Meet in the Middle,” Diamond Rio became the first group in the history of country music to have a debut single reach No. 1. They continued to place 32 more singles on the Billboard chart, including “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “Norma Jean Riley,” “Beautiful Mess” and “Love a Little Stronger.”

Robert Ray returns to Southside Theatre August 26 & 27

2011-07-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

Former Broadway Performer and Award Winning NYC Cabaret Artist - Robert Ray - will perform for 2 nights only at The Southisde Theatre in the heart of Historic Fairbun - August 26 and 27. Showtimes are 8pm.

Ray is a native of Palmetto and an honor graduate from Campbell High School. After studying music at UGA Ray took a big leap of faith for a skinny kid from the farm and headed to New York city - where he landed a featured role in the Broadway Production of Oklahoma!

He later co-starred with John Davidson in the National Tour of the same show. Ray has also performed with such stars as Morgan Fairchild, Hele Hayes, Dick Cavett, Shirley Jones, Joel Grey, Sandy Duncan and Sarah Jessica Parker.

After Oklahoma! he started collecting rave reviews for his NYC Cabaret Show - "Robert Ray and the Rayettes" and recieved 4 New York Cabaret Nominations - winning 2.

"Robert Ray and the Rayettes" became one of Atlanta's top nightclub acts between 1980 and 1990, becoming the 1st local act to play the Hyatt Rengency's Club Atlantis and moving on to The Ambassador on Roswell Road and Gene and Gabe's Upstairs.

His current show will feature 3 fabulous female singers, although he nolonger refers to them as "Rayettes."

The show is called "Feeling Good" and will feature 5 of Atlanta's top Jazz Musicians.

The show will be performed in 2 Acts - with the 1st being a Sophisticated, New York Style set featuring some of the world's best-loved standards like Just in Time, Without a Song, Birth of the Blues, After You're Gone, Some Enchanted Evening and ..."Feeling Good."

The 2nd Act will open with a bass-thumping Disco Medley that will have you dancing in your seats - followed by some 70's goodies like Drift Away, Ain't Nobody and Carly Simon's Mockingbird.

But wait - the foot stomping and hand clapping will continue will some great old Gospel favorites like People get Ready, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Just a Closer Walk, Precious Lord and his Eye is on the Sparrow.

"Feeling Good" will mark Ray's 3rd August to return to Fairburn. All his previous hometown shows have been complete sell-outs - so do not wait to get your tickets. General seats are $22 and can be purchased by going to:

www.stgplays.com
For more info call 404-284-0967

Mayor Kasim Reed and Live Nation’s Peter Conlon Announce the Return of the Music Midtown Festival

2011-07-06T11:12:00.002-05:00

Music Fest Returns to the Meadow at Piedmont Park on Saturday, September 24, 2011 with Coldplay as Headline Act

Mayor Kasim Reed and Live Nation’s Peter Conlon on Wednesday announced the return of Music Midtown to the Meadow at Piedmont Park on Saturday, September 24, 2011.

The festival will feature two stages and a dynamic lineup of local and national artists, with Coldplay as the headliner. Other acts include The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, Young The Giant, Band of Skulls, Joy Formidable, The Constellations, Mona and The Postelles.

From 1994-2005, the Music Midtown concert series attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the heart of the city for live music and wonderful food. This year, a portion of the proceeds from Music Midtown 2011 will go toward funding recreation centers and after-school activities for young people in the city as part of Mayor Reed’s Centers of Hope initiative.

“I am pleased to partner with Peter Conlon and Live Nation to bring Music Midtown back to our city,” said Mayor Reed. “Piedmont Park is a world-class venue that is perfect for a world-class music festival. This is an event that will bring energy and excitement to midtown and attract music lovers from across the city and state.”

Mayor Reed added: “I am also delighted to announce that proceeds from the concert will go to the Centers of Hope initiative. As a youth, I spent many afternoons playing sports and building positive experiences with coaches, mentor and peers at city parks and recreation centers. Those interactions were an integral part of my overall development. I believe that building mentally and physically healthy boys and girls reduces the need to mend broken men and women.”

Many of the city’s recreation centers and pools were closed in recent years due to budget cuts. During his first year in office, Mayor Reed reopened every recreation center in the city and began the process of transforming them into ‘Centers of Hope’ – safe, structured centers where young people can bolster their academic skills, engage in robust physical activities and develop character-building traits.

“It is exciting to finally announce the return of Music Midtown. Cities are defined by events like this and it is important to Atlanta to have a major music festival again,” said Conlon. “Major music events spotlight new talent and national favorites and most of all bring communities together. It is exactly what Music Midtown does.”

Midtown Music 2011 Details

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at www.musicmidtown.com, www.livenation.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Citi® is the official credit card of Music Midtown. Citi® cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2011 through Citi's Private Pass® Program until 10 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

General admission tickets are $55.00, plus a $1.00 charge for the Centers of Hope. A limited number of VIP packages are available, and include:

VIP Package - $ 250.00/ticket

· Admission to the festival
· Private VIP entrance
· Private Hospitality Area with complimentary food and beverage
· Private Air Conditioned Restrooms

Super VIP Package - $ 1,000.00/ticket (Only 200 Available)

· Admission to the festival with complimentary commemorative t-shirt
· Private VIP entrance
· Valet parking
· Backstage Viewing Area of both stages
· Private Hospitality Area with complimentary food and beverage
· Private Air Conditioned Restrooms
· VIP Laminate

All tickets are subject to applicable service charges and acts, event time and date are subject to change.

For more information, visit www.musicmidtown.com or www.livenation.com. Produced by Live Nation in association with the City of Atlanta.

Randy Travis Celebrates 25-Year Career with Release of Anniversary Celebration on June 7th

2011-06-06T19:58:00.000-05:00

Zac Brown Band, Kristin Chenoweth, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood Join Travis On CD

Legendary country icon Randy Travis celebrates his 25-year career with the help of some of music’s hottest stars and friends when Warner Bros. Records releases his Anniversary Celebration duets CD on June 7. Zac Brown Band, Kristin Chenoweth, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are among the acclaimed artists that join Travis on Anniversary Celebration. The album includes new songs in addition to re-makes of many of Travis’ megahits.

“Randy Travis changed the landscape of country music when he arrived on the scene 25 years ago,” said John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville President & CEO. “It is a testament to Randy’s impact in country music that his friends have joined him to celebrate his legacy and his future on Anniversary Celebration. We are incredibly proud that Warner Bros. Records has been his home since the beginning of his career.”

Randy Travis is one of the most recognizable voices in music, with sales in excess of 20 million records. His impressive career successes include 18 No. 1 singles, seven GRAMMY® Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, eight Dove Awards, five Country Music Association Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Travis is also a member of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. Among his 18 No. 1 hits are “I Told You So,” “Forever and Ever Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.”

Fans can experience the 25 year history of Travis’ rise to stardom from the very beginning by visiting his website, www.RandyTravis.com, which includes videos, photos, media clips and more.

Track Listing for Anniversary Celebration:

1. Everything and All featuring Brad Paisley

2. A Few Ole Country Boys featuring Jamey Johnson

3. Forever and Ever, Amen featuring Zac Brown Band

4. He Walked On Water featuring Kenny Chesney

5. T.I.M.E. featuring Josh Turner

6. Love Looks Good On You featuring Kristin Chenoweth

7. Better Class of Losers/She’s Got The Rhythm (And I Got The Blues) medley feat. Alan Jackson

8. More Life featuring Don Henley

9. Can’t Hurt A Man featuring Tim McGraw

10. Promises featuring Shelby Lynne

11. Is it Still Over? featuring Carrie Underwood

12. Road To Surrender featuring Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson

13. Diggin’ Up Bones featuring John Anderson

14. Someone You Never Knew featuring Eamonn McCrystal

15. Too Much featuring James Otto

16. Didn’t We Shine featuring George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Joe Stampley & Gene Watson

Kenny G brings Heart and Soul to Peachtree City

2011-04-25T11:26:00.002-05:00

Summer Concert Series Kicks Off April 30 at ‘The Fred’

The Frederick Brown Jr. “The Fred” Amphitheater in Peachtree City kicks off their 2011 BMW of South Atlanta Summer Concert Series this Saturday, April 30 as the Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kenny G brings his Heart and Soul Tour to the Fred stage.

In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artist in contemporary jazz. Since the early ‘80s, his combination of unparalleled instrumental chops and indelible melodies has resulted in sales of more than 75 million records worldwide (45 million in the U.S. alone) and more than a dozen climbs to the top of Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart. Kenny G is known for hits such as “By the Time This Night is Over”, “Forever in Love”, and “Songbird”.

Each year the Summer Concert Series at ‘The Fred’ showcases a wide range of musical genres and this year will be no different according to Amphitheater Manager, Nancy Price. “Each year we strive to put together a diverse musical lineup and this year is no different as we feature country, rock, and jazz. We are especially excited to be kicking off our concert series with the legendary jazz artist, Kenny G,” said Ms. Price.

Enjoy an evening under the stars, serenaded by the smooth sounds of Kenny G on-stage at ‘The Fred’ in Peachtree City, Saturday, April 30. Gates will open at 7 p.m., opening act Toni Byrd and Walk Up Jazz on at 8 p.m., with Kenny G taking the stage at 9 p.m. A limited number of reserved seats priced at $47.50-75 are still available and can be purchased on-line at www.amphitheater.org or at the venue box office. For more information about the artists performing check them out on-line at www.kennyg.com, and www.walkupmusic.com.

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is a 2,500 seat state-of-the art facility owned and operated by the city of Peachtree City. “The Fred” box office is located at 201 McIntosh Trail, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Box office opens at 4:00 p.m. on concert day. On-line ticketing for events is through Ticket Alternative, and a link to their site is available through the amphitheater website www.amphitheater.org. For further information regarding the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater or the concert events, please call 770-631-0630.

Patti Lupone: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

2011-04-24T20:21:00.002-05:00

SuperPOPS! Series
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center

Friday, May 27, 2011, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 28, 2011, 8:00 p.m.

Patti LuPone, vocalist
Robert Fischer, conductor
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Single tickets for these performances are $25 to $62. All single tickets for the 2010–2011 season are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster outlets, and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Music at the Holly Theater, Dahlonega

2011-04-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

Jazz & Blues Concert Weekend at the Holly Theater featuring Sammy Blue, The Crown Price of Blues will perform on Friday, April 22 at 8:00 p.m.; and Rick Harris, jazz pianist, along with Mad Romance will perform Manhattan Transfer-style jazz on Saturday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m. Special Concert Weekend ticket only $35; or purchase each individual show for $20. Call the Holly Theater at 706-864-3759 or visit www.hollytheater.com for tickets . Seating is reserved.

Kathy Mattea will be performing live on stage at the Holly Theater , in cooperation with North Georgia College & State University, on Saturday, May 21st at 8:00 p.m. She will be singing selections from her recent CD Coal. Seating is limited. Tickets: $50. To be placed on a waiting list for tickets, call the Holly at 706-864-3759.

WAR THE BAND to Headline 5th Annual Fiesta Atlanta 2011

2011-04-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Lanza Group, LLC announced today that WAR THE BAND will headline the 5th annual Fiesta Atlanta on Sunday, May 1st at Centennial Olympic Park. The southeast's largest Cinco de Mayo celebration set in the heart of Atlanta also features local and national Latin talent.

"WAR is an iconic band whose appeal crosses cultural barriers; their music resonates with a broad cross-section of America and many of their hits have become part of pop culture in the USA and throughout Latin America," said Lanza Group, LLC President Ralph E. Herrera. "Comedian George Lopez has proclaimed the song 'Lowrider' as the Chicano national anthem; we are looking forward to the buzz this artist will bring and to hearing WAR perform their many hits live at Fiesta Atlanta 2011."

An American original; WAR was the first and most successful musical crossover phenomenon that forever fused rock, jazz, Latin, and R&B; a musical melting pot and an enduring influence that has sold nearly 25 million records to date. WAR has been honored with 17 gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards which include the triple platinum "The World is a Ghetto," double platinum "Why Can't We Be Friends?" and "Greatest Hits," just to name a few.

The music lineup for Fiesta Atlanta also features a variety of local and national recording artists, with salsa, Regional Mexican and traditional Mexican Mariachi. The main stage opens at 10 a.m. with performances by Mariachi Pepe Lopez and rock group Tiger! Tiger! Two Miami-based groups will also perform, with Local 34 bringing a tropical influence to their upbeat Spanish rock and Bachaco will play a unique fusion of reggae and cumbia. Special guest this year is Edwin Reyes and Orquesta Con Clase, a salsa band whose members include Savannah, GA active duty soldiers, recently returned home from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fiesta Atlanta, is the Southeast's largest Cinco de Mayo celebration, a free, daylong festival that includes live Latin music on two stages, featuring national and local recording artists. The children's stage lineup includes lively, colorful acts including Mexican folkloric dancers, clowns, musicians and storytellers. Artists will be selling handmade traditional crafts while vendors will be selling delicious Latin foods. The festival's partners will provide product samples and many, fun and interactive displays. For additional information visit: www.FiestaAtlanta.com.

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The Atlanta Opera Presents Mozart’s Così fan tutte at the Cobb Energy Centre

2011-03-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

The final opera in the Atlanta Opera’s 2010-2011season is Così fan tutte, Mozart’s brilliant comedic masterpiece about two officers who boast of their girlfriends’ faithfulness, only to have a clever friend put it to the test. Disguises, charades, mischief, and heartbreak result, but in the end, all are much wiser in the ways of love. Metropolitan Opera conductor Kazem Abdullah makes his Atlanta Opera debut and will lead The Atlanta Opera Orchestra, Chorus and cast. Così fan tutte will be sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage. Performances are April 9, 12, 15 and 17, 2011 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Soprano Keri Alkema will perform the role of Fiordiligi, and University of Georgia graduate mezzo-soprano Jennifer Holloway will sing Dorabella. Soprano Kiera Duffy, who recently appeared on the Atlanta Opera stage in Akhnaten, sings Despina, and tenor Matthew Plenk sings the role of Ferrando. Both Duffy and Plenk are featured in the Metropolitan Opera’s behind-the-scenes documentary, “The Audition.” Baritone Phillip Addis, who last appeared on the Atlanta Opera stage in the 30th anniversary season opener The Elixir of Love, sings Guglielmo, and the scheming Don Alfonso will be sung by bass Jason Hardy. Jose Maria Condemi will direct.

The Atlanta Opera also will offer Atlanta Opera Extras, community outreach initiatives that entertain and educate audiences about music and themes in Così fan tutte. A complete listing of upcoming events is below.

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Così fan tutte
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
Sung in Italian with English Supertitles
Sets from The Atlanta Opera
Previous Atlanta Opera Performances: 1987, 2000
Approximate Running Time: 3 hours
Four Performances at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 8 pm
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Friday, April 15, 2011 at 8 pm
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 3 pm

Creative Team
Conductor Kazem Abdullah*
Stage Director Jose Maria Condemi*
Set Designer Peter Dean Beck
Lighting Designer Ken Yunker

Cast
Fiordiligi Keri Alkema*
Dorabella Jennifer Holloway*
Despina Kiera Duffy
Ferrando Matthew Plenk*
Guglielmo Phillip Addis
Don Alfonso Jason Hard

Description

Two soldiers test the faithfulness of their fiancés on a dare. Pretending they are called away to duty, the men leave -- only to return as foreigners in disguise to woo the assumed two-timing women. Mischief and heartbreak result, but a happy ending is certain! This brilliant Mozart opera is a masterpiece of comedy and a favorite the world over.

*Denotes Atlanta Opera debut.

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TICKET INFORMATION

Single Tickets
$25 -$140 plus tax, convenience and venue fees
Online -- Visit www.atlantaopera.org
By Phone -- Call 404-881-8885 or 1-800-35-OPERA (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
In-person – Visit the Bank of North Georgia Box Office at the Cobb Energy Centre (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and one hour prior to a performance on day of show).

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ATLANTA OPERA EXTRAS

Mozart, Così fan tutte, and the End of the Enlightenment
Tuesdays, March 22 – April 12 @ 7 p.m.
Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning
Tuition: $200 (includes performance ticket)
Carter Joseph’s popular Evening at Emory class will explore the musical and social influences in Mozart’s Così fan tutte. On April 12, the class will attend The Atlanta Opera's production of this comedic masterpiece.

Atlanta Opera Master Class with Kiera Duffy
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 @ 11 a.m.
Georgia State University
Helen M. Aderhold Learning Center
Room 430
Free and open to the public
www.music.gsu.edu
Featuring soprano Kiera Duffy, who will be performing the role of Despina in the Atlanta Opera's production of Mozart's Così fan tutte.

Opera Chat
Monday, March 28, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Buckhead
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 310
Atlanta, GA
Free and open to the public
Select members of the cast, artistic and production crews will discuss the multi-faceted roles they play in mounting the Atlanta Opera’s upcoming production of Così fan tutte.

Opera 101
Monday, April 4, 2011 @ 7 p.m.
The Atlanta Opera Center
1575 Northside Drive, Bldg. 300, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Free and open to the public

A multimedia presentation by opera aficionado and Atlanta Opera Board Member Carter Joseph/ Audiences learn about the history, background, and story line of Così fan tutte through a combination of lecture, audio and video samples. Reservations are requested; email education@atlantaopera.org or call 404-343-7016.

Pre-Opera Talk
Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 15 2011 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 2 p.m.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
Pre-Opera Talks are held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre and provide opera attendees a free sneak peek into the opera they are about to see.

Atlanta Opera Costume Exhibit
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Friday, April 15 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of Così fan tutte audiences can experience a retrospective from the vaults of the Atlanta Opera’s celebrated Costume Shop. Audiences will be able to see these incredible pieces of craftsmanship up close and personal, as well as see highlights from costumes featured in our upcoming 2011-20112 season.

La Belle Soirée: A Fun and Flirty Affair
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.
At the Home of George and Dale Levert
$75/person (includes valet parking)
This “Fun and Flirty” fundraiser, featuring surprise serenades and delightful bubbly, will benefit The Atlanta Opera.

Brisk Ticket Sales for Wadsworth & Friends Concert Make It A Sell-Out

2011-03-15T06:18:00.002-05:00

Concert Ticket Chair Jan Bowyer reports that the strong enthusiasm Saturday evening's Wadsworth & Friends Concert have made it a sell-out and ticket sales have been discontinued. Bowyer commented, "There may be some "no-shows" that will allow us to make a few more tickets available at the box office right before the concert, but tickets are no longer available at any of the outlets." Newnan and Coweta County residents who've not attended the concert will experience its unusual quality and past attendees will again enjoy the outstanding cultural event.

Hometown artist and world famous pianist and classical music host Charles Wadsworth will escort five talented musicians to the Wadsworth Auditorium stage - all of whom will provide an exceptional evening of entertainment for the audience. The lights will dim at 7:30 p.m. in the Wadsworth Auditorium on Saturday evening, and the concert that has become a Newnan, cultural tradition will begin. Octogenarian Charles Wadsworth will host the evening with his special style of informality that has taken the name of Newnan and his hometown stories to concert stages around the world as he has accompanied many of classical music's most famous and talented musicians.

Newnan native Sarah Taylor will step onto the Wadsworth Auditorium stage to make her professional debut and will delight the audience with two soprano arias: one each from Puccini's Turandot and his La Boheme. Flutist Angel Jones-Reus who last performed in Newnan in 2009 will return to lend her substantial talents to the concert and also to join with Sarah Taylor on Friday before the concert and instruct county school students in the two Master Classes sponsored by Newnan Rotary and Shannon Norris at Cargill and scheduled to be held at the Centre for Performing & Visual Arts.

Inon Barnatan having recently returned from Europe after a series of flourishing concerts will be flying here to entertain the Newnan audience with his special talents at the piano. He has also quickly made his mark in debuts at many of this nation's prominent concert halls. Bella Hristrova is a 26-year-old Bulgarian violinist who will take to the stage and perform with several of the others and also as a soloist. She performs on a highly valued circa 1655 Nicolò Amati violin.

Cellist André Díaz, who performed previously in Newnan in 2005 ad 2006, returns to a community with which he is most familiar. A resident of Dallas, Texas, Díaz spent considerable time in this area as a youth, He has a father and a Newnan-born stepmother who now reside in Columbus and they, with his two sons, will be attending the concert.

Virginia "Ginny" Lyles, Chair of the Newnan Cultural Arts Commission, said, We've received wonderful support from the sponsors and patrons who make this concert possible. They're the ones who deserve the credit for making the Wadsworth & Friends Concert the truly exceptional cultural event that it has become. It is such a celebration of the best of our community."

Wadsworth & Friends Concert Again Presents “Master Classes” to Coweta’s Students

2011-03-07T13:28:00.000-05:00

Reprising a continuing program that began in 2008, Newnan’s Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC) recently sent letters to principals and music instructors at the county’s public and private high schools and middle schools. The letters invited vocal students and students studying the flute to participate in Master Classes at The Centre for Performing & Visual Arts provided by NCAC as a part of the Wadsworth & Friends Concert to be held on the following evening. The free-of-charge classes are supported by Newnan Rotary and by Cargill.

An accepted definition of a Master Class is: “one that involves teaching of an expert of that discipline — usually music, but also painting, drama, dance, or any of the arts. In a Master Class, a teacher’s general comments are replaced by the far more personal, intimate, informed, and individualized instructions and comments of a practiced professional in that talent or skill.”

Flute students will meet with Angela Jones-Reus - a flutist who now serves as Professor of Flute at the University of Georgia and has traveled the world in her multi-faceted career as soloist, chamber artist, orchestral artist, and teacher. They will gain a special insight and knowledge of playing the flute. Vocal students will have the opportunity of hearing local artist Sarah Taylor share her special knowledge of singing and her experiences while growing up in Newnan and singing to local audiences. She’ll discuss her continued education, how it has expanded her vocal talents and provide personalized instructions.

Don Nixon, Director of The Centre for Performing & Visual Arts says, “As a student is developing, it’s so important that they be exposed to excellence - to be able to see and hear and know the very best. They need to be exposed to the best there is so they’ll be enabled to recognize and know what’s being put before them during their youth and in their later life.” Nixon expanded and said, “The Centre fully endorses, appreciates, and supports this Master Class project because we know and understand its importance. We’ll continue to work towards it being inspirational to our students and provide our assistance.”

Newnan Rotary President Clayton Hicks said, “Rotary International supports important projects and charitable causes all over the world, but Newnan Rotary takes a special pride in the additional programs we support locally, not the least of which are projects that help our students.

