Monday, October 18, 2010

A Little Night Music October 21

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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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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

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.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Macy Gray at Buckhead Theatre


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

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

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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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Music Director Robert Spano and the ASO Welcome Pianist Emanuel Ax Back to Atlanta

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.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Bluegrass, Shaking, Rocking, Blues this Weekend

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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Thursday, September 16, 2010

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

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

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.

Monday, September 13, 2010

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

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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Saturday, September 11, 2010

Army Band to Kick Off UWG’s Townsend Center Season

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

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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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Shakerag Bluegrass Festival at ‘The Fred’ in Peachtree City

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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Thursday, September 02, 2010

Music Director Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Open 2010-11 Season Sep 23

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

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! 

Friday, August 27, 2010

Tickets on Sale Sept 16 for La Bohème by Atlanta Opera

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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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Rupert's Orchestra to Play Sept 11 at Duluth Festival Center

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

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

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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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Reserve band, Museum of Aviation team up for Concert in the Park Series (Robins AFB)

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.