Cargill, like Newnan Rotary, has supported the Master Class program since its inception four years ago. Shannon Norris at Cargill said, “Cargill views this as a great opportunity to support our community and highlight the resources and cultural events that are so often overlooked or taken for granted. We consider our sponsorship of the Master Class program to be a privilege.”

Tickets for the concert are now available at Scott’s Book Store on the Courthouse Square, Morgans Jewelers at Ashley Park, the Bank of Coweta at Thomas Crossroads, and The Centre for Performing & Visual Arts. They are budget priced at $20. for adults and $15. for students and 65+ seniors.

World-Renowned Cellist Wants Newnan's Barbecue!

2011-02-23T08:58:00.000-05:00

Globe traveler Andrés Díaz Joins Wadsworth & Friends Concert Performers
Andrés Díaz travels the globe and plays his cello on the world's most illustrious concert stages. He has, at the very same time, a special link to Newnan's Wadsworth Auditorium stage and anticipates his return to Newnan and his performance before this area's audiences.

Native born in Chile, Díaz came to the US at a very tender age when his father immigrated to the US and joined Robert Shaw's Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as a viola player. Already a student of playing the cello, Andrés' skills increased while living in Georgia. As it happened, he also became much more familiar with Newnan and surrounds when his father re-married and he became the stepson of Newnan's Betty Ann Bailey. It was during that time that he became familiar with Newnan and Coweta County. He remembers Newnan well and also recalls playing his cello in Newnan's Presbertian Church. Years - and many of the world's concerts stages later - it prompts Andrés to say, "I'm now really looking forward to coming to Newnan, performing in the March 19 concert, and, again, eating barbecue at Sprayberry's. Performing on this great stage is a very special treat to me."

As a young and exceptional student of the cello, Díaz left his home in Atlanta to further his studies, graduated from the New England Conservatory, and went on to challenge contestants and win notable cello competitions throughout the world. As a youth, he garnered both grants and praise because of his exceptional talents.

Now, as a world-renowned and highly recognized cellist, his name is added to the list of performers who will be a part of the 2011 Wadsworth & Friends Concert. Now, traveled throughout the world and having appeared on many of the great concert stages throughout the globe, Díaz will perform in the Wadsworth Auditorium on March 19. Having performed in Newnan previously years ago, he anticipates a return to the Wadsworth Auditorium stage.

Charles Wadsworth, previously preparing a concert program that included French cellist Sebestian Hurtuad, said, "Andrés' accommodation to perform on this date and join this concert program represents the best of the very best for this Newnan concert."

Andrés Díaz now residing in Dallas, Texas, serves as an Associate Professor - Music at Southern Methodist University. Married and with two young sons, he balances his demanding musical career with his family, global travel demands, and personal pursuits which include working on automobile engines and racing cars. Mr. Díaz plays a 1698 Matteo Goffriller cello with a bow made by his father Manuel Díaz.

Andrés' father and stepmother reside in Columbus, Georgia.

Tickets for the concert will be available, effective March 1 at Scott's Book Store on the Courthouse Square, Morgans Jewelers at Ashley Park, and Bank of Coweta at Thomas Crossroads and are budget priced at $20. for adults and $15. for students and 65+ seniors. Contact Gina Snyder at 770 253 2358 x203 or (gsnyder@cityofnewnan.org) for information regarding the concert's Patron and Sponsor programs.

Don Williams In Concert March 26, 2011

2011-02-18T12:25:00.000-05:00

Tickets Available Now
Ticket Prices are $35 + $2 Handling & $25 + $2 Handling

Don Williams 1974 song, “We Should Be Together,” reached number five, and he signed with ABC/Dot Records. His first single with ABC/Dot, “I Wouldn’t Want to Live If You Didn’t Love Me,” became a number one hit, and was the first of a string of top ten hits he had between 1974 and 1991. Only four of his 46 singles didn’t make it to the Top Ten.

Don't miss legendary, Don Williams as he takes the stage on March 26, 2011. The concert will be held in a 2900 seat, Air Conditioned hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds located in the beautiful mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia. Tickets go on sale February 4th and prices are $37. For more information visit us online or call
(706-896-4191)

HOW TO BUY TICKETS: Tickets are available at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Office, Online, Or by phone (706) 896-4191.

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Highway 76, West of Hiawassee, GA 30546
Email: gamtfair@windstream.net
(706) 896-4191
www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

The Chieftans with the Atlanta Symphony; Roberto Abbado and Peter Serkin

2011-02-16T17:45:00.000-05:00

THE CHIEFTAINS WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY

Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center

Friday, March 11, 2011, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, 2011, 8:00 p.m.

Michael Krajewski, conductor
The Chieftains
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Single tickets for these performances are $25 to $62. All single tickets for the 2010–2011 season are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster outlets, and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

ROBERTO ABBADO AND PETER SERKIN

Delta Classical Series
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center

Thursday, March 31, 2011, 8:00 p.m.
Friday, April 1, 2011, 8:00 p.m.

Roberto Abbado, conductor
Peter Serkin, piano
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

HAYDN Symphony No. 93
BARTÓK Piano Concerto No. 3
BRAHMS Symphony No. 1

Single tickets for these performances are $20 to $72. All single tickets for the 2010–2011 season are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster outlets, and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Gilbert Varga to Lead Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Works by Schubert, Mozart, and Strauss

2011-02-12T19:47:00.002-05:00

March 3 - 5, 2011

Pianist Pedja Muzijevic To Be Soloist

Guest conductor Gilbert Varga will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 with Pedja Muzijevic as soloist. Also on the program is Schubert’s Overture in C minor, Johann Strauss, Jr.’s Emperor Waltzes, and Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel. The concerts will take place March 3–5, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Mr. Muzijevic made his Atlanta Symphony Orchestra debut at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in summer 2009. These concerts mark his subscription debut with the Orchestra at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Charity Download of "Declaration Anthem" Featured in FOX Super Bowl Salute to U.S. to Help U.S. Wounded Soldiers

2011-02-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--"Declaration Anthem," the score created by award-winning Placement Music, LLC for the FOX SUPER BOWL SUNDAY presentation of the 'Declaration of Independence,' starting at 5:52 p.m. ET will be available as a charity single and ringtone on iTunes and Amazon.com after kick off. A portion of proceeds from the full-length score, a radio edit and ringtone goes directly to benefit Wounded Warrior Project. The non-profit, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors, reports an estimated 40,000 U.S. service members have been wounded in the current world conflict alone, and more than 300,000 suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"Placement Music is proud of 'Declaration Anthem' and our collaboration with FOX Sports. As 100 million people tune-in, we want the men and women who are active duty or retired military to know how proud we are of them and how grateful," said Tammy Hurt, founder of Placement Music. "Our organization too was founded on trust, collaboration, community and pushing each other to reach new individual milestones collectively. We are honored to make 'Declaration Anthem' accessible to the world and hope everyone watching on Sunday will be compelled to do what they can to help Wounded Warrior Project."

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Barry Scott and Second Wind to Play Jan 29th

2011-01-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

New Hope Church, 7719 Callaway Road, Greenville, GA 30222 is delighted to present Barry Scott and Second Wind on January 29th at 6 p.m. They are an exciting new acoustic band with a combined experience of almost 80 years of bluegrass and acoustic picking and singing. Individually they have been nominated for Grammy awards, won prestigious competitions, founded bands, and have been highly influential to acoustic, bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. Collectively, in their few months since forming, they have appeared on the Today Show, gathered a solid following, and established themselves as a powerful new presence in the gospel music arena. The group consists of five young men from Georgia, East Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina areas.

There is no admission or ticket price, but a love offering will be taken. We invite you to come out and enjoy the evening of music and fellowship with this dynamic band. Refreshments and fellowship following the concert.

Atlanta's WKLS Launches Jelli, Puts Control in the Hands of Atlanta's Rock Fans

2011-01-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Clear Channel Radio station Project 9-6-1 (WKLS) Atlanta has launched Jelli, the crowd-sourced radio technology that puts listeners in charge of what plays on the air. Jelli combines FM radio with the best of the social web and lets listeners compete or cooperate to get their favorite songs played on their favorite radio station.

Called "Remote Control Radio," the new Jelli-powered show is hosted by D.J. Jordin Silver, and airs Monday through Friday nights from 7PM to Midnight EST. Project 9-6-1 listeners can play along at www.project961.com or download the Jelli iPhone app and control the airwaves on the go.

At any time during the show, Project 9-6-1 listeners vote songs up or down, ultimately deciding what will air next. By playing, listeners accumulate Rockets and Bombs that they can use to propel a song quickly toward the top of the playlist, or knock it off completely. When a song is actually playing live and on the air, listeners can also vote whether it Rocks or Sucks. If enough players think it Sucks, the song is taken off the air instantly, even if it's mid-song. It's the ultimate in crowd-controlled radio.

"Project 9-6-1 was launched in 2006 with an experimental spirit and a promise to push things forward. As the first radio station in Atlanta to fuse social media and terrestrial radio with Jelli, we are showing our commitment to these values," said Project 9-6-1 Program Director Chris Williams. "Remote Control Radio gives our audience complete control and we are excited to see how they wield the remote control!"

"Atlanta is a world class music town and we are excited to see a Clear Channel station like WKLS be the first in town to put control into the hands of its listeners," said Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty.

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Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Atlanta Opera Extras Offer Opportunities to Learn More About Music and Themes in Porgy and Bess

2011-01-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

The Atlanta Opera has launched Atlanta Opera Extras, community outreach initiatives that entertain and educate audiences about opera. A complete listing of upcoming events is below:

Perspectives from The Atlanta Opera Chorus
Monday, January 31, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Spelman College, Science Auditorium, Room 134
Free and open to the public
Select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus will share their experiences performing Gershwin’s American folk-opera, Porgy & Bess at Paris’ Opèra-Comique, and how these experiences have influenced their perspectives on this American classic. Audience questions are welcome.

Porgy & Bess @ Broke-ology
February 2, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Southwest Arts CenterFree to Broke-ology ticket holders
Members of the esteemed Atlanta Opera Chorus will be performing arias from Porgy & Bess before a performance of True Colors Theatre’s Broke-ology by Nathan Louis-Jackson. The production, directed by Kenny Leon, and starring Jasmine Guy, is a comic drama that encourages us to stay linked to our roots no matter where life takes us.

Evening at Emory
American Originals: George Gershwin and Porgy & Bess
Tuesdays, February 8 – March 1 @ 7PM
Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning
Tuition: $200 (includes performance tickets)
Carter Joseph’s popular Evening at Emory class will explore the musical and social influences in George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess. On March 1, the class will attend The Atlanta Opera's production of this American masterpiece.

Opera Chat
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7PM

Barnes & Noble Buckhead
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 310
Atlanta, GA
Free and open to the public
Select members of the cast, artistic and production crews will discuss the multi-faceted roles they play in mounting The Atlanta Opera’s upcoming production of Porgy & Bess.

The Atlanta Opera Artist Luncheon
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 12 pm
The St. Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Road
$80/person (includes parking)
The public is invited to attend an Artist Luncheon celebrating Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess with Larry Marshall, Stage Director; Walter Huff, Chorus Master; Principal Singers from the production; and select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus. Please respond by February 7 to Amanda Wilborn at (404) 591-2928 or amandaw@atlantaopera.org.

Low-Country Favorites
Tuesday, February 15
The Cook’s Warehouse - Decatur
In honor of the company’s upcoming production of Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera has teamed up with The Cook’s Warehouse – Decatur to offer “Low Country Favorites,” - a low-country cooking class. Charleston, South Carolina, where Porgy & Bess is set, is one of the homes of low-country cooking. Students will have the opportunity to learn about themes from the upcoming production while learning to cook classics from this tasty cuisine. The class will be taught by Chef Rosemary Rutland.

Ethical Themes in Porgy & Bess
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 7PM
Emory Center for Ethics at Emory University
Free and open to the public
As part of Emory University’s Ethics in the Arts Initiative, Stage Director Larry Marshall and select artists from The Atlanta Opera’s production of Porgy & Bess will discuss the history of the opera, perform musical selections, and engage in ethical discussion about the controversy surrounding Gershwin’s work.

Opera 101
Monday, February 21, 2011 @ 7PM
The Atlanta Opera Center
1575 Northside Drive, NW
Bldg. 300, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Free and open to the public
In this multi-media presentation by opera aficionado and Atlanta Opera Board Member Carter Joseph, audiences can learn about the history, background, and story line of Porgy & Bess. Reservations are requested; call 404-881-8801.

Pre-Opera Talk
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7 pm
Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 2 pm
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
Pre-Opera Talks are held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre and provide opera attendees a free sneak peek into the opera they are about to see.

Sistagraphy Photography Exhibit
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera will exhibit photographs by members of Sistagraphy. These collective works examine the contemporary and historical issues that affect our society through the photographic medium.

Exhibit of Artist Leroy Campbell’s Gullah Collection
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of Porgy and Bess, audiences can experience the rich multi-media collage techniques of Leroy Campbell’s acclaimed Gullah Collection. His work, deeply rooted in African-American history, culture and traditions, evokes the complexity of the African-American experience.

Atlanta Opera Student Shorts
Thursday, March 3, 2011 @ 10AM and Noon
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Admission $8
An abbreviated version of the mainstage production, The Atlanta Opera Student Shorts are approximately one hour in length, and are performed with full sets, costumes and lighting and accompanied by The Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Accompanying educational materials correspond directly with Georgia Performance Standards in the Performing Arts, English and Language Arts, History and Social Studies. Call 770-916-2923 or visit www.cobbenergycentre.com for reservations.

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Performance
Friday, March 4, 2011, 7-8 PM
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Lobby
Free to ticketholders
Before the March 4, 2011 performance of George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble will be performing in the lobby of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
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2011 Charles Wadsworth & Friends Concert Set for March 19th

2011-01-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

The date is set! Newnan's native son and world-famous pianist Charles Wadsworth will return to Newnan to perform in concert in his namesake Charles Wadsworth Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, March 19. at 7:30 pm. Wadsworth will once again be joined by a group of world-class musicians as they present the much anticipated "Charles Wadsworth & Friends" concert that has become Newnan's most prominent cultural event.

Wadsworth grew up in Newnan and became an accomplished pianist at an early age and, by age 13, was filling in as the substitute pianist and organist at local churches. He went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees from famed Julliard School and moved to New York in 1952 to begin his professional career. In New York, he founded the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in 1969, leading it as Artistic Director and pianist for twenty years and bringing chamber music the unprecedented popularity that it enjoys today. His innovative programming and the varied repertoire he unearthed have inspired a new generation of virtuoso musicians to perform chamber music, fostering the creation of chamber music festivals worldwide. Since l977, Wadsworth has been one of the Artistic Directors of the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, where he is pianist and host of the daily chamber music concerts. Similar concerts were created in 1960 at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.

Mr. Wadsworth celebrated his 80th birthday during Newnan's 2009 concert and, since announcing his retirement at last year's concert, has limited his concert appearances. He pledged, however, to return annually to Newnan for as long as "providentially able." He has received New York City's highest cultural award the Handel Medallion, in addition to South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of South Carolina, Converse College, and Connecticut College and has been invited to perform at the White House for Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. His many honors include being a 2009 recipient of Coweta County's Centre for Performing & Visual Arts' Richard Brooks Visionary Award of Distinction and also having had an alley in Newnan designated as "Wadsworth Alley."

Charles Wadsworth has been returning annually to Newnan with his Charles Wadsworth & Friends Concerts since 1990. Originally sponsored by a group of local citizens and, more recently, by the City of Newnan's Cultural Arts Commission, the concert has generated funds used to restore the city's auditorium named after Wadsworth in 1998. It continues today supporting the ongoing upkeep and improvement of this treasured hall. Concert proceeds have also made possible a series of Master Classes in which the visiting artists share their talents and personal experiences with groups of Coweta County students. With the strong support of the Newnan City Council and a large number of loyal patrons, the restoration of the auditorium was completed in 2008.

Tickets for the event will be available after March 1st. General seating adult tickets are $20 and Senior/Student tickets are $15.
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Consumers Can Download for Donations with the Choice Hotels Music Newest Original Song

2011-01-11T13:06:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- As part of the continuing Choice Hotels Music program that introduces original songs to benefit a range of charities, "Sweetest Dreams" performed by Holly Montgomery will be launched on the Choice Hotels Music website. "Sweetest Dreams" was made available on January 11, 2011, and consumers who visit ChoiceHotelsMusic.com and download the free song will sponsor a $1 donation from Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) to the non-profit organization ServiceSource Foundation. Choice Hotels will donate one dollar for every free download of the song by consumers, up to $10,000.

"Sweetest Dreams" is the latest song to be introduced by Choice Hotels Music and it's one that strikes a particularly emotional chord for the company. In May of 2010, Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International and Vice-Chairman of the ServiceSource Foundation, visited ServiceSource in Alexandria, Virginia where he met a remarkable young woman named Kai Croft. Kai is a 26 year old client of ServiceSource, who, despite having Arthrogryposis -- a severe physical disability which affects a person's joints, is a prolific and eloquent poet. After reading Kai's poetry blog, Steve asked Kai if she would like some of her poems put to music. Kai loved the idea.

"I have been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. I think I was about 12 years old when I wrote my first poem called 'Poems' and it made me think that I could express myself with the words that readily came to mind," said Kai. "It's so exciting that my writing has inspired others to create this song and give back to ServiceSource."

Representatives of Choice Hotels contacted Holly Montgomery (local musician) and Tom Nichols (local musician & producer) and asked them to review some of Kai's poems to see if they might create a song from her poetry. Montgomery and Nichols got right to work, pulling lines and words from her poems to assemble what ultimately became the lyrics to "Sweetest Dreams."

"As soon as Tom and I started reading Kai's blog we fell in love with her words. Using her poetry, it was so easy to create a beautiful song. We started arranging and composing music and in only a few days were able to record a demo," said Holly Montgomery, Sweetest Dreams singer and songwriter. "But what really made the experience amazing was the fact that not only did we get to create this music, but every time somebody downloads the song a donation (up to $10,000) is made back to the organization that means so much to Kai -- ServiceSource Foundation. We are able to make music and make a difference!"

"I was so inspired by meeting Kai, reading her poems and learning what ServiceSource Foundation does to help people. It all just fit so perfectly with the Choice Hotels Music program which was able to combine all of these amazing elements to create 'Sweetest Dreams,'" said Steve Joyce, Choice Hotels President and CEO, and Vice-Chairman of the ServiceSource Foundation.

The song was professionally recorded on May 26, 2010. With Kai in attendance, she was able to hear exactly how the words in her poems came to life in a song. Nichols produced the recording and sang backup vocals while Montgomery played bass and sang lead vocals. A host of famous and talented musicians also played on the song including Drummer Aynsley Dunbar, and Guitarists Randall Hall and Paul Bell.

Since the launch of Choice Hotels Music in August 2010, the company has released three original songs that have generated over 30,000 downloads, which resulted in donations from Choice Hotels to three worthy charities -- Rebuilding Together, SOME (So Others Might Eat) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Washington and Greater Baltimore.

Visit ChoiceHotelsMusic.com today to download the free song "Sweetest Dreams" by Holly Montgomery and inspire a $1 donation (up to $10,000) for the ServiceSource Foundation.

For more of Kai's poetry, visit her blog at www.kaiswriting.blogspot.com.

Honda and Atlanta’s V-103 to Host the Return of the Honda Battle of the Bands National Anthem Competition

2011-01-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

Radio Personality Ryan Cameron will Host Event Saturday, January 8th at the Mall at Stonecrest Where Aspiring Atlanta Vocalists Will Audition to Perform Before Thousands at the Dome

The city’s very best singers are invited to audition for the Honda Battle of the Bands National Anthem Competition, co-presented by American Honda and V-103 Radio: “The People’s Station.” Local radio air personalities Ryan Cameron and Sytonnia will be on hand, in person, at the Mall At Stonecrest in Lithonia this Saturday, January 8th to host the auditions. Atlanta-area aspiring vocalists will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and enter into the running to win a thousand dollars and a chance to sing the National Anthem before a crowd of 60,000 at the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase scheduled to take place at the Georgia Dome on January 29, 2011.

Saturday, January 8th 2011, 10:00 a.m.
The Mall at Stonecrest
2829 Turner Hill Rd.
Lithonia, Georgia

Registration will be held at the Sears Court of the Mall, and begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early.

Of the 103 entrants that will be allowed to audition, three finalists’ will be selected and their audition videos will be posted on the V-103 “WebMag” page on www.v-103.com, for friends, family and the world to view and vote on who they think should sing the U.S. national anthem “live,” at this year’s 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, at the Georgia Dome on January 29th. In addition to performing before 60,000 fans the winner will also receive a pre-loaded VISA card worth $1,000. The first runner-up will receive a $500 pre-loaded VISA, and third place, a $250 card. All three finalists will also be awarded two tickets to the event.

Tickets for the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, presented by The Home Depot, are on sale now, and disappearing fast. The showcase which features riveting performances by eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands is one of the most highly anticipated events in Atlanta. Visit Ticketmaster or the Georgia Dome box-office, or purchase tickets online by visiting www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt

2011-01-05T13:50:00.002-05:00

Saturday, January 29, 2011
Doors open at 7 p.m.

Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

Tickets range from $50-$75
www.ticketmaster.com

Show is reserved seating and open to all ages.

Travis Tritt, one of the leading country singers and one of the first country artists to infuse rock & blues into the world of country music, brings his magic to Atlanta for an acoustic performance at Atlanta’s landmark Buckhead Theatre. His bluesy, Southern rock sound and gutsy outlaw image distinguished him from fellow country artists. Tritt produced a string of platinum albums and Top Ten singles throughout his music career, including three number one hits as well as two Grammy-Awards. Visit www.thebuckheadtheatre.com for more information.

National Endowment for the Arts Announces Live Webcast of 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert

2011-01-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

January 11, 2011

Panel Discussion with 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Moved to 1:00 p.m. on January 10, 2011

The National Endowment for the Arts and Jazz at Lincoln Center announced today that the NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert on January 11, 2011, will be video streamed live for those unable to attend in person. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and can be accessed through arts.gov.

In addition, a live audio broadcast will be carried through three outlets: Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s Real Jazz Channel 70, WBGO radio on 88.3FM or wbgo.org, and at NPR Music (npr.org/music).

The NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert honors the recipients of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award—the nation’s highest honor in this distinctly American music. The 2011 NEA Jazz Masters are Hubert Laws, David Liebman, Johnny Mandel, and the Marsalis Family—Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Jason Marsalis. In addition, the 2011 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy is awarded to Orrin Keepnews.

The Awards Ceremony & Concert will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in a program dedicated to the honorees’ works; honorees Mr. Liebman, Mr. Laws, and the Marsalis Family will perform. The evening also will feature a special performance by Roberta Gambarini and others in honor of the Jazz Masters who have passed away in the last year: Hank Jones, Abbey Lincoln, James Moody, and Dr. Billy Taylor.

The concert is sold out but stand-by tickets will be distributed on January 11, with the line beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, Broadway at 60th Street, ground floor. Those who do not receive a ticket are invited to watch the concert via simulcast at Frederick P. Rose Hall.

This Weekend: La Fanciulla del West

2011-01-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

Live Transmission: Saturday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

The Metropolitan Opera’s 100th anniversary revival of Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West will be transmitted to movie theaters worldwide on Saturday, January 8 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT as part of The Met: Live in HD series. Set in a mining camp during the California Gold Rush, saloon owner Minnie has her sights set on the mysterious Dick Johnson, and nothing—not horses, hangmen, or a high-stakes poker game—can keep her from finding true love. Deborah Voigt will sing the title role of Minnie in Giancarlo Del Monaco’s 1991 production, with Marcello Giordani as Dick Johnson (a.k.a. the bandit Ramerrez) and Lucio Gallo as the villainous sheriff Jack Rance. San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti will conduct the work, which the composer told The New York Times in 1910 he considered “the best of [his] operas.”

Find local theater information here: United States International

The debut of La Fanciulla del West in 1910 was the first-ever world premiere presented by the Met. For the occasion of the centennial performance on December 10, 2010, “dozens of audience members [attended] in fringed Western wear and cowboy hats” (Associated Press).

Giancarlo Del Monaco’s “brilliant staging” (Financial Times) “allows this remarkable score to come through beautifully” (The New York Times). As Minnie, the Associated Press praised Voigt for “a riveting and moving portrayal” displaying a “shining top that pierced through the sumptuous orchestration…her warm, endearing manner combined with an infectious stage-dominating moxie to make [the role] all her own.” The critic for The New York Times added, "I cannot think of a soprano who could sing any better this demanding role.” As Dick Johnson, Giordani “is at his best here” said the New York Daily News. Under the baton of Luisotti “the score emerged as arguably Puccini’s most subtly written and boldly modern music” (The New York Times).

Met star soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, currently in rehearsals for her Met debut as Tosca in January, is the HD host for La Fanciulla del West. Barbara Willis Sweete directs the transmission and Jay David Saks is music producer.

For more information, the public is encouraged to visit http://www.metopera.org/hdlive.
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Free performance by The New HOTS Jazz Orchestra at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF)

2010-12-11T14:44:00.000-05:00

Saturday, December 18, 7 – 9:00 PM.

The seasonal celebration at OCAF continues with a free jazz concert to be held in OCAF's Main Gallery. The New HOTS Jazz Orchestra is an 8 to 15 piece "Little Big Band", which recreates the hot dance and swing tunes of the '20s, '30s and '40s. Their repertoire includes vintage ragtime, New Orleans-style Dixieland Jazz, popular hot dance tunes of the "Jazz-Age", and classic swing. To see more on The New HOTS Jazz Orchestra visit their website www.newhotsjazz.com. Admission and parking are free (suggested donation: canned goods for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia). The facility is handicap accessible.

In addition, the OCAF Artists’ Shoppe will be open this evening so that you may shop for a handmade gift for that special someone. The Shoppe features hand crafted items from over 55 talented artists.

OCAF is located at 34 School Street in Watkinsville. For more information call (706) 769-4565, email info@ocaf.com or visit the website www.ocaf.com.
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Jubilant Sykes at Spivey Hall this Saturday

2010-11-30T14:19:00.000-05:00

Ring in the holidays with Jubilant Sykes at Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall this Saturday, Dec. 4 at 8:15 p.m.

American baritone and Grammy Award nominee Sykes sings deep from the heart, bringing music to life with a warmth and richness of feeling that enraptures audiences. His acclaimed October 2010 CD release with the London Symphony Orchestra, “Jubilant Sykes Sings Copland and Spirituals,” is swiftly climbing the charts.

Sykes returns to Spivey Hall this Saturday with three superb instrumentalists to perform a wealth of music showcasing his amazing artistry in songs of many styles, including traditional Christmas tunes and spirituals. Joining Sykes will be: Mark Rice, piano; Roberto Mirando, string bass; and Chris Parise, percussion.

Tickets to this performance are $50; Clayton State students pay just $10. For tickets and more information, call the Spivey Hall Box Office at (678) 466-4200. Full-price tickets only are available online at www.spiveyhall.org (a per-ticket service fee applies).

Sykes program will include: PRAETORIUS Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming; Valdemar HENRIQUE Boi Buma; Eden AHBEZ Nature Boy; Arthur HAMILTON Cry Me A River; COPLAND I Bought Me A Cat; Thad JONES A Child Is Born; James R. MURRY Away In A Manger; ROGERS/HAMMERSTEIN My Favorite Things; Kelly WILLARD Rest; Citizen COPE Sideways; Miles DAVIS All Blues; DAVIS/ONORAIT/SIMEONE/arr. Mark RICE The Little Drummer Boy; Mel TORME Christmas Song; Robert LOWRY/Buddy GREEN Mary Did You Know?; TRADITIONAL SPIRITUAL/arr. Mark RICE Go Tell It On The Mountain, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, He's Got The Whole World In His Hands; TRADITIONAL I Wonder As I Wander, Simple Gifts. A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Deck the Halls at the 84th Annual Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Carol Concert

2010-11-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

It’s a holiday tradition you don’t want to miss! The annual Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Carol concert will, again, kick-off the Christmas season for metro-Atlanta residents. Mark your calendars and join the Spelman College and Morehouse College Glee Clubs for some Christmas cheer. Each show is free and open to the public!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Kick-off Performance
Friday, Dec. 3, 2010
Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel
Morehouse College Campus
8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010
Sisters Chapel
Spelman College Campus
8 p.m.
For this performance only: A complimentary ticket is required. To reserve a free ticket, go to www.spelman.edu. Can’t make the performance? Enjoy it live via webcast at www.spelman.edu!

Final Performance
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010
Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel
Morehouse College Campus
6 p.m.

The combined choirs of about 100 singers will perform a mixture of new selections and traditional favorites. Two of the holiday favorites, featured each year, are “We Are Christmas” performed by the Spelman College Glee Club and written by Kevin Johnson, chair, department of music at Spelman and Sarah Stephens, C’2007; and “Betelemehu," a Nigerian Christmas Carol performed by the Morehouse College Glee Club under the leadership of Director David Morrow, professor, department of music at Morehouse.

Each year more than 6,500 supporters attend the free concerts. The choral performance has been rebroadcast on local and national television for the past several years airing on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the Gospel Music Channel. The concert is recognized around the country as one of the foremost Christmas performances.

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Ring in the holidays with GSU Gala Holiday Concerts

2010-11-28T09:24:00.000-05:00

The Georgia State University School of Music and the Rialto Center for the Arts present the 13th annual Gala Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

This year’s performances will feature traditional holiday favorites as well as music with an international twist — celebrating the Rialto and School of Music’s international initiatives and involvement in the community.

More than 200 student and faculty musicians will perform as part of this university-wide celebration of the season, including members of the University Symphony Orchestra, Choruses, Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble. Conductors Michael Palmer, Robert Ambrose, Gordon Vernick and Deanna Joseph will lead the ensembles and soloists in a musical potpourri of works by Duke Ellington, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Schubert, Holst and others. W. Dwight Coleman serves as artistic director.

In addition, the performances will feature special guest appearances by members of Atlanta’s diverse cultural community. Back by popular demand, students from the Charles Drew R. Charter School will join the GSU combined choirs in a performance of Betelehemu, featuring African dance and percussion. The School of Music has had a partnership with the Drew Charter School, located in the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta, since 2006, thanks to a generous, multi-year grant from the Cousins Foundation, Inc. The partnership includes the “Sound Learning” program, which facilitates residencies with musicians from the community; music lessons taught by GSU graduate music students; and the “Connect” program, which teaches composition and improvisation skills.

Other selections will highlight the musical traditions of China, Brazil and Greece—including Nick Demos and the Greek Islanders performing traditional Greek music. The concert will conclude with an arrangement of Oseh Shalom, a Hebrew song of peace, as well as a medley of favorite carols.

Tickets range from $22-$48 (Georgia State students, faculty and staff may receive 1/2 price tickets with ID) and are available in person at the Rialto Center Box Office, by calling 404-413-9TIX or online at www.rialtocenter.org. Free parking is provided for this event at the Equitable Building deck on Fairlie Street.

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Café Circa Presents 'Dinner and the Blues' with Singer Francine Reed

2010-11-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

CAFÉ CIRCA PRESENTS ‘DINNER AND THE BLUES’ WITH SINGER FRANCINE REED

$20 Two-Course Dinner Special Paired with Live Performance

Monday Evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. on November 8, 22 & December 6, 20 and 27, 2010

Café Circa presents Dinner and the Blues, a series of unforgettable Monday evening performances in November and December featuring celebrated Atlanta vocalist Francine Reed. To make the experience even more delicious, Café Circa is offering a two-course dinner special - choice of an appetizer or a dessert and an entrée - on the nights Reed performs created by new executive chef Hopeton S. Hibbert for $20. Music lovers are also invited to relax at the bar and explore Café Circa’s innovative cocktail menu of seasonal signature offerings and timeless classics. Legendary blues singer Francine Reed is slated to perform on Monday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. on November 8 and 22 and December 6, 20 and 27, 2010. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.cafecircaatl.com or call 404.477.0008.

WHAT: Dinner and the Blues
WITH: Legendary Blues Singer Francine Reed
WHERE: Café Circa
464 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
WHEN: Mondays November 8 and 22 & December 6, 20 and 27, 2010
7 to 10 p.m.

CONTACT: For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.cafecircaatl.com or call 404.477.0008.

About Café Circa
Located in the Old Fourth Ward of Atlanta, Café Circa offers a casually sophisticated atmosphere that merges classic style and modern elements with scrumptious signature menu items and a premium bar offering classic and innovative cocktails, select spirits, and a full wine list for every taste. The culinary team led by executive chef Hopeton S. Hibbert prepares fresh, deliciously seasoned food with a Caribbean Latin twist including creative small plates, inspired entreés, and tempting desserts. Café Circa is open Monday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. Call (404) 477-0008 or visit www.cafecircaatl.com.
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Christmas With the CSO

2010-11-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

The Carroll Symphony Orchestra will host Christmas with the CSO Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Townsend Center for Performing Arts at UWG. A musical thrill for all who attend, the event will feature music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite No. 1, along with the world premiere of S. Baltzer’s Holiday Suite for Orchestra. The conductor will also be taking holiday request from the audiences. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/ military and $8 for children.

Loretta Lynn In Concert at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Nov 20

2010-10-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

For fifty years now, Loretta has fashioned a body of work as artistically and commercially successful—and as culturally significant—as any female performer you’d care to name. Her music has confronted many of the major social issues of her time, and her life story is a rags-to-riches tale familiar to pop, rock and country fans alike. The Coal Miner’s Daughter—the tag refers to a hit single, an album, a best-selling autobiography, an Oscar-winning film, and to Lynn herself—has journeyed from the poverty of the Kentucky hills to Nashville superstardom to her current status as an honest-to-goodness American icon.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:
Tickets are available at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Office, Online, Or by phone (706) 896-4191.
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Highway 76, West of Hiawassee, GA 30546
Email: gamtfair@windstream.net
(706) 896-4191
www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall launches “PROJECT JUPITER,” November 15 – 20

2010-10-30T10:22:00.000-05:00

Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall welcomes the Jupiter String Quartet November 15 – 20 for the inaugural week of “Project Jupiter,” a multi-year partnership that will involve the Quartet in a wide variety of performance, teaching, community outreach, and audience development activities in Atlanta’s Southern Crescent.

During the first week of its 2010-2011 season residency that coincides with Spivey Hall’s Twentieth Anniversary Season, the Jupiter String Quartet will work with student musicians at three south-side partner schools: Lovejoy High School in Hampton, Stephen Lawrence, Orchestra Director; Union Grove High School in McDonough, Kathy Saucier, Orchestra Director; and Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Darilyn Esterline, Orchestra Director. In addition to working with large group ensembles, the Jupiters will mentor student quartets formed as an educational and artistic initiative of Project Jupiter. These quartets will take part in a public master class with the Jupiters at Spivey Hall in Spring 2011.

The fall Project Jupiter residency also dovetails with the annual Spivey Hall Chamber Orchestra Workshop, during which outstanding student string musicians from area schools have the opportunity to come together and work with a nationally renowned conductor. For 2010, the distinguished clinician is Mr. Bob Phillips, noted chamber music educator, composer, and author of over 50 works of strings pedagogy. The workshop’s concluding public performance will take place on Friday, November 19 at 7:30 PM, where students will be joined by the Jupiters on stage for two pieces.

Additionally, the Jupiters will present two public outreach performances, the first in the Atrium of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (Tuesday, November 16, 5:00 – 7:00 PM), the second at Golden Crest Assisted Living Residence at Eagle’s Landing in Stockbridge (Wednesday evening, November 17). The week culminates in a Spivey Series concert, November 20, at 8:15 PM, with a pre-concert talk by Jupiter cellist Daniel McDonough in dialogue with Clayton State University music faculty member, Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller, at 7:15 PM. For their first performance in Spivey Hall’s annual series of concerts by outstanding international musicians, the Jupiters have chosen two works by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), whose string quartets are central to the chamber music repertoire, as well as a primary focus of the Jupiters’ three-season residency: an early quartet, Opus 18 No. 2 in G major, and a late quartet, Opus 130 in B-flat major. The program also includes the 12 Microludes for String Quartet (Hommage à Mihály András), Opus 13, composed in 1977/78 by contemporary Hungarian composer, György Kurtág (b. 1926) – lyrical, fleeting, intricately-woven short pieces that the Jupiters will introduce with spoken commentary from the stage before performing them. This program is the first of several that will explore the theme “the evolution of compositional voice,” and the distinctive ways in which composers over several centuries have written for the ensemble of two violins, viola, and cello.

Project Jupiter, a natural extension of Spivey Hall’s far-reaching Education Program, was spearheaded by Spivey Hall’s Executive & Artistic Director, Samuel C. Dixon, in consultation with the Jupiter String Quartet musicians and the Spivey Hall Education Committee, an advisory group that identifies ways for Spivey Hall to respond to music education needs in its region. Spivey Hall Education Manager Catherine Striplin leads the implementation of Project Jupiter, a significant addition to the scope of Spivey Hall’s award-winning Education Program that includes the renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program, popular Young People’s Concerts, choral, chamber orchestra and jazz-band workshops, master classes by distinguished guest artists, and professional development opportunities for teachers, all of which serve more than 18,000 individuals annually from throughout Atlanta and beyond.

A generous $9,000 grant awarded to Clayton State University in December 2009 from the National Endowment for the Arts’ prestigious and highly competitive “Access to Artistic Excellence” program provides Spivey Hall essential resources to launch the first year of the anticipated three-season Project Jupiter, which also receives a special grant from South Arts, as well as deeply appreciated operating support from the Georgia Council for the Arts, Clayton State University, the Walter & Emilie Spivey Foundation, and the Friends of Spivey Hall. Country Inn & Suites Atlanta I-75 South is the official hotel sponsor of the Jupiter Quartet, and The Coca-Cola Company, as corporate sponsor of Spivey Hall’s Twentieth Anniversary Season, is the exclusive beverage sponsor of Project Jupiter. Spivey Hall and the Jupiter String Quartet musicians extend their thanks to all of these entities, as well as its high school and community partners, for making this important residency possible. Additional support is already being sought to continue, extend and enrich the program.

The JUPITER STRING QUARTET, formed in 2001, consists of violinists Nelson Lee and Megan Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (older sister of Meg), and cellist Daniel McDonough (husband of Meg, brother-in-law of Liz). They currently reside in Boston, Massachusetts.

In addition to its extensive concert schedule, the Jupiter String Quartet places a strong emphasis on developing relationships with future classical music audiences through outreach work in schools and other educational performances. They believe that chamber music, because of the intensity of its interplay and communication, is one of the most effective ways of spreading an enthusiasm for “classical” music to new audiences.

The Jupiters have received several major chamber music honors, including first prize in the Banff International String Quartet Competition, grand prize in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, membership in Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society Two, and Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award, which “honors and promotes a rising young string quartet whose artistry demonstrates that it is in the process of establishing a major career.” The Quartet also won the 2005 Young Concert Artists International auditions and now holds YCA’s Helen F. Whitaker Chamber Music Chair. Most recently, they were the recipients of a coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant.

In addition to their extensive schedule of performances in chamber music series and festivals throughout North America and beyond, the Jupiter String Quartet has earned accolades for its compact disc recordings on the Marquis label. Following the critical success of their first CD of quartets by Benjamin Britten and Sergei Prokofiev, the Jupiters’ second Marquis CD, released in 2009, features two masterworks of the Romantic repertoire: Felix Mendelssohn’s final Quartet in F minor, Opus 80, and another of Ludwig van Beethoven’s late quartets, the Quartet in F major, Opus 135.

The Jupiter String Quartet (www.jupiterquartet.com) is managed by Bill Capone of Arts Management Group, Inc., New York. Tickets to the Jupiter String Quartet’s Spivey Hall performance on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 8:15 PM are available from the Spivey Hall Box Office, telephone (678) 466-4200, and online at www.spiveyhall.org.

Itzhak Perlman Leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak

2010-10-30T08:04:00.000-05:00

Delta Classical Series
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center

Thursday, November 4, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 6, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 7, 2010, 3:00 p.m.

Itzhak Perlman, conductor and violin
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

MOZART Adagio in E Major
MOZART Rondo in C Major
MOZART Symphony No. 25
DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9

Single tickets for these performances are $25 to $83. All single tickets for the 2010–2011 are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Announces 2010 Coca-Cola Holiday Concert Series

2010-10-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

December 2–31, 2010

Holiday Series To Open With Program Featuring
Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria

Conductor Chelsea Tipton II To Lead Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Gospel Choir
In “Atlanta Symphony Gospel Christmas”

Staff Conductor Jere Flint To Conduct “Atlanta Symphony Kid’s Christmas”
Featuring Lee Harper & Dancers, Guest Narrator John Lemley,
and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

Norman Mackenzie To Lead Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus,
Morehouse College Glee Club, and Gwinnett Young Singers
In “Christmas with the ASO”

Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski
To Conduct “A Very Merry Holiday Pops”
With Vocalist Capathia Jenkins, Trumpeter Joe Gransden,
and the Lassiter and Walton High School Choirs

Preservation Hall Jazz Band To Perform “Creole Christmas”
Michael Krajewski To Lead Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
In “Atlanta Symphony New Year’s Eve – POParazzi”

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will spread the joy of the coming holiday season during the 2010 Coca-Cola Holiday Concerts from December 2–31, 2010, including: Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria on December 2 and 4, 2010; “Atlanta Symphony Gospel Christmas” on December 3 and 4, 2010; “Atlanta Symphony Kid’s Christmas” on December 5 and 12, 2010; “Christmas with the ASO” December 9-11, 2010; “A Very Merry Holiday Pops” on December 17 and 18, 2010; Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s “Creole Christmas” on December 19, 2010; and “Atlanta Symphony New Year’s Eve — POParazzi” on December 31, 2010. All concerts will take place in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Single tickets for these performances are as follows:

HANDEL’S MESSIAH AND VIVALDI’S GLORIA $29 - $59
“ATLANTA SYMPHONY GOSPEL CHRISTMAS” $15 - $42
“ATLANTA SYMPHONY KID’S CHRISTMAS” $15 - $22
“CHRISTMAS WITH THE ASO” $29 - $62
“A VERY MERRY HOLIDAY POPS” $20 - $59
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND “CREOLE CHRISTMAS” $25.50 - $60.50
“ATLANTA SYMPHONY NEW YEAR’S EVE – POParazzi” $30 - $68

All tickets are available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Clayton Community Big Band Celebrates its 10 Years with “Our First Decade: A Musical Celebration”

2010-10-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

The Clayton State University Department of Visual & Performing Arts presents the Clayton Community Big Band (CCBB) in “Our First Decade: A Musical Celebration” on Monday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Spivey Hall. Admission is free.

Aptly named, the Nov. 29 performance celebrates CCBB’s first 10 years of providing high-energy jazz shows to enthusiastic audiences. Favorite selections from the first decade will be featured from this large ensemble that, until now, has never repeated a selection on any of its performances, shares founding director and CCBB charter member Stacey Houghton.

Some of the big band's long-standing musicians will be featured and honored throughout the evening as the CCBB reminisces about its success as a firmly established promoter of jazz big band music in all styles.

Musicians performing in “Our First Decade: A Musical Celebration” include, in addition to Houghton (Rex), director and tenor saxophonist: Art Thompson (Fayetteville), assistant director and drums/percussionist; John Babb (McDonough), Avys Burroughs (Jonesboro), Carl Dixon (Morrow), Rodney Allen (Augusta), Michael Terry (Meansville) on saxophone; Michael Wheeler (Forest Park), Anthony G. Bailey (Decatur), Josh Singleton (Conyers), Mark Lewis (McDonough) and Taylor Threlkeld (Morrow) on trumpet; Doug Murray (Jonesboro), Keith Gardner (Locust Grove), Amy Fanusi (Jackson), Mark Gladfelter (Ellenwood), and Dr. Patrick Carney (Stockbridge) on trombone; Marvin Pollock (Forest Park) and Afolabi Giwa (Fayetteville) on piano; Caleb Halstead (McDonough) on guitar, Jennifer Dunn (Morrow) on bass; Courtney Tatum (Jonesboro) on drums, and Amy Fanusi (Jackson), vocalist.

The CCBB is comprised of music students from Clayton State University's Department of Visual & Performing Arts, as well as talented community musicians from the surrounding area. For more information on the CCBB, please contact Houghton at HOUGHTONES@aol.com or call (678) 466-4750.

“Come join in the celebration..... Here’s to another 10 years,” cheers Houghton.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Classic Music Meets Classic Rock: Handel’s Messiah Rocks @ Fox Theatre One Night Only: Sunday, Nov 21

2010-10-26T10:11:00.000-05:00

“We are delighted to bring a glorious night of music to the Fabulous Fox Theatre with Handel’s Messiah Rocks on Sunday, November 21 at 7 pm,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “This groundbreaking musical event blends classical music with classic rock and breathes new life into George Fredrick Handel’s most performed oratorio. It is sure to be an unforgettable evening! Tickets are on sale NOW at Ticketmaster outlets, the Fox Theatre Box Office, by calling 800-982-2787, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. And there are special group rates available through Fox Theatre

Group Sales at 404-881-2000.”

Handel’s Messiah Rocks features stunning visual effects, thrilling songs, a live orchestra, a rock band and Broadway soloists, along with local adult and children’s choirs!

Featured soloists are:

Mike Eldred (The Tenor) has thrilled audiences for over 20 years. His Broadway shows include Les Misérables (Jean Valjean), The Civil War and Jesus Christ Superstar. Eldred performs often with America's greatest symphony orchestras. He was featured in the PBS special “Dennis Deyoung And The Music Of STYX,” and he starred as Tony on the Naxos International recording of the Nashville Symphony's West Side Story. Eldred has released five solo recordings, including his Holiday CD, “Let It Begin.” For more information on Elred visit www.mikeeldred.com.

Jeremiah Jones (The Baritone). His favorite roles include Billy Bigelow in the West End revival of Carousel; Curly in Oklahoma! in 1st national tour of the Cameron MacIntosh revival; Doctor Shocker in The Gay Bride Of Frankenstein; The Beast in Beauty and the Beast; and Bobby Child in Crazy For You for which he received an LA Ovation nomination. He is an internationally known recording artist: member of "TEATRO" (SONY) and recently released his 2010 debut solo album entitled "Tupelo.” For more information about Jeremiah visit www.Teatromusic.com or www.Jeremiahjames.net.

Ramona Keller (The Woman) made her Broadway debut in Smokey Joe's Cafe as the standby for BJ, Pattie, and Brenda. She "originated" the roles of Radio 1, in Caroline Or Change and Ms. Paradice, in Bklyn the Musical on Broadway. Some of her regional credits include, Dreamgirls,

Lonestar Love, Beehive, The Buddy Holly Story, and she was featured in the musical review In Time with Hugh Jackman in Las Vegas.

The traditional composition of Handel’s Messiah has been performed annually for 240 years and has legions of fans throughout the world. Handel’s Messiah Rocks is sure to delight those who know and love the music, as well as win over many new fans. Selections included in the concert are: Overture, Comfort Ye, He’ll Come in Glory, He is Fire, Hallelujah and more. For more details about the show, visit www.MessiahRocks.com.

Handel’s Messiah Rocks was adapted by Jason Howland and libretto, adapted by Dani Davis, is based on the original oratorio by George Frederick Handel with libretto by Charles Jennens. It is produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC and directed by Dani Davis.

NETworks Presentations, LLC (Producer) Since 1995, NETworks has produced and managed over 70 touring productions in the US., U.K. and internationally . Current productions include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Young Frankenstein, and the Lincoln Center’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Handel’s Messiah Rocks, Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, Blue Man Group National Tour and The New 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables touring the U.S.

Theater of the Stars celebrates its 58th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier regional theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about our history of excellence, visit www.theaterofthestars.com

Handel’s Messiah Rocks will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta for one performance only on Sunday, November 21 at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW at area Ticketmaster outlets, the Fox Theatre Box Office, by calling 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $25-$65. Special Group Rates are available through Fox Theatre Group Sales at 404-881-2000.

The Atlanta Opera Receives $112,000 from Anonymous Donor

2010-10-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

Donation to be Used to Launch “The Heart of the Opera” Campaign

Zurich General Director Dennis Hanthorn announced today that The Atlanta Opera has received $112,000 from an anonymous donor. The generous donation will be used to launch “The Heart of the Opera” campaign, a fundraising effort with a goal to raise $112,000 in 112 days. “We have found in the past that the best way to encourage donations is to provide an incentive to match these contributions,” says Mary K. Roarabaugh, The Atlanta Opera’s Director of Development. “We decided to launch the ‘Heart of the Opera’ campaign to fill a need, and out of our profound appreciation for this anonymous donor, who personifies ‘the heart of the opera.’” The money raised in the campaign will go toward Atlanta Opera productions and outreach initiatives during the 2010-2011 season. “The Heart of the Opera” campaign begins on Tuesday, October 26.

To make a donation to “The Heart of the Opera” campaign, please visit atlantaopera.org.

Georgia Lottery launches search for top musical acts

2010-10-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

The Georgia Lottery is looking for the hottest music acts in Georgia. Your Hollywood dreams could come true with the Georgia Lottery’s All Access Music Search.

The All Access Music Search is open to all unsigned musical acts in Georgia in country, rock, pop/R&B, and hip-hop/rap. There will be one winner in each music genre.

Winners will receive a recording session at the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood. Additionally, the top 12 acts will perform at a professional football halftime show.

Registration for audition slots is open through Oct. 27, 2010. Acts may have one to five members.

Auditions will be held in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah starting Oct. 28, 2010.

For official rules and to register for an audition slot, visit www.galottery.com/musicsearch.

Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned more than $11.9 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.25 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

For more information on the Georgia Lottery Corp., please visit: www.galottery.com

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Peachtree City Celebrates Veterans Day on Saturday, November 13

2010-10-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

Peachtree City’s 2010 Veterans Day remembrance will highlight the Korean War in observance of the 60th anniversary of the start of that war, which was the first major conflict of the Cold War.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 13 starting at 10 a.m. It will be hosted by the Commemorative Air Force in their spacious hanger at Falcon Field and will be conducted by local VFW, American Legion and Marine Corps League veteran groups and the City Recreation Department. The event will include honors to the flag, taps will be played in honor of all veterans who have died, a guest speaker will be featured and a commemorative wreath will be presented by local veterans groups.

Light refreshments will be available. Call the PTC Recreation Department at 770-631-2542 for more information.

The Korean War, sometimes referred to as the “Forgotten War,” began in June 1950 and ended in an armistice in July 1953. The U.S. Congress never issued a Declaration of War, officially calling it a “police action.” The reasons for the U.S. becoming involved are shrouded in the fog of the newly developing “Cold War” between world superpowers from the east and west.

The Cold War started after WWII generally spanning from 1947 to 1991. On opposing sides were the Soviet Union and its proxy states and the Western world led by the United States. The Cold War ended in 1991 when the Soviet Union disbanded.

In historical terms, the Korean War was sandwiched between two high-profile engagements; World War II and Vietnam, further relegating it inappropriately to a less prolific role in U.S. history. However, in terms of human sacrifice, it was by no measure minor. By war’s end, 36,516 Americans were killed (including 2,830 non-combat deaths), 92,134 wounded, 8,176 MIA (missing in action) and 7,245 POWs (prisoners of war). In total, 15 western nations suffered nearly 800,000 in those categories and the three eastern block nations sustained between one million and 1.5 million.

Veterans Day in the U.S. is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans and remember the sacrifices of those who have died. Originally called Armistice Day, it officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action.

If World War I had been "the war to end all wars," November 11 might be still called Armistice Day. Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of World War II and Korea, Congress decided to make the day an occasion to honor all those who have served America. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. (Historically, the first Veterans Day parade was held in 1953 in Emporia, Kansas.)

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

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Morningside Chamber Musicians to Play at Goethe-Zentrum Auditiorium, Colony Square

2010-10-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

Featuring new composition “Morning Sides” by Atlanta composer Tim Jansa
Tuesday, November 2, 7:00 pm
Goethe-Zentrum Auditorium
GCC/AF members: Free
General admission: $5.00
(404) 892-2388

Morningside Chamber Musicians is a group of performers dedicated to bringing live classical music to the Metro-Atlanta area.

Comprising oboe, clarinet and bassoon, the Morningside Chamber Musicians trio creates an entertaining yet sophisticated atmosphere for your gathering. Trio members have extensive experience playing in world-class ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, the United States Coast Guard Band, and orchestras throughout the southeastern United States.

http://www.morningsidemusicians.com/

Next on their schedule:
Friday, November 19th from 11:30am-2pm.
Bank of America Plaza located at North Avenue and Peachtree Street. Part of "Fall Friday Lunches"

A Little Night Music October 21

2010-10-18T13:20:00.000-05:00

Griffin Choral Arts
October 21, 2010
7:30 pm

Special guests: Lamar County Middle School Choir

The Griffin Choral Arts opens their fourth season this Thursday at the Lamar County Schools Fine Arts Auditorium.

To get there – take Hwy 41 S to Barnesville, Turn right on Hwy 18 (Ingles and Walgreens). Turn left on Burnette Road. As the road curves to the right, the Fine Arts Center is on the left. There is much well lit, level parking on both sides of the road. The facility is wheelchair accessible.

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The Atlanta Opera Presents Bon Appétit! by Lee Hoiby at The Cook's Warehouse

2010-10-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

Performance to Benefit The Atlanta Opera

Join The Atlanta Opera on Thursday, November 4 at 7:30pm at The Cook’s Warehouse at Ansley Mall for Bon Appétit! - a 30-minute operetta based on Julia Child’s popular television show. The audience will be transported to Julia Child’s famous 1960’s kitchen-studio, and will watch mezzo-soprano Susan Nicely whip up some giggles and comedic-fromage. Following the performance, guests will sample Julia’s treats, and will have the opportunity to shop in the store and sign up for future cooking classes. Attendees will receive a 10% discount on in-store purchases made that evening. There also will be giveaways. Admission is a tax-deductible $25 donation to The Atlanta Opera. This event is open to the public.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Amanda Wilborn at 404.591.2928 or visit atlantaopera.org. Special pricing is available for Comprimarios members.

About Bon Appétit!
Bon Appétit!, by composer Lee Hoiby, was written for comedienne Jean Stapleton as music draped over the words and gestures of Julia Child, the mother-of-all foodies. The libretto, by Mark Shulgasser, is based on a seminal early work by playwright Lanford Wilson, first produced in 1965. The two acts also are based on two episodes of Julia Child’s second WGBH-TV season: “the race between the whisk” and “the electric beater comes out of a different cake.” Hoiby's music deftly veers around Broadway chansons, early television, and underlines Julia Child's compelling domestic uplift.

About Susan Nicely
Mezzo-Soprano Susan Nicely is known for her rich voice and vivid characterizations. Her highly acclaimed “lively comic presence” in roles such as Dame Marthe in Faust, Old Lady in Candide, and Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro, as well as dramatic portrayals in Cavalleria rusticana as Mamma Lucia and The Ballad of Baby Doe as Mama McCourt make the character mezzo an “audience darling,” says the Austin American-Statesman. Her roles have included Gertrude in Roméo et Juliette with the New Orleans Opera, Housekeeper in Man of La Mancha at the Shreveport Opera, Berta in Il barbiere di Siviglia in concert with the Helena Symphony, the Nurse in Boris Godunov at the Dallas Opera, and Katasha in The Mikado with the Indianapolis Opera. She performed the role of Thelma Predmore in The Atlanta Opera’s 2008 production of Cold Sassy Tree.

About The Atlanta Opera
Founded in 1979, The Atlanta Opera is one of the finest regional opera companies in the nation, drawing audiences from the entire metropolitan Atlanta area as well as from the Southeast region. Led by Zurich General Director Dennis Hanthorn, The Atlanta Opera strives to expand the experience of its patrons with memorable and exciting opera performances reflecting the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. The company also works to attract the finest international, national, and regional singers, conductors, stage directors and designers. For the 2010-2011 season, The Atlanta Opera presents three productions with four performances each at the Cobb Energy Centre.

Macy Gray at Buckhead Theatre

2010-10-05T21:00:00.002-05:00

Macy Gray will perform, live, on Wednesday, Oct 27th at 8 p.m. at Atlanta landmark, Buckhead Theatre. Gray is returning to her roots with the release of her latest album The Sellout. The Grammy-winning singer has sold 15 million albums with major hits such as the single “I Try.” Back after a short hiatus, Gray “pours her heart out” through expressive lyrics on slow funk jam songs like “Stalker” and stadium rock-stomper “Kissed It” featuring guitar legend Slash. Visit www.macygray.com for more information. 404-843-2825. Tickets: $26

Patrick Carney to Conduct Atlanta Wind Symphony in 2010/2011 Master Season Premiere, October 10

2010-10-05T19:08:00.002-05:00

Dr. Patrick Carney, Clayton State University director of Bands, is looking forward to his third season as the music director and conductor of the Atlanta Wind Symphony (AWS).

AWS is pleased to announce the first concert of the 2010-2011 Master Season, Sunday Oct. 10 at 3 p.m., at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. This concert will be a “Tribute to the Greatest Generation,” with a program honoring the men and women who grew up in the Great Depression, ended a war, and rebuilt America into a superpower.

Embarking on its 32nd season, the AWS is internationally respected for its continued musical excellence, contribution to music education, and service to the community. And, as a special gift to honor veterans, tickets to this event will be free. This concert will feature several familiar selections from these historic times certain to start feet tapping, and close with a special Big Band finale that will have everyone humming all the way home.

Since its inception, AWS has performed for television, charity benefits, state officials, and presidents, in a wide variety of venues, from outdoor parks and civic celebrations to Carnegie Hall. Comprised of more than 70 adult musicians ranging in experience from some of Atlanta’s finest professional musicians and composers to hobbyists, this group commits to delivering extraordinary performances, practicing diligently throughout the season. “I am excited about our program for this season, and as always, am honored to have been chosen to conduct this extraordinary group,” says Carney.

Spivey Hall Welcomes Organist Jane Parker-Smith on October 9

2010-10-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

Organist Jane Parker-Smith will be featured at Clayton State University’s world-famous Spivey Hall on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Parker-Smith’s day at the southeast’s premier small performance facility will start at 2 p.m. with a pre-concert talk with Spivey Hall Organist-in- Residence Richard Morris. At 3 p.m., Parker-Smith will present her program on the Hall’s equally-renown Albert Schweitzer Memorial Pipe Organ. Her program will include: René BECKER Toccata in D; César FRANCK Choral II in B minor; Ad WAMMES Miroir; Joseph JONGEN Sonata Eroïca, Op. 94; Franz LISZT (trans. Parker-Smith) Mephisto Waltz No. 1; Jean LANGLAIS “La Nativité,” from Poèmes Évangéliques; Alexandre GUILMANT Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 42.

Audiences and critics alike regale Parker-Smith with praise for her superior artistry, formidable technique, virtuosity and charisma, fresh and vivacious interpretations, and dazzling theatrical flair. One of the world's leading concert organists," Jane Parker-Smith is without doubt one of the most brilliant organists of the post-war generation" (Rhein Neckar Zeitung, Germany).

The visual centerpiece of Spivey's breathtaking design is the Albert Schweitzer Memorial Pipe Organ, a 79-rank, 3-manual, 4,413-pipe organ, built and installed by the firm of Fratelli Ruffatti.

Tickets for Parker-Smith’s appearance at Spivey Hall are $30. For tickets of more information, call the Spivey Hall Box Office at (678) 466-4200.
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Music Director Robert Spano and the ASO Welcome Pianist Emanuel Ax Back to Atlanta

2010-09-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

September 30 - October 2

Mr. Ax To Perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4
Program Also To Include Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, “Titan”

10 FANFARES TO BE PREMIERED THROUGHOUT SEASON TO CELEBRATE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF ROBERT SPANO AND DONALD RUNNICLES AND 10th ANNIVERSARY OF ATLANTA SCHOOL OF COMPOSERS

Adam Schoenberg’s World-Premiere Fanfare, Up!, To Be Featured on Program

Frequent guest artist and friend of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Emanuel Ax, will return to Atlanta to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with Music Director Robert Spano and the Orchestra. The program will also include the world premiere of Adam Schoenberg’s fanfare Up!, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, “Titan.” Performances will take place September 30 – October 2, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Adam Schoenberg’s Up! is the second of 10 fanfares to be premiered throughout the Orchestra’s 2010-11 season in celebration of the 10-year artistic partnership of Robert Spano and Donald Runnicles, and 10 years of the Atlanta School of Composers. Other contributors will include Atlanta School of Composers members Jennifer Higdon and Michael Gandolfi, as well as Robert Spano and friends of the Orchestra, such as Alvin Singleton.

Bluegrass, Shaking, Rocking, Blues this Weekend

2010-09-22T15:11:00.001-05:00

Thursday, Sept 23 - For an exciting bluegrass evening of shaking, rocking and fast moving performers, be sure to see and hear the Smokey's Farmland Band at the Redlight Cafe, 553 Amsterdam Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, Jams start at 7pm, Show starts at 9pm. For more info, go to www.RedlightCafe.com.

Saturday, Sept 25 - A young (12 to 13 years old) singer, Logan Smith will light up your night and the Atkins Family, Blue Tick Deville and Blue Jam will keep it lit for your evening well spent for entertainment, at the award winning Hollonville Opry in Hollonville, GA, First show starts at 6:30pm www.HollonvilleOpry.com or 770-228-4832.

Saturday, Sept 25 - Steel String Session is appearing at the Coosawattee River Resort General Store, in Ellijay, GA from 7-9 pm, http://SteelStringSession.com, Contact Lisa Jacobi, 706-455-0694 or email to music@SteelStringSession.com.

Saturday, Sept 25, Enjoy a good meal as you see and hear the Kris Youmans Band at the Sunnyside Cafe in Carrollton, GA, 7pm-9pm, Contact: Gary Duke at 770-836-3210 or email to wgaryduke@msn.com, website: http://www.sunnysidecafecarrollton.com.

Saturday, Sept 25 - In Dalton, GA, Bluegrass Bands and Helping Hands are featuring G2, a well known Swedish Bluegrass Group. This event will benefit struggling families in North GA. For more info go to http://www.bluegrassbandshelpinghands.com or call 706-264-6950. Sunday, Sept 26 - Sunday Afternoon, 1pm, The 36th annual Atlanta Society of Entertainers Awards Show. Entertainers and music personalities in the Atlanta music community will be honored and showcased in all genras, including bluegrass, at the Holiday Inn Select, Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta GA (I-285 exit # 30). Free to the Public. For more information, call 770 457-6363 or 404 292-7340 or email to carsoncole@aol.com.

Sunday, Sept 26, By popular demand, the reliable and entertaining Facing South is returning to Old Tucker Fountain, Tucker, GA, from 6 - 7 pm with jam sessions to follow. For more info contact Mike Soucie, mike.soucie@comcast.net, 770-934-1675

Subject to change without notice.

Special thanks to Jack Masters for permission to share, and for sending this to us!

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Voices 'Mist of Night and Moon' Showcases Great Local Talent Sept 25

2010-09-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Voices is finalizing details for their yearly production, “Mist of Night and Moon,” scheduled for Saturday, September 25 at The Wadsworth in Newnan at 7:30 pm, with a Meet & Greet following the concert. “We are very excited about ‘Mist of Night and Moon’”, explains Artistic Director, Maria “Pia” Ugarte. “I would venture to say that this is our strongest program to date. We have a wonderful production that all ages can enjoy together and the talent that it will showcase is nothing short of amazing!”

The female vocal band Zaphyra will be participating as it has been doing since the inception of the group. All band members are soloists with parallel individual performing careers. Amy Beaucham is a Newnan resident with many years of theater experience. Jill Safko is an Ugarte Studio graduate, previous Spivey Children Choir member, singer and songwriter and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Kennesaw University. Diane Mitchell is an award winner theater performer and can be seen through out the Atlanta area in different productions during the year. Paige McCauley is an award winner singer-songwriter and actress currently performing in the South East. The three later members reside in Peachtree City. Pia Ugarte is the founder and Artistic Director of Voices, Zaphyra and The Ugarte Studio and she currently resides in Fayetteville. Zaphyra can be heard during the year at different locals like Ten East Washington in Newnan and is currently recording its first album which will be available sometime next year.

Singer Joyce Gruschow is originally from Columbus and she is currently a resident of Fayetteville. She was blessed with the gift of song at an early age and has continued to share her gift with the release of her Christian Debut CD “For You.” Joyce can be heard at many Atlanta Metro Venues and at a Benefit Concert scheduled for October 2 at the Fredrick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre in Peachtree City. Andrea Caldwell, a Fayetteville native, holds a Bachelor in Music from Clayton College and State University and a Master of Music from Austin Peay State University. Currently, she enjoys teaching her small-but-mighty studio at the Fine Arts Academy at Flat Creek, cantoring, and singing with the Southern Crescent Chorale conducted by Janice Folsom.

Tammy Darby is full time owner-operator of Cosmedical Spa in Peachtree City where she resides. She started singing early in childhood at church at the age of six. She then got involved in musical theater and with various chorus groups and bands. This performance marks her return to the stage after many years of absence. Alison Chambers resides in Peachtree City and can be heard performing with different theater companies in the Southern Arc. She is the Artistic Director of Peachtree City’s Twilight Theatre, which just concluded its fourth season at The Fred. Members of The Ugarte Studio -- Rebekah Anders, Devin Boyd, Camille Edwards, Abby Mortensen and Victoria Vaughn -- winners and finalists of various talent and music competitions, will partake in selected numbers.

This year’s show gravitates around “the night and the moon”. The concert will offer original compositions, as well as evergreens like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night,)” the Phantom of the Opera Duet, “When You Believe”, “Boy with a Coin,” “Somewhere,” “Song to the Moon” from Dvorak’s opera Rusalka, and new hits like Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.”

Tickets are $15.00 General Admission, and can be purchased online through the Voices website, www.VoicesOnline.org, and by phone using Brown Paper Tickets (24/7 Ticket Hotline: 1-800-838-3006.) Tickets can also be purchased in person in Peachtree City at Cosmedical Spa (1201 Georgian Park, 2nd Floor, Peachtree City, GA 30269 / 770-632-5500) and in Newnan at Scott’s Bookstore (28 S Court Square, Newnan, GA 30263 / 770-253-2960.) $10.00 Children/Students/Seniors tickets are available at these locations with ID and at the door 45 minutes before the performance starts. These tickets are not available for online purchase. Patrons of Newnan’s favorite restaurant, Ten East Washington, and Cosmedical Spa can purchase discounted tickets at their local. For more information, please visit www.VoicesOnline.org or call 404-358-2950.

The Atlanta Opera Introduces 24-Hour Opera Project

2010-09-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

Initiative Part of OPERA America’s National Opera Week

Calling area composers, lyricists, stage directors and opera singers! The opera world is full of drama, intrigue, romance, comedy, and tragedy – how about experiencing all of those things in 24 hours? In celebration of OPERA America’s National Opera Week, opera organizations and educational programs in the Metro-Atlanta area will be hosting a 24-Hour Opera Project. Think of it as a creative science project where Verdi meets reality TV!

Composers, lyricists, stage directors and opera singers from all over may apply to join in the project. Composers and lyricists selected to participate will be randomly paired together, and will have 12 hours to write an opera. At the end of 12 hours, the pieces will be assigned to participating stage directors, who will draft singers from a pool of applicants, and have 8 hours to rehearse before presenting the pieces in a showcase-concert 12 hours after the project begins.

The deadline to apply is October 15, 2010.

Who can participate?

Composers, lyricists, stage directors, and singers may apply (experience required).
Download the appropriate application:
Composer Application (PDF)
Lyricist Application (PDF)
Singer Application (PDF)
Stage Director Application (PDF)

What are we talking about?

We’re talking about opera insanity! 24 hours to compose, rehearse, and perform an opera with strangers. Prizes will be awarded following the showcase-concert in the following categories: Best Use of Props, Most Diva-licious, Best Death Scene, and Best Overall Composition.

Where will the event take place?

The 24-Hour Opera Project will take place on the campus of Georgia State University.

When will this happen?
Saturday November 06, 2010
Sunday November 07, 2010
Why are we subjecting ourselves to such madness?

Because we’re crazy! (And we want everyone to see how cool opera is!)

Still have questions?

Please contact The Atlanta Opera education department at 404.881.8801 or education@atlantaopera.org.

The Fine Print:
Compositions must be 7-10 minutes in length, written and performed in English and scored for 4 singers (soprano/mezzo/tenor/bass) with piano, and composed around a specific theme (top secret until November 6!). Pre-existing compositions will not be eligible. Composition teams will be paired randomly, compositions will be assigned to stage directors randomly, and participating singers will be selected to perform through a singer “draft.” Submission of application in any category does not guarantee participation, and artists may only apply in one discipline; Applicants selected to participate will be notified by October 25.

Competition Begins Among Top Black College Marching Bands for 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands

2010-09-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: The Georgia Front Page staff sends best wishes to the bands who represent the state of Georgia in this music competition. Go for the gold!

(BUSINESS WIRE)--A spot in the 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands (www.hondabattleofthebands.com) Invitational Showcase is to a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band as a trip to Super Bowl XLV is to a professional football team. Scheduled to take place Saturday, January 29th, the 2011 Invitational Showcase not only allows the top HBCU marching bands a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform before 60,000 fans at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, but it also gives them the chance to earn much-needed funding for their school’s music education programs. This week the competition for one of the eight coveted spots begins, and HBCU marching band fans will have a hand in choosing the top bands.

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase is the world’s largest and most highly anticipated HBCU musical event and scholarship program of its kind. The program, which will mark its ninth year in 2011, is a platform to highlight and showcase the heritage and showmanship of the HBCU college marching bands and an important facet of HBCU culture – music education. For the 2011 program, each of the 45 bands participating in the Celebration Tour will receive a $1,000 grant for their music programs, with an additional $20,000 awarded to the eight institutions selected to advance to the 2011 Invitational Showcase.

The “Celebration Tour,” the route participating bands must take to qualify for a spot in the Invitational Showcase, kicks off this weekend with the first of ten stops at Howard University in Washington, DC. During the Celebration Tour, fans can witness the unique, precision marching styles, as well as the spirited dance team choreography and pageantry that make the HBCU marching band experience one-of-a-kind. The beginning of the Celebration Tour also signifies the kick off of the voting process. Beginning today, HBCU band fans can go to the Honda Battle of the Bands website (www.hondabattleofthebands.com) to vote for the eight bands they would like to see in the 2011 Invitational Showcase. The eight bands selected to perform at the 2011 Invitational Showcase are chosen by fans, HBCU presidents and band directors votes. Online fan votes will account for one third (1/3) of the selection criteria, with band directors’ and school presidents’ votes accounting for the remaining two-thirds.

“The energy and excitement surrounding the Honda Battle of the Bands program is something that is difficult to describe,” said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. “When you enter the Georgia Dome on Invitational Showcase day, and the top eight HBCU marching bands take the field, you can see that this event is about more than just great music and amazing performances, it’s about honoring the legacy and excellence of America’s black colleges. Honda is proud to have developed a program that for nine years has celebrated the music education programs at our nation’s HBCUs while providing financial assistance to ensure they continue to thrive.”

Online polling for this year’s Invitational Showcase concludes on Friday, October 29th at midnight (EST). The eight institutions selected for participation will be announced on Monday, November 8th, 2010.

The Honda Battle of the Bands website is the sole online destination and clearing house for all HBOB information, updates, polling status, photos and video footage, and is the resource for any and all questions about the program. For more information about the Honda Battle of the Bands “Celebration Tour,” tour stops and a list of participating bands please visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

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Army Band to Kick Off UWG’s Townsend Center Season

2010-09-11T20:12:00.000-05:00

The Townsend Center for the Performing Arts at the University of West Georgia kicks off its 2010-2011 season on Thursday, Sept. 16 with one of the nation's premier service ensembles, the Army Ground Forces Band, based at Fort McPherson, Ga.

The band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but reserved seating is available by calling 678-839-4722.
The only Army band with a combat distinction from the president, the Army Ground Forces Band serves as the musical ambassador of the American combat soldier. The Jazz Guardians, a 21-member big band, tours the country from coast to coast showcasing a rich musical heritage.

Paying tribute to the big bands of yesteryear, the Jazz Guardians incorporates the work of artists such as Louis Bellson, Cab Calloway, Bill Watrous, and Jamey Abersold. In addition to performing standards by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Woody Herman, the ensemble presents innovative works by today's most popular composers.

For more information call 678-839-4722 or visit ww.townsendcenter.org.

Season sponsors of the Townsend Center programs are: Live Art At the Townsend Center; Carroll Symphony Orchestra Foundation; Community Foundation of West Georgia; the family of Dr. Richard L. Dangle; Dr. Chester & Mrs. Faye Gibson; the Georgia Council for the Arts; the National Endowment for the Arts and South Arts.

Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association Announces New Children's Choir

2010-09-11T16:52:00.000-05:00

Our Very Own Marilyn Peters is Starting a Blue Ridge Children's Choir on September 14th!

With art and music being cut from our school systems, children are on the verge of missing out on some of the greateast treasures in life. Marilyn Peters is one teacher who is ensuring this doesn't happen.

Marilyn has a bachelor's degree from North Georgia College and State University in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Music Education from Boston University. She will begin working on a doctoral degree in Music Education soon.

Her background includes performing in choirs and instrumental ensembles, directing choirs and instrumental groups, teaching general music and music appreciation in public schools, kindergarten through 8th grade, and providing private lessons for the past 20+ years. She has been teaching music and directing choirs in middle and elementary schools for the past 7 years in the North Georgia mountains area, and also conducted teacher choirs, middle school and elementary school choruses and assisted in writing and directing many musicals. She also gives private lessons in flute, guitar and voice through the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, and now the Youth Choir as well.

Class dates, times and tuition are as follows:

Beginning to Intermediate
Tuesdays, Sept 14-Dec 7 (4:30-5:45pm)

Tuition: $60 (Art Center Members $54)
Learn vocal & sight singing techniques, breath control, note reading and other music basics.

For more information about the Blue Ridge Children's Choir, go to www.blueridgechildrenschoir.weebly.com
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Shakerag Bluegrass Festival at ‘The Fred’ in Peachtree City

2010-09-08T19:01:00.000-05:00

September 18 & 19
Bullsboro and Steel String Session to Headline Festival

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City will once again be filled with the sounds of bluegrass as ‘The Fred’ hosts the Shakerag Bluegrass Festival in conjunction with the 33rd Annual Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival. The festival will feature eight bands over the two days including Saturday’s headliner Steel String Session from Tennessee, while local favorite Bullsboro caps off the weekend Sunday night.

“We wanted to take a trip back in time to the days of the McIntosh Opry as we have had lots of patrons express an interest in hearing bluegrass music at the Fred again. In the late 70’s and early 80’s bluegrass is what the Fred was known for so when we decided to add it to the schedule this year it just made sense to combine it with the Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival,” said Nancy Price, Amphitheater Manager.

Saturday will feature Steel String Session, described as “Neo-Classical-Grass” and the “Rhythm Section of the River,” the band members hail from the Ocoee River region of east Tennessee. Steel String Session plays a mix of modern acoustic Americana music with an emphasis on Rockabilly-Jazz-Grass. The bands sound is rich with swing and passion, and sometimes blues, mystery and heartache. Each member of Steel String Session is a talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. With their harmonic blending and sensational songwriting, the group is a power hitter in a live audience settings whether intimate or grand.

The Shakerag Bluegrass Festival will take place Saturday, September 18 from 3-7PM and Sunday, September 19 from 2-6PM. Wristbands are required for admission to the bluegrass festival and available for purchase the amphitheater box office. The cost for one day is $10, or a two-day wristband is $15. Parking for the event is free. The festival weekend will take place rain or shine. For more information regarding the Bluegrass Festival contact the Amphitheater box office at 770-631-0630 or on-line at www.amphitheater.org.

The festival kicks off Saturday at 3 p.m. with Carl Towns & The Remnant, 4 p.m. Blue Heaven, 5 p.m. Exception to the Rule, and 6 p.m. Steel String Session. Sunday will begin at 2 p.m. with the Chris Youmans Band, followed by Nancy Creek at 3 p.m., Musselwhite Family at 4 p.m., and closing out the festival at 5 p.m. is Bullsboro. For more information on the bands visit the amphitheater website www.amphitheater.org for links to the individual band sites.

The 33rd annual Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival will feature over 120 vendors. The festival, known for its handmade arts, crafts, and food hosts vendors from all over Georgia and the south, with unique items for sale including pottery, paintings, ceramics, florals, pet items, jewelry and more. The event is held at Shakerag Knoll located at 191 McIntosh Trail, and hosted by the Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Department. Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 5 p.m. Admission to the Arts & Crafts Festival is free. For details on the Arts & Crafts festival contact Ashley Alonso at 770-631-2542 or visit www.ptcrecreation.org.

The Shakerag Bluegrass Festival is coordinated in combination with the SouthEastern Bluegrass Association (SEBA). The association is a non-profit organization of fans, musicians, promoters, vendors, and friends of bluegrass music, joined together to preserve, promote, and publicize bluegrass music, performers, and activities, and to serve as an information source. For more information visit their website at www.sebabluegrass.org.

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is a 2,500 seat state-of-the art facility owned and operated by the city of Peachtree City. ‘The Fred’ box office is located at 201 McIntosh Trail, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For further information regarding the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater or the concert events, please call 770-631-0630 or visit the website at www.amphitheater.org.
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Music Director Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Open 2010-11 Season Sep 23

2010-09-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

10 Fanfares to be Premiered Throughout Season to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Atlanta School of Composers; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Opening Weekend To Feature World-Premiere Fanfare by Christopher Theofanidis Plus Works By Mozart and BerliozWith Pianist André Watts As Soloist

Music Director Robert Spano will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in the 2010–2011 Season opening performances on Thursday, September 23, and Saturday, September 25, 2010, at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 26, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. The concerts will feature the world premiere of a fanfare, Une Certaine Joie de Vivre, by Atlanta School of Composers member Christopher Theofanidis. Pianist André Watts will play Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9, “Jeunehomme.” Also on the program is Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.

The opening weekend will kick off Mr. Spano’s and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles’s 10th season together in artistic partnership, as well as mark the 10th anniversary of the Atlanta School of Composers — Mr. Spano’s and the Orchestra’s commitment to nurturing and championing music through multi-year partnerships defining a new generation of American composers. The season will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, comprised entirely of volunteers, and an important part of the Orchestra's programming since its founding by the late Robert Shaw in 1970.

To celebrate Mr. Spano’s and Mr. Runnicles’s 10-year artistic partnership, and 10 years of the Atlanta School of Composers, 10 fanfares by 10 composers will be premiered throughout the season. The first fanfare, composed by Mr. Theofanidis, will receive its world premiere on opening weekend, September 23, 25, and 26, 2010. Other contributors will include Atlanta School of Composers members Jennifer Higdon, Michael Gandolfi, and Adam Schoenberg, as well as Robert Spano and Norman Mackenzie, and friends of the Orchestra, such as Alvin Singleton. Details will be announced.

Mr. Spano has said: “I can think of no better artistic partner and friend to have shared these 10 years with than Donald. This season will celebrate the tremendous musicians of the Orchestra and the initiatives of the last decade. Working with this Orchestra is my greatest joy, and I look forward to all that is ahead.”

“It's hard to believe 10 years of collaborating with Robert and this Orchestra have gone by so quickly,” Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles has said. “The challenges and achievements over the years have been considerable, and yet there is still so much ahead of us, and so much to which I still look forward. What a joy and privilege to belong to the Atlanta family.”

The new season will also offer two world premieres and 13 Atlanta premieres, including the new Atlanta Symphony commission from Alvin Singleton, and the world premiere of James Oliverio’s Double Timpani Concerto. Mr. Spano and the Orchestra have been invited to return to Carnegie Hall October 30, 2010, to perform the great Janáček masterwork, Glagolitic Mass. In January 2011, Mr. Runnicles will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis featuring soprano Christine Brewer, plus Mozart’s Piano Concert No 20 in D minor with Mr. Spano as soloist. Mr. Spano will close the season in June 2011 by leading the Orchestra and Chorus in a Theater of a Concert presentation of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
* * *
Single tickets for these performances are $25 to $77. All single tickets for the 2010–2011 are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Blues in the Alley Sept 3 - 6

2010-09-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Kenny’s Alley at Underground Atlanta
50 Upper Alabama, St., Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 614-1091
September 3-6, 2010
Noon-8pm
INFO: www.underground-atlanta.com

PRICE: Free

Summer may be coming to an end, but the only blues you should be experiencing is Underground Atlanta’s Blues in the Alley! Celebrate the Labor Day Weekend, September 3-6 at Kenny's Alley for FREE live music from local artists, relaxing patio seating and a wide variety of food and drinks available from restaurants and bars right at your fingertips. Artists include Gypsies on Parole, Cosmic Sol, Jason Bitten, The Kerry Hill Band, Michael Stewart, Beverly “Guitar,” and Takiya Mason.

Friday, September 3
Noon-4pm: Gypsies on Parole
4-8pm: Cosmic Sol

Saturday, September 4
Noon-4pm: Jason Bitten
4-8pm: TBD

Sunday, September 5
Noon-4pm: The Kerry Hill Band
4-8pm: Michael Stewart 4-8pm

Monday, September 6
Noon-4pm: Beverly "Guitar"
5-8pm: Takiya Mason

Thanks to 360 Media for the info!

Tickets on Sale Sept 16 for La Bohème by Atlanta Opera

2010-08-27T12:19:00.000-05:00

Music by Giacomo Puccini

Four Performances at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre:

Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8 pm
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Friday, October 8, 2010 at 8 pm
Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 3 pm

Creative Team

Conductor - Gregory Vajda
Stage Director - David Gately
Set Designer - Peter Dean Beck
Lighting Designer - Ken Yunker

Cast

Mimi - Grazia Doronzio*
Musetta - Jan Cornelius*
Rodolfo - Bryan Hymel*
Marcello - Timothy Kuhn
Colline - Matthew Curran*
Schaunard - Andrew Garland*

Description

In snowy Paris, six young penniless artists are full of idealism, beauty and unbridled love. But they soon encounter the harsh realities of life. Imitations of Puccini’s masterpiece are all around us— the gorgeous original is incomparable and never fails to pull at your heart strings.

Single tickets go on sale SEPTEMBER 16. $25-140. 404.881.8805 or atlantaopera.org.

Photo credits: Tim Wilkerson
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Rupert's Orchestra to Play Sept 11 at Duluth Festival Center

2010-08-26T13:49:00.000-05:00

The Rupert’s Orchestra became nationally known for their exciting performances at Rupert’s Nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia. For over eight years they played to packed houses and were voted Atlanta’s best house band every year. They have since become the top party band in the Southeast with some of the finest talent from around the nation.

At the core of the group is a driving rhythm section accented by a fiery horn section, and an explosive Latin percussionist. Fronting the band are four of the hottest vocalists around, each with a unique sound. With a huge and eclectic repertoire, the Rupert’s Orchestra performs everything from current Top 40 hits to Motown, R & B, Classic Rock and Big Band Swing. Their show is flashy and highly interactive. The Rupert’s Orchestra has been featured at numerous corporate events across the country including performances for The Coca-Cola Company, Microsoft, Turner Broadcasting, Cisco Systems, and Pfizer Pharmaceutical to name a few.

Opening Act - Kozmic Mama

Kozmic Mama, a band from Alabama that performs a variety of original and cover music such as Classic soul, Motown, blues and rock. One of the players, Bobby “Love” Jones, was born and raised in Duluth and graduated from Duluth High School.

Contact Information: DFFConcert@gmail.com

Saturday, September 11, 2010
6:30 pm
At the Duluth Festival Center
3142 Hill Street, Duluth, GA
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Voices "Mist of Night and Moon" Rescheduled for Sept 25

2010-08-26T10:57:00.000-05:00

Zaphyra (L-R: Paige McCauley, Maria Pia Ugarte, Amy Beaucham,
Jill Safko, Diane Mitchell) Photo by Dan & Lisa McCauley

Voices production, “Mist of Night and Moon,” has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 25 at The Wadsworth in Newnan at 7:30 pm, due to a scheduling conflict. The performance was initially scheduled for Saturday, September 11, but an issue with scheduling coordination made it necessary for a new date at end of September.

Voices has been offering quality performances in the Southern Crescent since its beginning in 2006. Now well known for its eclecticism, its performances combine and array of music styles that come together under one theme and that please that the most demanding audience of any age.

This year’s concert features and exciting lineup of local artists, among the most talented in the area. The female ensemble Zaphyra – with members Amy Beaucham, Jill Safko, Diane Mitchell, Paige McCauley and Artistic Director and Founder, Maria Pia Ugarte – will be participating as it has been doing since the inception of the group. Singer Joyce Gruschow (who recently released her debut Christian album, “For You,”) country singer Tammy Darby, and classical singer Andrea Caldwell are also among the performers, as well as young cellist Devin Boyd. Members of The Ugarte Studio, Rebekah Anders, Camille Edwards and Abigail Mortensen will also join.

The night will offer not only original compositions by the talent that is participating, but standard evergreens like “The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress,” “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Moon River;” works from musicals like “Memory” from Cats, “Somewhere” from West Side Story, the Phantom of the Opera Duet by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Disney favorites like “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt; alternative contemporary works like “Boy with a Coin” by Iron and Wine; classical crossover pieces like “I Am the Day” by the English boy band Libera and Sarah Brightman famed tune “No One Like You” from the motion picture Powder; as well as classical masterpieces like “Song to the Moon” from Dvorak’s opera Rusalka and Schubert’s “Nacht und Traüme.”

“The concert has a mysterious feel to it, being themed around the night and the moon” explained Ugarte. “We are very excited about this production. The melodies are tunes that certainly ‘haunt’ you and the talent line up is great! And it is a real treat to sing at this venue. The acoustics are wonderful and it has such a sweet sound! If you ask me, it is one of the best kept secrets in the Southern Crescent!”

Tickets are $15.00 General Admission, and can be purchased online through the Voices website, www.VoicesOnline.org, and by phone using Brown Paper Tickets (24/7 Ticket Hotline: 1-800-838-3006.) Tickets can also be purchased in person in Peachtree City at Cosmedical Spa (1201 Georgian Park, 2nd Floor, Peachtree City, GA 30269 / 770-632-5500) and in Newnan at Scott’s Bookstore (28 S Court Square, Newnan, GA 30263 / 770-253-2960.) $10.00 Children/Students/Seniors tickets are available at these locations with ID and at the door 45 minutes before the performance starts. These tickets are not available for online purchase. For more information, please visit www.VoicesOnline.org or call 404-358-2950.
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Four Women, Four Voices This Fall at the Morris

2010-08-26T08:56:00.000-05:00

Music at the Morris (in Augusta, GA), the Morris Museum’s popular free monthly Sunday concert series, features four fabulously talented women this fall—Diana Thompson, Amy Christian, Caroline Herring, and Tara Scheyer.

Sunday, September 26

Diana Thompson

Lyric coloratura soprano Diana Thompson returns home to Augusta to open the fall music season with a program of songs by Schubert, Liszt, Strauss, Barber, and other composers. Ms. Thompson concertizes regularly and teaches at her voice studio in North Carolina.

Sunday, October 17

Amy Christian

Classically trained vocalist and former backup singer for the late James Brown, Amy Christian, also a native Augustan, brings great personal style and verve to a program of jazz, pop, and standards to the Morris.

Sunday, November 14

Caroline Herring

A Mississippi native long associated with the Austin, Texas, music scene, critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Caroline Herring returns to the Morris with music that has been hailed for combining traditional sounds with striking, original observations about modern life and love. She has just released her forth album, Golden Apples of the Sun.

Sunday, December 5

Tara Scheyer

Singer/songwriter Tara Scheyer, one of Augusta’s favorite performers and the lead songstress of the Mudpuppy Band, presents a holiday concert for all ages. Tara will sing—and will lead the audience in singing—some of the seasonal favorites.

Music at the Morris is presented in the museum’s auditorium. Performances begin at 2:00 p.m. and are followed by refreshments and an opportunity for conversation with the artists. Seating is limited. Admission to the concert and the post-performance reception are free, thanks to our sponsors: SunTrust Bank, FIAMM Energy, and Hull Barrett, PC.

The Morris Museum of Art (Augusta) was founded in 1985 and opened to the public in 1992. It is the oldest museum in the country that is devoted to the art and artists of the American South. The museum’s permanent collection holds approximately five thousand works of art that date from the late-eighteenth century to the present. The permanent collection galleries are currently being reinstalled and will reopen March 6, 2010. The Morris is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m. For more information about the Morris Museum of Art, visit www.themorris.org or call 706-724-7501.
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Reserve band, Museum of Aviation team up for Concert in the Park Series (Robins AFB)

2010-08-24T19:27:00.000-05:00

The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Museum of Aviation will present their annual free Concert in the Park series at the Museum’s amphitheatre the last three Tuesdays in September starting at 7 p.m.

Reserve Generation will kick off the Concert in the Park series followed by the Jazz Ensemble. Wrapping up the series is the world-renown concert band.

· Sept. 14 – Reserve Generation, the band’s popular music group, performs an intriguing mix of contemporary adult songs, rhythm and blues, jazz, and country. They also perform hits from Billboard Magazine’s Hot 100.

· Sept. 21 – The Full-Spectrum Jazz Ensemble displays high-level talent with its big band sound. The band plays a wide variety of styles from specially tailored standards to modern jazz originals and big, band swing classics.

· Sept. 28 – To wrap up the show, the Concert Band, the largest and most versatile units of the Reserve Band, will perform a varied repertoire ranging from classical overtures through Sousa marches and patriotic favorites.

“This Concert in the Park series is a way to say ‘thank you’ to Middle Georgians from the band and the Air Force Reserve,” said Maj. Donald Schofield, commander of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. “Their support is invaluable to us and our Citizen Airmen, and this concert is just a small token of appreciation.”

Middle Georgians are invited to come and listen to the sounds of the Band of the Air Force Reserve at this year’s events, while having a picnic in the park.

The band invites people to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to the park and come hear the band for an evening in the park. No alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed at this family event.

In another expression of thanks to the community, the band lends its professional experience in educational outreaches to local music students. This year the band partners with the Mercer-Macon Youth Symphony to give young musicians the opportunity to sit inside a professional ensemble in rehearsal and performance.

For more information and/or interviews with the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, contact the Air Force Reserve Public Affairs Office.

The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve consists of 45 full-time professional musicians. The band travels in excess of 100,000 miles per year performing more than 400 concerts throughout the United States and many overseas locations.

Free Atlanta Opera September Events

2010-08-22T19:11:00.000-05:00

Opera Chat

An informal conversation with singers and artists from our upcoming productions.

Date: LA BOHÈME: Monday September 20, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location:
Barnes & Noble Buckhead
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 310 #310
Atlanta, GA
404.261.7747
FREE and open to the public.

Opera with an Edge

Sunday September 26, 2010

A live sneak preview of The Atlanta Opera’s 2010-2011 season, “Opera with an Edge” features opera aficionado and long-time Atlanta Opera supporter Bob Edge, providing brief overviews of each of the season’s titles. Mr. Edge’s witty commentary will be interspersed with performances by Atlanta Opera singers of some of the memorable musical moments in La bohème, Porgy and Bess and Così fan tutte.

Date: Sunday September 26, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm.
Location:
Cobb Energy Centre
FREE and open to the public. Reservations are required. Call 404.343.7016 or Register Online.

Opera 101

Join us for a multimedia presentation introducing each mainstage production the Monday before it opens. Audiences learn about the history, background and story line of the opera with the help of Carter Joseph, Atlanta Opera volunteer and opera afficionado.

Date: Monday September 27, 2010

Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
The Atlanta Opera Center Rehearsal Hall
1575 Northside Drive, NW
Bldg. 300, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Directions to The Atlanta Opera Center (PDF)
FREE and open to the public. Reservations are required; call 404.881.8801.

Grand Funk Railroad Makes Pitstop at the Villages, August 28

2010-08-22T19:09:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, August 28th, The Villages Amphitheater welcomes classic rockers, Grand Funk Railroad. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top selling American rock group of the 70’s is extremely excited to be touring in 2010 marking a 41 year milestone.

Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, and forceful pop melodies. Quickly rising to fame, their 1971 performance at New York’s Shea Stadium sold out faster than the Beatles.

The group’s widespread appeal is also evident in its prestigious recording achievements. Over their career, Grand Funk has had 19 charted singles, 8 Top 40 hits and two Number One singles (We’re An American Band and Locomotion, both selling more than one million each). The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales in excess of 25 million copies sold worldwide.

Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, We’re An American Band) and bassist Mel Schacher. Joining Don and Mel are true “All Stars”.

Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS. Keyboardist Tim Cashion has credits that include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.

Amphitheater Director, Brian Wismer adds, “This is a great way to end the season with a high-energy, classic rock show. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Wismer.

Some tickets still remain and are available at the Train Depot and also via the website, www.VillagesAmphitheater.com.

The 2010 concert series is presented by Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta. The Villages Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.

Bon Jovi Tribute Band "Slippery When Wet" in Peachtree City Aug 28

2010-08-20T15:36:00.000-05:00

Slippery When Wet will perform at The Fred Saturday, August 28

Slippery When Wet will be the first to perform in a series of tribute band concerts at The Frederick Brown Amphitheater in Peachtree City.

"You may be wondering what a tribute band is, said show promoter Chris Verdon. "Well, first, and most importantly, a tribute band should sound like the band they are performing and sometimes they have the look as well."

She continued, "Slippery When Wet captures both qualities. If you are a Bon Jovi fan you will be blown away."

To get a taste of the band, listen and watch a video at www.slipperywhenwetband.com.

Slippery When Wet’s drive, music ability, showmanship and dedication to duplicating the Bon Jovi live experience led them to be Officially Authorized by Bon Jovi to perform their highly entertaining show. With 14 billboard top ten Bon Jovi hit songs like: Living on a Prayer, Runaway, Wanted Dead or Alive, Never Say Goodbye, You Give Love a Bad Name, It’s My Life, Who Says You Can’t Go Home just to name a few of the hits you will hear on Saturday August 28.

Let’s face it, Bon Jovi is not coming to The Fred in Peachtree City, however we have the next best thing with Slippery When Wet. Don’t miss this incredible concert at a very affordable price of $15. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Frederick Brown Amphitheater box office at 770-631-0630 on-line at www.ticketalternative.com or www.amphitheater.org. Go to The Tribute Series on Facebook to become a fan!

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is a 2500 seat state-of-the- art facility owned and operated by the city of Peachtree City. The Fred box office is located at 201 McIntosh Trail, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Box office opens at 4:00 p.m. on concert day. For more information call 770-631-0630 , visit website www.amphitheater.org or The Tribute Series on Facebook.

Usher, Justin Bieber and Ciara to Rock Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center at the New Look Foundation's First World Leadership Awards

2010-07-29T07:03:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Justin Bieber will join Usher and Ciara for a special performance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta on Friday, August 6, 8 pm, in honor of Usher's New Look Foundation's first World Leadership Awards. Eight awards will be given throughout the evening to honor individuals and organizations, including President Bill Clinton who will receive the Service Legacy Award.

According to Usher Raymond IV, founder of the New Look Foundation and host of the World Leadership Awards, "I am honored to share the stage with the individuals and organizations we are acknowledging for their recognition of youth as leaders. They share New Look's understanding that youth are not merely leaders in waiting; they are ready to achieve greatness today."

Says President Bill Clinton, "Over the course of my life in public service, and now through my Foundation, I have tried to give young people the tools and opportunities to make a difference in their communities and around the world. Usher's New Look Foundation has excelled in its efforts to inspire the next generation of leaders, and I am pleased the World Leadership Awards will shine a light on those who have given so much to others."

Emceeing the event will be Kevin Frazier, "Entertainment Tonight" weekend anchor and correspondent, as well as Nadji Jeter, 14-year-old New Look Alumnus 2005-2007, Atlanta native, who has gone on to star in Adam Sandler's "Grown Ups."

Among the Awards and their recipients who come from as far away as Kenya and Korea:

-- Service Legacy Award: President William Jefferson Clinton
-- Global Youth Leadership Award: Justin Bieber, Chantia Robinson and
Summit Series (Jeff Rosenthal and Josh Zabar)
-- Global Ambassador of Youth Award: Michelle Nunn, Hital Muraj, JY Park
-- The Youth Catalyst Award: Jeanne Ashe and Mary Carillo on behalf of
the USTA

The New Look Foundation mentors young people as global leaders. Currently in seven cities, New Look has worked with over 8,700 young people, and has provided over 150,000 hours of leadership training. The program trains high school youth in leadership, business, education and service. Now in its eleventh year, New Look has seen a 98% high school graduation rate among alumni. With its Powered By Service campaign and an international call to youth service, the New Look Foundation has made service more diverse, relevant and accessible to all young people.

The event is co-chaired by John Rice, vice chairman of GE, and his wife, New Look Foundation Board Member, Cammie Rice. Committee members include Senator Samuel and Colleen Nunn, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Governor Sonny Perdue and Congressman John Lewis.

Among the sponsors are: Coca Cola, GE, Turner Broadcasting, Georgia Power, Grey Goose, Ford Motor Company, Christian Stanley Investment Banking Group, AT&T and Sony BMG.

Tickets for the World Leadership Awards are available to the public through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $35, $65 and $100. Service charges will apply. Tickets are also available at the Bank of North Georgia Box Office at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, 30339. For more information on Usher's New Look Foundation and Usher, visit www.ushersnewlook.org and www.usherworld.com

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Tween Band Snags Opening Slot for Sarah McLachlan

2010-07-28T13:23:00.001-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- An Atlanta indie band has snagged a coveted spot to perform the opening set for Sarah McLachlan's Atlanta show at Chastain Park on August 5.

The band, von Grey, includes 4 sisters between the ages of 10 and 15 who trained classically for several years and subsequently added guitars, banjos, mandolins and harmonized vocals to their already impressive musical arsenal.

von Grey originally competed with hundreds of bands at OurStage.com for an opening slot on Lilith Fair. They were notified they had won the spot, but received the disappointing news a week later that the show had been cancelled; however, organizers were hoping to provide an alternative performance opportunity. Still, the girls soldiered on, continuing their relentless rehearsal schedule while maintaining personal lives typical of any teenage girl. On July 9, they received the call that they would be performing at Sarah's solo concert.

Fiona von Grey, age 13, says, "We were really excited to play Lilith, but this is even better! We've gone to see concerts at Chastain Park, so to play on the same stage where we've seen some of our favorite artists is a dream come true."

von Grey has impressed audiences with many live performances over the past year. In fact, the band has been performing at clubs and venues that Petra, 10, won't legally be allowed to enter for more than a decade. They've opened for other national touring acts in the past, most recently for Candy Coburn at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta.

Aside from preparing, von Grey is hard at work writing and recording original music for their upcoming album and is preparing for several tour dates at music festivals over the summer.

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The Family Stone performs R&B classics at the Villages, July 31

2010-07-27T20:56:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, July 31st, The Villages Amphitheater will be “dancing to the music” with R&B/soul pioneers, The Family Stone. In the late 60’s, they came on the scene with a unique blend of rock and R&B that spoke to the youth of that generation.

The Family Stone features original founding members and Rock & Roll Hall of fame inductees, Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson. They were part of the first inter-racial, inter-gender horn section in Rock & Roll history, and will be performing all of the hits of Sly & The Family Stone this Saturday at the Villages. Their performance at the original Woodstock is legendary, and often regarded as the highlight of the entire event. With hit songs that include, “Everyday People”, “Family Affair”, “Dance to the Music”, and “I Want to Take You Higher”, attendees will be treated to what is essentially a big dance party.

Appropriately enough, July 31st is also National Dance Day in America. The Villages is certainly doing their part to contribute. Amphitheater Director, Brian Wismer adds, “This is definitely a ‘get up and dance’ show. We are looking forward to a high-energy performance of some great music from the 60’s,” said Wismer.

Some tickets still remain and are available at the Train Depot and also via the website, www.VillagesAmphitheater.com.

Also appearing at the Villages later this summer is Grand Funk Railroad on August 28. The 2010 concert series is presented by Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta.

The Villages Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.
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"Atlanta Symphony Songster 2010" Vocal Competition

2010-07-27T20:06:00.000-05:00

ENTRY DEADLINE TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2010 at MIDNIGHT (EST)

CONTESTANTS TO SUBMIT VIDEO ENTRIES VIA YOUTUBE.COM

Finalists To Sing Live With Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Before Performance of The Wizard Of Oz at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre At Encore Park
Saturday, August 14, 2010

Prizes To Include Round-Trip Tickets To New York

To Hear Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Perform At Carnegie Hall

Amateur singers, age 18 and older

DEADLINE TOMORROW: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Turner Classic Movies® are inviting amateur singers to compete in the “Atlanta Symphony Songster 2010” vocal competition, and a chance to perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on Saturday, August 14, 2010. The concert will feature the Orchestra performing the music to the classic film, The Wizard of Oz — a theme carried into the vocal competition.

Contestants will need to submit a two-minute video of them singing “Over the Rainbow,” the famous song performed by Judy Garland in the classic film, The Wizard of Oz, by midnight (EST) TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

A panel of judges, including The Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter Board Members Brandon Bush and Adam McKnight, will narrow the entrants down to three finalists, to be announced on Wednesday, August 4, 2010.

The three finalists will then sing a portion of “Over the Rainbow” with the Orchestra prior to the start of the concert on Saturday, August 14, 2010, which will also be streamed live on UStream.com. And, in the spirit of American Idol, audience members will select the winner by text message or by online voting.

Prizes include round-trip tickets to New York to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra perform at Carnegie Hall in October 2010.

http://www.atlantasymphony.org/songster2010.

Submission deadline: TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, Midnight (EST)

Chinese Youth Orchestra to make U.S. premiere at Georgia State

2010-07-22T14:07:00.000-05:00

The Hangzhou Wenlan School Youth Orchestra, considered one of the finest secondary schools in China, will make its U.S. debut at Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Arts this weekend.

The orchestra’s performance will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday (July 24) at the Rialto Center, 80 Forsyth St. NW. This two-hour family event is free and open to the public.

The Chinese orchestra will feature more than 50 musicians, ages 12 to 18, playing indigenous music on ancient Chinese instruments. The group has performed internationally and across China garnering multiple awards.

“We're very excited about their performance here,” said Leslie Gordon, director of the Rialto Center for the Arts. “This is a perfect opportunity to present Chinese culture to a wider audience.”

Georgia State staff worked with Global Achievers, a non-profit organization based in Newnan, Ga., dedicated to fostering international education, to bring the orchestra to the United States. State Rep. Gerald Greene also aided in the effort.

Master Conductor Yan Jianhua, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, will lead the youth orchestra. A famous conductor and percussionist, Yan Jianhua is also the director of the Chinese Society of Folk Orchestral Music and Percussion, an academician of the Chinese Society of Folk Orchestral Music and a performer in the Zhejiang Province Dance and Song Ensemble.

Parking is available in the Equitable Building lot for $4.

For more information, please visit http://www.rialtocenter.org/directions/index.html or call the Rialto Box Office at 404-413-9849.

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Southern Music at Its Best: Gospel, Bluegrass, Newgrass, and Dixieland Jazz All Featured On the 2010–2011 Series Lineup

2010-07-21T21:31:00.000-05:00

The Morris Museum of Art’s Budweiser True Music Southern Soul & Song 2010–2011 concert series includes five concerts September 2010 though January 2011.

“The 2010–2011 Southern Soul & Song lineup is one of our best ever,” said Kevin Grogan, director of the Morris Museum of Art and producer of Southern Soul & Song. “From bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley to the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and from Sam Bush, one of the inventors of ‘Newgrass’ to Mike Farris, who has reinvented Southern Gospel, this year’s series covers a lot of musical territory—but all of it is inimitably, identifiably Southern. It’s going to be a great season!”

The 2010–2011 lineup includes the following bands:

Thursday, September 16
Southern Music Icons the Del McCoury Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band open the 2010 Westobou Festival

Friday, October 15
Nashville, Tennessee’s brightest bluegrass/country stars The SteelDrivers

Friday, November 19
Newgrass King Sam Bush and his band

Friday, December 17
Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys

Friday, January 21, 2011
Gospel and soul giant Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue, featuring the McCrary Sisters

Series tickets provide all five shows for the price of four. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Imperial Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for both series tickets and individual tickets at the Imperial Theatre box office (706-722-8341) or online, www.imperialtheatre.com.

Southern Soul & Song
One of the top-selling bluegrass and Americana concert series in the country, Southern Soul & Song has featured such legendary artists as Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, and Marty Stuart. Southern Soul & Song continues this year with an all-star line-up of spectacular, distinctly Southern music. Proceeds from the series help to support the Morris Museum of Art’s public program initiatives. Series sponsors include Budweiser True Music; The Augusta Chronicle; Augusta Magazine; WJBF Channel 6; Comcast; Seigler HD; Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Inc.; Wierhouse; KICKS 99, SRP Federal Credit Union; Mullins Law; and Wife Saver. www.southernsoulandsong.org.

Westobou Festival
The Westobou Festival was conceived in 2005 by the Trustees of the Academy of Richmond County, as part of their work on behalf of the Porter Fleming Foundation. Designed to showcase Augusta’s wealth of artistic talent, festival takes place between September 16 and 25, 2010, in downtown Augusta and on the campuses of Augusta State University, and Paine College. It features performances in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. www.westoboufestival.com

The Morris Museum of Art was founded in 1985 and opened to the public in 1992. It is the oldest museum in the country that is devoted to the art and artists of the American South. The museum’s permanent collection of nearly five thousand works of art spans more than two hundred years, from the late-eighteenth century to the present. The Morris is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m. www.themorris.org.

Melissa Etheridge at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre July 23rh

2010-07-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

Tickets went on sale months ago and while we haven't verified that they're sold out, we're betting they are... If you can scrounge up some tickets you'll have a fantastic time as she puts on a great concert!

Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800)-745-3000.

Produced by The Messina Group/AEG Live
Melissa Etheridge Fearless Love

“This album had to be about the songs,” says Melissa Etheridge of her tenth studio album, Fearless Love. This is typical of Melissa, because putting the songs first is one of the hallmarks of her career. From our introduction to her in 1988, and throughout her illustrious career, Etheridge has never forgotten that it all begins with the songs. She has poured everything into those songs and they have served her well.

Those songs—“Bring Me Some Water,” “Ain’t it Heavy,” “I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over,” “Angels Would Fall,” “I Run for Life” and “I Need to Wake Up” among them—have rewarded her with five Platinum albums (including the multi-Platinum sets Melissa Etheridge, Your Little
Secret and the six-million-selling Yes I Am), a pair of Grammys®, an Oscar®, an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honor and the ASCAP Founders Award.

Easily one of the greatest all-time female rock icons, Melissa Etheridge is also a mother and a cancer survivor. She is an outspoken cultural, political and human rights activist, a thought-provoker and a longtime truth-seeker.

With Fearless Love, which comes out April 27th, 2010, on Island Records, she is at the top of her game.

In early 2009, Etheridge began to think about her next album. She was thinking about what to write about and it hit her. “Everything is either fear or love,” she says. “As I started writing, the working title of the album was Songs of Love and Fear because each song had an ingredient of love and fear, and the battle between the two.”

The first new song, a dramatic number called “To be Loved,” came out much darker than the album as a whole. As more songs were written, potential singles began to emerge: “Indiana,” a ballad-cummonster-of-a-rocker that relates the story of a girl who has overcome a difficult childhood in the Heartland; “The Wanting of You,” a classic Etheridge rocker based on the story of a small-town, Midwestern girl who lives in fear of the life-changing choices she’s made; and “Company,” a mid-tempo rocker that will all undoubtedly amass
plenty of airplay in 2010. The big Pete Townshend-inspired power chords in “Company” are an example of Etheridge’s propensity for proudly displaying her influences on Fearless Love; listen carefully and you’ll hear a U2-like guitar line here, a ZZ Top-like lick there, some Led Zeppelin-style rock for all to hear.

“I wanted to unabashedly use the influences I’ve had all my life,” Etheridge explains, “I wanted to present them in this album, and honor them and respect them.”

Also influencing Fearless Love were Melissa’s four kids. “I can’t help but be influenced now by my children. I said I was thinking of calling the album Songs of Love and Fear and my daughter said, ‘No mom, that’s way too long.’ ‘It has to be about love and fear,’ I said, ‘so how about Fearless?’ ‘That’s Taylor Swift’s song,’ she told me, ‘what about Fearless Love?’ ‘That’s perfect,’ I thought. ‘Now I have to write a song called “Fearless Love.”’ And so she did, and when the modern rocker with the full-throttle guitar attack became the first
single it immediately assaulted the Hot AC and Adult Album Alternative radio charts.

To make Fearless Love, Etheridge invited old friend John Shanks to produce and play guitar. “I like to tell people I discovered John Shanks,” she teases. “He toured as my guitar player on my very first tour and he worked with me from 1993 to 1999.” Shanks’ first production credit came when he co-produced Melissa’s 1999 effort,
Breakdown. “ “After that he went on to produce Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette—he’s Mr. Pop guy now. He’s done quite well,” Notes Etheridge. The 2005 Grammy® winner for Producer of the Year has written with and produced an A+ list of stars including Carlos Santana, Celine Dion, Sting, Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, Jewel, Robbie Robertson, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson and Rod Stewart.

“I hadn’t done a whole project with him since Breakdown, so I called him up and said, ‘John, I want a whole album, the way great rock and roll groups used to do it where they would go away, live together and give their time and energy just to the music.’”

So Etheridge, Shanks and a new core band—bassist Sean Hurley (Ringo Starr, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys), drummer Victor Indrizzo (Willie Nelson, Five For Fighting, Colbie Caillat) and keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac (Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow)—moved into Malibu, California’s Document Room studios where they cut the basic tracks as live as possible.

“John gathered these incredible musicians that I had never worked with,” Etheridge beams, “and he dedicated himself day and night to this album. I’m extremely proud of how it sounds—Fearless Love was exactly what I intended when I first spoke with him.”

Fearless Love arrives two and a half years after her autobiographical The Awakening and six years after her battle with breast cancer. At this point, her accomplishments are endless and well-documented. This has allowed Melissa Etheridge to find herself in the enviable position of being able to make exactly the music she hears in her head and feels in her heart. In 2010, that music embodies much of what we’ve come to anticipate from Etheridge—giant, soaring melodies, her bold, expressive voice, plenty of musical, lyrical and emotional drama—and it also embraces a freshness, with the appearance of mandolin and more piano, and guest vocals from Joss Stone and Natasha Bedingfield. Fearless Love offers pounding rockers and whisper-light ballads, and nods to her musical muses are tastefully sprinkled to and fro.

Fearless Love pulls no punches—again, very typical of Melissa Etheridge—as it expands the musical and topical boundaries that she has never stopped redrawing.

For more information on Melissa Etheridge: www.melissaetheridge.com

Zeller to Hold Body Mapping Workshop at Spivey Hall, July 21 to July 23

2010-07-19T19:54:00.000-05:00

Clayton State University Director of Opera and Vocal Studies Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller will be the instructor at a three-day body mapping workshop for teachers and performers, to be held in the University’s world-famous Spivey Hall from July 21 to July 23.

“What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body” will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The registration fee is $300. Teachers and performers who would like to register for the course may download and complete the Body Mapping Workshop registration form at www.spiveyhall.org/education/pdt and submit same to Spivey Hall. Or, they can register by phone at (678) 466-4491.

Topics for the workshop include; cultivating an accurate and adequate body map, the core of the body and its places of balance, and mapping the structures and movement of breathing. For more information on Body Mapping, go to the Andover Educators website at www.bodymap.org.

Zeller is a natural for the workshop, since he is one of three co-authors of a book on Body Mapping, a book that illustrates how a singer uses more than the larynx. “What Every Singer Needs to Know About the Body” (ISBN10: 1-59756-324-2, ISBN13: 978-1-59756-324-6) is an illustrated, 232-page soft cover practical resource published last year by San Diego-based Plural Publishing (http://www.pluralpublishing.com/), and authored by Dr. Melissa Malde, MaryJean Allen and Zeller.

“What Every Singer Needs to Know About the Body” gives singers and their teachers a resource – from anatomy and physiology to body awareness – that helps them discover and correct misconceptions about the way their bodies are built and the way they function. The illustrated part of the book provides maps with detailed descriptions of the structures and movement used in breathing, phonation, resonance, articulation and gesture. And, the illustrations are supported by many exploratory exercises.

“Body Mapping is an approach to teaching music that works well with students of all ages, although the primary audience of this particular workshop is music teachers, rather than music students,” says Zeller. “It’s suitable for musicians of all instruments and styles, because what we’re exploring is the basis for technique, not playing technique itself. Technique concerns itself with the choice and execution of particular movements to make particular sounds, but without an accurate and adequate understanding body map, or, as the neuroscientists prefer to call it, internal self-representation, it is impossible to move freely and efficiently and no technique is going to be able to be optimally effective.

“Each participant will be encouraged to apply the work in his or her own medium — at the moment we have singers, keyboard and woodwind players, and conductors among the registrants.”

Zeller recently returned from presenting three sessions on Body Mapping to the 51st National Conference of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in Salt Lake City. (http://www.registration123.com/nats/2010CONFERENCE/Program-Sessions.cfm)

“They went pretty well,” he says of the NATS presentation. “My publisher was there among the exhibitors and sold out of the stock they’d brought of the book by the second day. By the last day, they’d run out of order forms and were taking orders on hotel stationery.”

For more information on “What Every Singer Needs to Know About the Body,” go to http://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication_wesntkatb.htm.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to present The Wizard of Oz at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park

2010-07-19T14:55:00.001-05:00

“Atlanta Symphony Songster 2010” Vocal Competition Finalist To Perform Live With The Orchestra

Conductor Jere Flint will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as they present The Wizard of Oz on the Amphitheatre’s big screens, accompanied with live music by the Orchestra.

Singers may audition for "Atlanta Symphony Songster 2010" by posting a minimum two-minute video-performance of the song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," on the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's YouTube.com channel. Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - midnight: Deadline for submitting a video-audition and application. Entrants must be 18 years or older, and will be judged solely on the merit of their performance. For complete competition details, and to submit an online application, visit http://www.atlantasymphony.org/songster2010.

Prizes to include: two domestic round-trip tickets to New York, one hotel room, and two concert tickets to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra perform at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, October 30, 2010, along with a TCM gift basket containing books, DVDs, and more.

Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
When: August 14 at 8:30 p.m.
Who: All Ages
How: Purchase Tickets
Cost of event: $27 - $59
For more info: CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets online.

The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission Proudly Presents Hangzhou Wenlan High School Chinese Youth Orchestra

2010-07-19T14:29:00.000-05:00

The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission in partnership with the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts presents the Hangzhou Wenlan High School Chinese Youth Orchestra to perform in Newnan. The performance will be Sunday, July 25th at 3 p.m. at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts.

This group is a traditional Chinese orchestra and was founded over ten years ago. The youth orchestra has currently over sixty members. The members include children of all ages. Every year a number of new members join the orchestra, they practice new programs every semester.

“This will not only serve as a wonderful musical concert for the city but also a superb opportunity for the local youth to bond and exchange culture from different sides of the world, says Bette Hickman, Newnan Cultural Arts Commission, co-chair of the event.

The orchestra has performed throughout China and internationally. To introduce the graceful Chinese traditional music to people around the world, the orchestra visited France in October of 2005. They performed six shows in six different venues all over France. The youth orchestra has also won several outstanding awards for their music.

Master conductor Yan Jianhua is from HangZhou, Zhejiang, China. Jianhua is a famous commander and percussionist. He is also the director of the Chinese Society of Folk Orchestral Music and Percussion. Some of Jianhua’s other accomplishments academician of Chinese Society of Folk Orchestral Music and concert performer of Zhejiang Province Dance and Song Ensemble.

The youth orchestra will also be performing in Atlanta at the Rialto Center for Arts during their stay in Georgia.

About the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts

Coweta County’s Centre for Performing and Visual Arts is a modern 48,000-square-foot multi-disciplinary arts facility offering state-of-the-art performance facilities, rehearsal and lecture halls, and the Francoise Gilot art gallery - all anchored by a 1,000-seat performance hall. Located at 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan and operated by artistic director Don Nixon, the Centre is available for use by all of the citizens of the surrounding communities with priority given to school system events and performances. Since its opening by the Coweta County School System in 2004, the Centre has become a significant destination for artistic events in metropolitan Atlanta’s Southside region, and a true center of community events and arts education for the residents of Coweta County and surrounding areas. The philosophy of The Centre is to strive to be a house of excellence — an extension of the classroom no matter the age of the student.

The Centre’s wide range of artistic activities is supported in part by private citizens through the Centre Patrons. The Patrons organization recognizes the importance of the Arts in a community, and gives supporters of the arts an opportunity to share their time, talents and resources to ensure that Coweta County’s commitment to the arts continues to grow and prosper. The Patrons help staff and organize Centre events, and coordinate private donations that fund professional performances for the benefit of students and the community, Master classes and other educational opportunities, student scholarships, and other support for the Centre’s mission. Its purpose is to provide opportunities that will expose its patrons to the arts, increase their knowledge and appreciation for multiple forms of artistic expression, and enhance the total living experience for all the people the Centre is able to touch.

For additional information concerning the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts and the Patrons of the Centre, please contact The Centre at 770-254-ARTS (2787). Or visit the Centre website at www.centreonline.net, or the Patrons website at www.centrepatrons.org.

The youth orchestra performance in Newnan will be Sunday, July 25th at 3 p.m. at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts. Tickets for adults are $8 and $5 for students and seniors (65+). Tickets are on sale at the following locations the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, Morgans (Ashley Park), Bank of Coweta (Thomas Crossroads location) and Scott’s Bookstore in downtown Newnan. A percentage of all ticket sales will go back to the Centre Strings program. Please email gsnider@cityofnewnan.org or call 770-253-2682 ext 203 for concert information.

The Little River Band performs at the Villages, July 10

2010-07-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

Saturday, July 10th brings American Top 40 hit makers, The Little River Band, to The Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville. In their heyday from 1977 to 1982, the group originally from Australia cranked out thirteen hit songs that played on eight-tracks all across America.

Their smooth harmonies and strong melodies made them the soft rock kings of the late 70’s. This is one of those shows that will have audience members slow dancing in the aisles and singing along to every song in the set. Standout hits include “Reminiscing”, “Cool Change”, “Lady”, and “Lonesome Loser”.

Amphitheater Director, Brian Wismer commented on the group, “The Little River Band is one of those groups with a ton of hits that you just didn’t know were theirs. The audience will be saying ‘I didn’t know they did this song!’ after every song. We are especially excited to have them in Fayetteville,” said Wismer.

Some tickets still remain and are available at the Train Depot and also via the website, www.VillagesAmphitheater.com.

Also appearing at the Villages later this summer are The Family Stone on July 31st and Grand Funk Railroad on August 28. The 2010 concert series is presented by Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta.

The Villages Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.

Spivey Hall Hosts Annual Sacred Harp/Shape-Note Singing School, July 16 and 17

2010-07-02T13:02:00.002-05:00

Clayton State University’s world-famous Spivey Hall will host its annual Sacred Harp/Shape-Note Singing School on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17.

The school will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The cost is free, or participants can pay $35 for one PLU Credit.

Singers and history buffs alike will enjoy this annual event. Sacred Harp singing, sometimes also called fa-so-la or shape-note singing, involves singing parts without instrumental accompaniment. The repertoire includes psalms, fugues, odes, and anthems by the first American composers (1770-1810) as well as folk songs and revival hymns (1810-1860). This is a non-denominational community music event that emphasizes participation, not expertise.

At Friday’s “singing school,” composer/conductor Richard DeLong will instruct beginners and experienced practitioners in the history, tradition, and performance practices of this piece of Americana. Participants will also view the documentary Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp.

On Saturday, Sacred Harp singers will travel from throughout the southeast for the annual singing and potluck luncheon at Spivey Hall. For more information about Sacred Harp singing, go to www.AtlantaSacredHarp.org or visit www.fasola.org.

Attendance at both Friday and Saturday’s events are free and open to the public, but registering for Friday’s singing school is required. More information and registration forms can be found at www.spiveyhall.org/education/pdt.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

PTCUMC Offers Free Handbells Lessons (Peachtree City, GA)

2010-06-21T11:05:00.000-05:00

On four Tuesdays in July, Peachtree City United Methodist Church will offer a series of free handbells lessons for adults and high school/college students who are curious about handbells. “We invite you to come see exactly what handbells are and how we use them to make beautiful music,” said Jeanne Blood, PTCUMC Director of Handbells. The one-hour lessons, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, will be given on these dates: July 5, 12, 19 and 26. Jeanne is encouraging people in the community to bring a friend and “try this unique and beautiful musical form that we use to praise the Lord and worship him.” To reserve your spot contact Jeanne Blood at lblood3@bellsouth.net or 770.487.2962. No commitment is required and there is no charge for the lessons, which will take place in the third floor bell room at the PTCUMC Family Ministry Center, 400 Windgate Road in Peachtree City. For further information contact PTCUMC at 770.487.6499 or see the church website at www.ptcumc.org.

America with Special Guest Christopher Cross to Play ‘The Fred’ June 26

2010-06-21T10:25:00.002-05:00

Riding into town this weekend, America is set to play ‘The Fred’, with special guest Christopher Cross, Saturday, June 26. The concert is part of the 2010 BMW of South Atlanta Summer Concert Series.

The world discovered America in 1972 when a nameless horse began its gallop across the international airwaves. "A Horse With No Name" made America a global household name, paving the way for a string of hits following in its wake thanks to a timeless sound that seamlessly assimilated strands of rock, pop and folk elements into a thrilling musical stew. Their best-known tunes, which also include "I Need You," "Ventura Highway," "Don't Cross The River," "Tin Man," "Lonely People," "Sister Golden Hair", and “You Can Do Magic”.

America's albums, six certified gold and/or platinum, with their first greatest hits collection, History, hitting four-million in sales--displayed a fuller range of the trio's talents than did their singles. Their material encompasses an ambitious artistic swath; from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads, America displays a flawless blend of disparate genres and styles as wide-open as the great American plains. From anonymous horses to fast-moving trains, America’s extraordinary four-decade musical legacy of consummately crafted pop/rock songs, trademark lush harmonies and evocative lyrical landscapes will never go out of style.

Opening for America is special guest Christopher Cross. Cross is best known for songs such as “Sailing”, “Ride Like the Wind”, and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”. His music has been described as “Intelligent, melodic pop, written and performed by an actual grown-up. Or, at least, by someone working toward becoming one.” Releasing his first solo album in 1979, Cross rose to success in the early 80’s with two albums that produced eight hit singles, five Grammy's, and one Oscar. In concert Cross does not deprive fans of his early hits while also featuring some of his latest work.

Limited reserved seating is available to see America in concert with Christopher Cross at ‘The Fred’ Saturday, June 26. Christopher Cross takes the stage at 8 p.m., followed by America at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 770-631-0630 or on-line at www.amphitheater.org.

The America concert is the third in the summer concert series. Still to come in the 2010 BMW of South Atlanta Summer Concert Series at ‘The Fred’: July 10 Boz Scaggs, July 24 The B-52s, and August 7 Jose Feliciano.

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is a 2,500 seat state-of-the art facility owned and operated by the city of Peachtree City. “The Fred” box office is located at 201 McIntosh Trail, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Box office opens at 4:00 p.m. on concert day. For further information regarding the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater or the concert events, please call 770-631-0630 or visit the website at www.amphitheater.org.

It’s Spivey Hall Summer Music Camp Week

2010-06-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Clayton State University’ world-famous Spivey Hall is holding its annual Summer Music Camp this week.

A fun, week-long day camp for students entering fourth through seventh grades, the Spivey Hall Summer Music Camp is directed by Craig Hurley, director of the Spivey Hall Young Artists. This five-day camp will create a community of young people who enjoy singing with others and want to become better singers and musicians. Students will work with members of the Spivey Hall Children's Choir Program staff to develop correct vocal technique, choral musicianship, ensemble singing, and more.

This year’s camp will run from Monday, June 14 to Friday, June 18 and will engage students in singing, sight-reading and music theory, playing Orff instruments and tone chimes, folk dancing, and, yes, performing in Spivey Hall. The camp will run daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call (678) 466-4491, or email EducationManager@SpiveyHall.org.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

The Music of Frankie Valli at 'The Fred'

2010-06-12T20:54:00.002-05:00

OH, WHAT A NIGHT! in concert Saturday, June 19
June 11, 2010 The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons takes center stage at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater on Saturday, June 19 in the show OH, WHAT A NIGHT!.

OH, WHAT A NIGHT! is a celebration of the songs made famous by The Four Seasons. This trip back to the early days of rock and roll features favorites like "Walk Like A Man", "Let's Hang On", "Sherry" and many, many others. Led by the incomparable Frankie Valli, the legendary band from New Jersey kept releasing hits like "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Candy Girl", all of which are included in this fully staged salute. Frankie Valli's later hits are also included, like "Working My Way Back To You, Babe", "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You", and of course, "Grease". Return to the early 1960s when rock was fun, everyone knew the words, and every song made you want to dance.

Enjoy a night of music under the stars as the cast of OH, WHAT A NIGHT! take to the stage at ‘The Fred’ Saturday, June 19. Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Reserved seats are priced at $20. Limited picnic and gold table seating remains for this event as well and can be purchased by calling the box office at 770-631-0630 or on-line at www.amphitheater.org.

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater is a 2,500 seat state-of-the art facility owned and operated by the city of Peachtree City. “The Fred” box office is located at 201 McIntosh Trail, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Box office opens at 4:00 p.m. on concert day. For further information regarding the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater or the concert events, please call 770-631-0630 or visit the website at www.amphitheater.org.
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GSU School of Music presents 27th Harrower Summer Opera Workshop

2010-06-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Georgia State University’s School of Music will host the Harrower Summer Opera Workshop June 7 - 27, featuring international opera stars Jane Bunnell, mezzo-soprano, and Mark Embree, bass baritone, as artists-in-residence.

The husband and wife team will lead master classes for workshop participants, who include 40 aspiring opera singers from across the United States. Acclaimed tenor and stage director Carroll Freeman will serve as the workshop’s artistic director.

The 27th Harrower Summer Opera Workshop also includes daily acting and movement classes, private coaching, instruction in stage makeup and stage combat, as well as public presentations of staged and costumed operatic scenes.

The workshop was founded by Irene Calloway Harrower, a renowned vocal coach and her late husband, Peter Harrower, who was a professor of music at Georgia State. Since its inception, close to 800 talented young artists have studied and sung together during the summer workshop.

The workshop will culminate in performances of opera scenes at 7:30 p.m. on June 25 and 3 p.m. on June 27. Selections will include scenes from Britten’s Albert Herring and The Turn of the Screw; Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito, Don Giovanni’s Idomeneo and Die Zauberflöte; Ward’s The Crucible; Sondheim’s A Little Night Music; Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and many other notable operas.

Tickets, available at the door, are $20 general admission and $10 for students with Panther IDs. Both performances will be held at the Florence Kopleff Recital Hall, located at the corner of Gilmer Street and Peachtree Center Avenue, inside the Arts & Humanities Building. Parking is available for a fee at the Recital Hall “I” Lot. The entrance to the parking lot is on Peachtree Center Avenue.

Bunnell, a 16-year veteran of the Metropolitan Opera, has appeared in a wide variety of roles throughout the world and with companies as such as the New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera and the Minnesota Opera. Embree has performed in Europe, Canada, Mexico and in the United States with the New York City Opera and opera houses in New Orleans, Houston, St. Louis and Seattle.

In 2006, he joined his wife as a member of the voice faculty at the DePaul University School Music in Chicago. Freeman, Classical Singer magazine’s 2010 Opera Director of the Year, began performing professionally as a child with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic. He has also performed with New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Baltimore Opera, San Diego Opera, Florida Grand Opera, New Orleans Opera, among others.

The 2010 Summer Opera Workshop also boasts an impressive faculty, such as W. Dwight Coleman, director of the GSU School of Music; Copeland Woodruff, acting teacher and stage director at the University of Memphis, Reed Woodhouse of The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory and Chautauqua Opera and many other well known professionals in the opera field.

Bunnell and Embree will also serve as special guests at the Opera Gala Dinner at the Commerce Club from 6-10 p.m. on June 20. This fundraiser for opera studies at Georgia State will feature a gourmet three-course dinner, accompanied by operatic performances by singers from the Summer Opera Workshop.

For the first time, this year’s gala will include a silent auction featuring unique items—including a private, in-home concert performed by a quartet of singers and instrumentalists. Gala tickets are $100 per person. A special package, at $120 per person, is also available, which includes dinner plus one ticket to both Opera Scenes Performances on June 25 and 27.

The Commerce Club is located at 34 Broad St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Complimentary valet parking is included. Reservations are requested by June 14 and can be made by calling the School of Music at 404-413-5914. For additional information, visit www.music.gsu.edu.

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10th Annual Sunflower Concert Series to celebrate Athens music in garden setting

2010-06-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia announces its 10th annual Sunflower Music Series. Each concert will be performed 7-9 p.m. on the stage of the new Flower Garden, a terraced garden between the Day Chapel and the Visitor Center and Conservatory. The botanical garden is located at 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens.

Performing this year are:

June 22: Randall Bramblett, with Rick Fowler opening.

Randall Bramblett is a singer-songwriter who recently released his seventh solo album and has performed with the Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic. “He’s one of Georgia’s musical treasures. . . Guaranteed to improve your day,” said Dave Schools of Widespread Panic.

July 13: Bloodkin, with Winfield Smith (from Stewart and Winfield) opening.

A rock ‘n’ roll band formed in 1986, the Drive-By Truckers and Widespread Panic have both cited Bloodkin as a chief influence. Bloodkin released its eighth album in 2009 and it was named album of the year at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards. “Bloodkin are at a hot peak in their odyssey,” said David Fricke of Rolling Stone.

August 24: Grogus, performing two sets

A crowd favorite from the 2009 Sunflower Music Series, Grogus plays Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles, and funk versions of jazz standards. They have won the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the jazz and world music categories.

Tickets are $15 each ($10 for members of Friends of the Garden, $5 for children ages 6-12). Each concert includes beverages and light snacks, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic suppers to enjoy in the garden. Concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory if weather necessitates.Lawn chairs are not allowed. Call 706/542-1244 for more information or tickets.

The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, R.E.M., Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, WUGA 91.7 FM, Flagpole and AthensMusic.net.

For more information on the botanical garden, see www.uga.edu/botgarden.

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The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Set for the Stage in World Premiere Musical Drama

2010-05-26T09:41:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- "I Dream" is a musical celebration and journey through the life and work of a man whose prophetic and historical significance has become legend. The story of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is now a major musical drama opening in Atlanta on July 9, 2010.

Presented by Musical-Dramatic Arts and directed by acclaimed actress Jasmine Guy, best known for her role as Whitley Gilbert in the 1990s hit series 'A Different World,' the through-composed work is an inspirational portrayal of the civil rights leader from his early years through to the end of his life.*

"I feel honored to be directing such a landmark production. With a glorious score set to such a moving American story, this is an exciting and emotional experience," says Guy. "And the fact that we are premiering in my hometown, where so much of the story originated, is so fitting."

Author and composer Douglas Tappin first began work on "I Dream" four years ago when he arrived from Britain to start a new life in Atlanta with his family. Once here, he immersed himself in the local history and, ultimately, found inspiration in the story of a local preacher.

"I've tried to combine historic and personal elements of Dr. King's extraordinary life and legacy with individual stories gleaned from interviews with people whose lives he touched during the tempestuous years of the Civil Rights Movement between 1955 and 1968," says Tappin. "I was particularly captivated by Dr. King's statement that man is neither villain nor hero - he is, rather villain and hero."

Having considered London, New York and Washington D.C., producers Cedric Perrier, Dej Mahoney, Tim Bowen, and Douglas Tappin were in no doubt as to the most appropriate city in which to debut 'I Dream.'

"We have often felt the hand of history on our shoulders as we have developed 'I Dream' here," says Perrier. "We have been most privileged to have enjoyed the support of Atlanta's former Mayor Shirley Franklin and current Mayor Kasim Reed, together with Ebenezer Baptist Church, as we have worked to bring this great story to life for its World Premiere on the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center."

Originating the role of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is Quentin Darrington, fresh from recent Broadway success in the Tony-nominated revival of 'Ragtime.' "I consider it a tremendous privilege to not only create and present this intimate expression of this great man," says Darrington. "But also to do it in the city that centralized his life and work. It just feels right."

Acclaimed actress and singer Demetria McKinney, best known for her stellar performances in 'Tyler Perry's House of Payne,' won the role of Coretta after an extensive search. "I am proud to originate the character of Coretta Scott King, a woman who was not only an exceptional wife and mother but, equally, a leader in her own right in the Civil Rights Movement," says McKinney.

#1 Billboard recording artist, Bob Carlisle ('Butterfly Kisses' 'We Fall Down'), will premiere the role of King's mentor and professor. "I am thrilled to be asked to participate in this exciting production," states Carlisle. "I can think of no other genre that so fully unites drama and song than theater. This is where great songs about a great man can come alive before our eyes."

As with the cast, MDAI's music team boasts an enviable line-up including Grammy®-nominated arranger Carl Marsh (Cirque Du Soleil, The Temptations); Legendary arranger and veteran Quincy Jones collaborator, Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson: 'Thriller,' 'Off The Wall,' 'Bad'; Stevie Wonder: 'Songs In the Key Of Life'); And Keith Williams, music producer and Director of Music at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

"I Dream" will run July 9 through July 31 on the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center, as an independent production.

For ticket information visit: http://www.woodruffcentertickets.org/ or call (404) 733 5000. Also visit the official website: http://www.idreaminatlanta.com/

ABOUT MUSICAL DRAMATIC ARTS: Musical-Dramatic Arts Inc. (MDAI) is a theatrical production company, based in Atlanta, Georgia and London, England. Its mission is to stage productions of original works of musical-drama, with "I Dream" - based on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - being its first production in the U.S.A. Although Atlanta was selected as the most appropriate birthplace for this new piece, the company's intention is to tour this and future productions internationally through major markets, including Broadway and London.

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Southern Music at Its Best: Gospel, Bluegrass, Newgrass, and Dixieland Jazz

2010-05-17T09:26:00.001-05:00

All Featured On the 2010–2011 Series Lineup

The Morris Museum of Art’s Budweiser True Music Southern Soul & Song concert series announces it’s 2010–2011 lineup, which includes five concerts September 2010 though January 2011.

“The 2010–2011 Southern Soul & Song lineup is one of our best ever,” said Kevin Grogan, director of the Morris Museum of Art and producer of Southern Soul & Song. “From bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley to the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and from Sam Bush, one of the inventors of ‘Newgrass’ to Mike Farris, who has reinvented Southern Gospel, this year’s series covers a lot of musical territory—but all of it is inimitably, identifiably Southern. It’s going to be a great season!”

The 2010–2011 lineup includes the following bands:

Thursday, September 16
Southern Music Icons the Del McCoury Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band open the 2010 Westobou Festival

Friday, October 15
Nashville, Tennessee’s brightest bluegrass/country stars The SteelDrivers

Friday, November 19
Newgrass King Sam Bush and his band

Friday, December 17
Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys

Friday, January 21, 2011
Gospel and soul giant Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue, featuring the McCrary Sisters

Series tickets provide all five shows for the price of four. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Imperial Theatre. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 1 for both series tickets and individual tickets at the Imperial Theatre box office (706-722-8341) or online, www.imperialtheatre.com.

Southern Soul & Song

One of the top-selling bluegrass and Americana concert series in the country, Southern Soul & Song has featured such legendary artists as Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, and Marty Stuart. Southern Soul & Song continues this year with an all-star line-up of spectacular, distinctly Southern music. Proceeds from the series help to support the Morris Museum of Art’s public program initiatives. Series sponsors include Budweiser True Music; The Augusta Chronicle; Augusta Magazine; WJBF Channel 6; Comcast; Seigler HD; Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Inc.; Wierhouse; KICKS 99, SRP Federal Credit Union; Mullins Law; and Wife Saver. www.southernsoulandsong.org.

Westobou Festival

The Westobou Festival was conceived in 2005 by the Trustees of the Academy of Richmond County, as part of their work on behalf of the Porter Fleming Foundation. Designed to showcase Augusta’s wealth of artistic talent, festival takes place between September 16 and 25, 2010, in downtown Augusta and on the campuses of Augusta State University, and Paine College. It features performances in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. www.westoboufestival.com

The Morris Museum of Art was founded in 1985 and opened to the public in 1992. It is the oldest museum in the country that is devoted to the art and artists of the American South. The museum’s permanent collection of nearly five thousand works of art spans more than two hundred years, from the late-eighteenth century to the present. The Morris is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m. www.themorris.org.
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The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission Proudly Presents Hangzhou Wenlan High School Chinese Youth Orchestra

2010-05-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission in partnership with the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts presents the Hangzhou Wenlan High School Chinese Youth Orchestra to perform in Newnan. The performance will be Sunday, July 25th at 3 p.m. at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts. For more information call 770-254-2787 or visit www.cowetaschools.net.

This group is a traditional Chinese orchestra and was founded over ten years ago. The youth orchestra has currently over sixty members. The members include children of all ages. Every year a number of new members join the orchestra, they practice new programs every semester.

“This will not only serve as a wonderful musical concert for the city but also a superb opportunity for the local youth to bond and exchange culture from different sides of the world," says Bette Hickman, Newnan Cultural Arts Commission, co-chair of the event.

The orchestra has performed throughout China and internationally. To introduce the graceful Chinese traditional music to people around the world, the orchestra visited France in October of 2005. They performed six shows in six different venues all over France. The youth orchestra has also won several outstanding awards for their music.

Master conductor Yan Jianhua is from HangZhou, Zhejiang, China. Jianhua is a famous commander and percussionist. He is also the director of the Chinese Society of Folk Orchestral Music and Percussion. Some of Jianhua’s other accomplishments academician of Chinese Society of Folk Orchestral Music and concert performer of Zhejiang Province Dance and Song Ensemble.

The youth orchestra will also be performing in Atlanta at the Rialto Center for Arts during their stay in Georgia.

About the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts
Coweta County’s Centre for Performing and Visual Arts is a modern 48,000-square-foot multi-disciplinary arts facility offering state-of-the-art performance facilities, rehearsal and lecture halls, and the Francoise Gilot art gallery - all anchored by a 1,000-seat performance hall. Located at 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan and operated by artistic director Don Nixon, the Centre is available for use by all of the citizens of the surrounding communities with priority given to school system events and performances. Since its opening by the Coweta County School System in 2004, the Centre has become a significant destination for artistic events in metropolitan Atlanta’s Southside region, and a true center of community events and arts education for the residents of Coweta County and surrounding areas. The philosophy of The Centre is to strive to be a house of excellence — an extension of the classroom no matter the age of the student.

The Centre’s wide range of artistic activities is supported in part by private citizens through the Centre Patrons. The Patrons organization recognizes the importance of the Arts in a community, and gives supporters of the arts an opportunity to share their time, talents and resources to ensure that Coweta County’s commitment to the arts continues to grow and prosper. The Patrons help staff and organize Centre events, and coordinate private donations that fund professional performances for the benefit of students and the community, Master classes and other educational opportunities, student scholarships, and other support for the Centre’s mission. Its purpose is to provide opportunities that will expose its patrons to the arts, increase their knowledge and appreciation for multiple forms of artistic expression, and enhance the total living experience for all the people the Centre is able to touch.

For additional information concerning the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts and the Patrons of the Centre, please contact The Centre at 770-254-ARTS (2787). Or visit the Centre website at www.centreonline.net, or the Patrons website at www.centrepatrons.org.

The youth orchestra performance in Newnan will be Sunday, July 25th at 3 p.m. at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts. Tickets for adults are $8 and $5 for students and seniors (65+). Tickets are on sale at the following locations the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, Morgans (Ashley Park), Bank of Coweta (Thomas Crossroads location) and Scott’s Bookstore in downtown Newnan. A percentage of all ticket sales will go back to the Centre Strings program. Please email gsnider@cityofnewnan.org or call 770-253-2682 ext 203 for concert information.

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

2010-05-06T16:00:00.002-05:00

The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform its annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will celebrate Jere Flint’s 30th anniversary as Conductor and Music Director of the famed music ensemble. For this concert, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra will partner with Share Your Soles, an organization that provides shoes to those in need around the world, in a “Music For Your Soles” shoe drive. Concertgoers are invited to bring gently worn shoes to donate. Come enjoy the work of these talented young musicians ranging in age from 13 to 18.

Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall; Woodruff Arts Center; 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E.
When: May 16 at 7:30 PM
Who: Ages 4+
How: Purchase Tickets Cost of event: $12

Ian McFeron live at Java Monkey May 21st

2010-05-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

Ian McFeron & Alisa Milner (from Seattle, WA)
Friday, May 21st, 2010 – 8:00 pm (Free!)
Java Monkey, 205 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 - (404) 378-1852

Seattle-based, singer/songwriter Ian McFeron has big plans for 2010. This Spring, McFeron sets out on an ambitious, 16,000 mile tour of the continental United States where he will perform more than 70 shows in less than 90 days, all while functioning as his own, independent record label, booking agency, and management company. “The music industry and the economy at large are facing a lot of challenges right now and there is a lot of speculation about when things are going to turn around, and what that will look like. It’s left a lot of people in limbo, wondering which way to go. I figure that’s a good time for musicians to get back to basics and do what they’ve always done: travel the nation, inspire listeners, and build community.”

The age of digital sharing and declining music sales has been coupled with a receding global economy, hitting independents particularly hard as the middle class budget crunch leaves less disposable income for entertainment. “You see a lot more people coming up in groups to buy cds, pitching in a couple bucks each to buy one album and then pass it around digitally. You hear a lot of the clubs say their attendance is down 30% or more.”

But when times get tough, musicians have always relied on their creativity to find opportunities in the midst of adversity. “I know some folks that are excited about building an online presence through social networking; others talk about publishing revenue from the growing number of web stream music sites and how to get a buzz on YouTube. For me, music has always been about community and there’s no substitute for in the flesh live performance. I’ve always found that if I take the risk and get out there, if I play with sincerity and sing from the heart, the money works itself out somehow. If you can create those spiritual moments of intimacy with the audience they’ll encourage you to come back.”

With a nearly full schedule of summer concerts and festivals and another run of the nation planned in the fall, McFeron estimates he will perform over 160 shows in 2010. “There is something very blue-collar about being an independent touring musician, and that has always been comforting to me for some reason. I have a friend whose parents have a family farm outside Boise, Idaho, and talking with them I’m always surprised by how many parallels there are between what we do and what they do. When we break new ground in new parts of the country, I always feel like we’re out there sowing seeds, getting our roots going and nurturing strong, healthy stalks. And if we’re successful in doing that, we can come back through and reap the harvest. But you don’t get to escape the first part- you have to put your time in and take the risks and pour your heart into it first. Real success always follows some passionate gamble, I think.”

Ian McFeron takes the stage at Java Monkey on Friday, May 21st at 8:00pm, joined by long time musical partner Alisa Milner, a Texas-style fiddler, cellist, and harmony vocalist.

"Ian McFeron plays an earthy yet sophisticated blend of folk, rock, alternative-country and blues that belies the band's youthfulness. And it's danceable, too.” - Gene Stout, Seattle Music Critic

Jere Flint to Lead the Atlanta Sympohny Youth Orchestra in Annual Spring Concert

2010-05-03T13:51:00.000-05:00

Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Concert To Celebrate Mr. Flint’s 30th Anniversary As Staff Conductor and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

ASYO To Partner With Share Your Soles In “Music For Your Soles” Shoe Drive

Conductor Jere Flint will lead the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra in works by Geoff Knorr, Walton,
Bottesini, and Bernstein for its Spring Concert, Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m., in Atlanta Symphony Hall
at the Woodruff Arts Center. The concert will celebrate Mr. Flint’s 30th anniversary as Staff Conductor
and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.

In honor of Mr. Flint’s contributions to the community, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra will
partner with Share Your Soles, an organization that provides shoes to those in need around the world,
in a “Music For Your Soles” shoe drive. Arrangements have been made for concertgoers and members
of the public to bring gently worn shoes to bins located throughout the Woodruff Arts Center campus.
This event will provide aid for the people of Haiti.

About the Repertoire
GEOFF KNORR (b. 1985) Shadows of the Infinite
Geoff Knorr was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on June 13, 1985. The first performance of
Shadows of the Infinite took place at Friedberg Hall of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore,
Maryland, on September 27, 2008, with Ruben Capriles conducting the Peabody Symphony
Orchestra… (more)
WALTON (1902- 1983) Viola Concerto
William Walton was born in Oldham, England, on March 29, 1902, and died in Ischia, Italy, on March 8,
1983. The first performance of the Viola Concerto took place at Queen’s Hall in London, England, on
October 3, 1929, with Paul Hindemith as soloist and the composer conducting the Henry Wood
Symphony Orchestra…

BOTTESINI (1821- 1889) Concerto No. 1
Giovanni Bottesini was born in Crema, Italy, on December 22, 1821, and died in Parma, Italy, on July 7,
1889. In addition to the solo double bass, the Concerto is scored for flute, two oboes, two clarinets, two
bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, trombone timpani and strings…

BERNSTEIN (1918- 1990) Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on August 25, 1918, and died in New York
on October 14, 1990. The first performance of the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story took place
at Carnegie Hall in New York on February 13, 1961, with Lukas Foss conducting the New York
Philharmonic…

About the Artists
A frequent conductor of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts, Jere Flint leads the ASO's popular
Family Concerts and its Symphony Street concerts for youngsters. He also regularly conducts on the
Classic Chastain pops series at Chastain Park…

About the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra is an integral member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
family and a vigorous part of the cultural fabric of its community. The ASYO strives for national
preeminence among youth orchestras, while cultivating the artistic growth and excellence of our
members through enriching orchestral experiences and the mentoring of ASO musicians…

* * *

Single tickets for these performances are $12. All single tickets for the 2009–2010 are available online
at atlantasymphony.org or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Woodruff
Arts Center Box Office located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office
hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and
Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

* * *

ATLANTA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA — SPRING CONCERT
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
Sunday, May 16, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Jere Flint, conductor
Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra
GEOFF KNORR Shadows of the Infinite
WALTON Viola Concerto
BOTTESINI Concerto No. 1
BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

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Twist and Shout at Piedmont Park May 4th

2010-04-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, May 4: Musicians, Music-Lovers and Non-Musicians Will Come Together To “Twist and Shout” at Atlanta’s Piedmont Park

Musicians, Non-Musicians, anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument and NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants

National Wanna Play Music Week is designed to educate the public on the proven benefits of playing music and to encourage and inspire people of all ages to pick up any type of instrument and learn how to play

Flash Jam participants will be provided a variety of instruments to create an ensemble musical version of the classic, “Twist and Shout” in support of the belief that anyone can play music

On Tuesday, May 4 (Day 2 of National Wanna Play Music Week) NAMM will be hosting simultaneous Flash Jams in major cities across the country, including Los Angeles, New York City, Cleveland, Nashville, Seattle and Atlanta

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
12:00 p.m. ET
Piedmont Park
Entrance from 10th Street (next to Oak Hill)
Atlanta, GA 30357-0795

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Fayette: First Presbyterian Hosts Patriotic Concert

2010-04-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

PTC First Presbyterian Hosts Patriotic Concert May 16 The public is invited to a special concert of patriotic music with Mark Hayes and the Peachtree City First Presbyterian Church Choir on May 16 at 11:15 am and 6:30 pm. Dove Award-winner Mark Hayes has a passion for arranging contemporary Christian and sacred music. Hayes has over 50 recordings and a personal catalog of over 500 published original works. Admission is free, however a ticket will be required. Tickets are available at concerts@firstpresptc.com or at the First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City located at 206 Willowbend Rd. Childcare will be provided for children ages 4 and younger. For more information, call 770-487-7757.

Sunday, May 9 – Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra And Magic Circle Mime Company Perform “Peter and the Wolf”

2010-04-27T18:04:00.000-05:00

Conductor Jere Flint will lead the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and members of the Magic Circle Mime Company in a reenactment of Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale, “Peter and the Wolf.” Kids will be on the edge of their seats as three musicians and a conductor’s assistant outsmart a fearsome wolf that threatens the Orchestra and audience. The Orchestra will also perform Suppé’s Light Cavalry Overture. Concertgoers will have the opportunity to interact with animals from Happy Tails Pet Therapy in the lobby of the Woodruff Arts Center before each performance.

Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall; Woodruff Arts Center; 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E.
When: Shows at 1:30 and 3:30PM
Who: Ages 4+
How: Purchase Tickets
Cost of event: $15-$20

For more info: CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets online.
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The Oak Ridge Boys lead off Villages Summer Concert Series

2010-04-25T20:57:00.000-05:00

As summer approaches, so do the much anticipated summer nights at The Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville. This year’s lineup offers a wide variety of groups that should have something for just about every musical taste. Kicking off the season this Saturday (May 1st ) are country music legends, The Oak Ridge Boys, who will offer up 50 years of tradition on the stage as they perform an evening of their classic hits.

The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.

“When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with The Oak Ridge Boys,” says lead singer Duane Allen. “This is the only job I've ever wanted to have.”

“Like everyone else in the group,” adds bass singer extraordinaire Richard Sterban, “I was a fan of the Oaks before I became a member. I’m still a fan of the group today. Being in The Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.”

The two, along with tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden, comprise one of Country's truly legendary acts. Their string of hits includes the Pop chart-topper Elvira, as well as Bobbie Sue, Dream On, Thank God For Kids, American Made, I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes, Fancy Free, Gonna

Take A Lot Of River and many others. They recently covered a White Stripes song, receiving accolades from Rock reviewers. They've scored 12 gold, three platinum, and one double platinum album—plus one double platinum single— and had more than a dozen national Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.

Amphitheater Director, Brian Wismer expects this to be a crowd favorite. “We have had so many calls from people who were especially excited about The Oak Ridge Boys coming back after a number of years. They certainly have a broad-based group of fans, here locally,” said Wismer.

Some tickets still remain and are available at the Train Depot and also via the website, www.villagesamphitheater.com.

Also appearing at the Villages this year are Johnny Rivers on June 12th, The Little River Band on July 10th, The Family Stone on July 31st and Grand Funk Railroad on August 28. The 2010 concert series is presented by Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta.

The Villages Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.
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The Georgia Boy Choir Ends its Inaugural Season on a High Note

2010-04-19T10:12:00.000-05:00

The Georgia Boy Choir is almost through its inaugural season and is enjoying a high level of success and recognition. This past Christmas, the Georgia Boy Choir entertained and inspired over 3,000 attendees in choral performances throughout the metro Atlanta area earning standing rounds of cheers and applause. In February, they hosted the Georgia Boy Choir Festival which drew well over 150 boys from all over the country to come together and spend the day learning to sing together, culminating with a concert featuring all of the boys and guests The American Boychoir from Princeton, NJ.

This month, they will be featured in Georgia State University’s production of the Opera Carmen, and on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 7:30pm, the Georgia Boy Choir will present its Spring Concert at Briarlake Baptist Church on LaVista Road in Decatur. This production will feature all 5 levels of the choir and all 85 boys. It will be the last local performance before the choir begins touring for the summer and will feature an eclectic program of music from all over the world! Tickets to the performance are $20 for General Admission and $12 for seniors and students and can be purchased by visiting https://georgia-boy-choir.ticketleap.com.

On May 13, the choir will travel to Baltimore, Maryland to participate in the Baltimore Boychoir Festival and then on May 29 will embark on a 17 day tour of China where they will perform in Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Luodai, Kunming, and Shanghai. They will be appearing in a live Chinese television broadcast, and conducting a Master Class for Chinese conductors. They will have the opportunity to perform with several different Chinese Children’s Choirs and even get to stay a few nights in some Chinese homes. Along the way, they will get to climb on the Great Wall of China, visit the Forbidden City and the Beijing Children’s Palace, and see the ancient “Terra Cotta Army” that has been guarding the tomb of the First Emperor for thousands of years. They will even get to pay a visit to Mei Lan, Atlanta’s own baby Panda bear who was just recently shipped back to China.

The Georgia Boy Choir carries on a centuries old tradition of boys singing and developing the unchanged voice. The GBC aims to reach the highest level of musical excellence possible while developing leadership skills, teaching self discipline and instilling character traits. David R. White, well-known throughout the arts community in Atlanta, is the Conductor and Artistic Director of the Georgia Boy Choir. He developed a reputation for musical excellence as the Conductor and Artistic Director of the Atlanta Boy Choir. Prior to coming to Atlanta, he had spent over 10 years at the helm other well-known boy choirs, including the Boy Choir of the Carolinas and Florida’s Singing Sons and during his career has led choral performances in concert halls and cathedrals throughout the United States, as well as Greece, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Russia, and the Ukraine. “My reward is seeing this musical talent develop to a point that it expands the world around these boys and enriches the lives of others,” says White. “After all these years, I am still moved by the world-class performances that these young boys deliver.”

For more information on auditions, performances and tours, please visit www.GeorgiaBoyChoir.org or call 404-402-4083.

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Guest Conductor Vasily Petrenko to Lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in All Tchaikovsky Program

2010-03-28T18:32:00.000-05:00

APRIL 8 - 10, 2010

Concert To Feature Pianist Barry Douglas
Performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
Guest Conductor Vasily Petrenko will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony and Piano Concerto No. 1, with guest pianist Barry Douglas. The concerts will be April 8 - 10, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Fanfare Pre-Concert Dinner Buffet

A great ASO tradition returns in the 2009-2010 season — Fanfare, the pre-concert buffet-style dining by Restaurant Associates, will be available to all concertgoers at all Delta Classical, SuperPops, and Coca-Cola Holiday concert-evening performances from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m…

Concert Preview Talks

Audiences have the opportunity to learn more about the music they’ll be hearing at concerts with free Concert Previews, hosted by ASO Insider and Program Annotator Ken Meltzer. Join Mr. Meltzer and his special guests, —composers, conductors, and musicians—for lively and informative discussions. All concert previews are located in Atlanta Symphony Hall and are free and open to all concert ticket-holders. (Speakers and locations are subject to change.)

About the Repertoire

TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Manfred Symphony

In the fall of 1868, the Russian critic Vladimir Stasov wrote to Berlioz. In his letter, Stasov included a scenario for a symphony based upon Lord Byron’s 1817 dramatic poem, Manfred (Byron’s Childe Harold had provided the inspiration for Berlioz’s Harold in Italy). But Berlioz, now in the final months of his life, declined the offer. Hector Berlioz died on March 8, 1869, at the age of 65. . .

TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto No. 1

Tchaikovsky composed his First Piano Concerto in the span of approximately seven weeks, completing it on January 2, 1875. Three days after putting the finishing touches on the work, Tchaikovsky played his new Concerto for Nikolai Rubinstein—head of the Moscow Conservatory, and a superb concert pianist Tchaikovsky, then a professor at the Conservatory, hoped that Rubinstein would agree to be the soloist in the Concerto’s premiere…

About the Artists

Vasily Petrenko was born in 1976 and started his music education at the St Petersburg Capella Boys Music School – the oldest music school in Russia. He then studied at the St Petersburg Conservatoire and has also participated in masterclasses with such major figures as Ilya Musin, Mariss Jansons, Yuri Temirkanov and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Between 1994 and 1997, Petrenko was Resident Conductor at the St Petersburg State Opera and Ballet Theatre in the Mussorgsky Memorial Theatre

Hailed as “a supremely talented and genuine artist,” Barry Douglas is one of the most versatile and brilliant pianists of today. Active as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, conductor and festival director, his artistry has been acclaimed by critics and audiences worldwide …

About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, now in its 65th season, is considered one of America’s leading orchestras, known for the excellence of its live performances, presentations, renowned choruses, and its impressive list of Grammy® Award-winning recordings …

This concert is part of the Delta Classical Concert Series. Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Single tickets for these performances are $20 to $75. All single for the 2009-2010 are now available online at atlantasymphony.org or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10am-8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-8pm.

VASILY PETRENKO MAKES HIS ASO DEBUT

Delta Classical Series
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
Thursday, April 8, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Friday, April 9, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 10, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Vasily Petrenko, conductor*
Barry Douglas, piano
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
TCHAIKOVSKY Manfred Symphony
TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1
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