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High School Musical 2 at WHS PAC July 10-19, 2009
Waco Children’s Theatre will present “High School Musical 2” this summer. The show, directed by Linda Haskett, will open Fri. July 10, 2009 at 7:30 pm at the Waco High School Performing Arts Center. Performances will continue at 7:30 pm on July 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18 and on Sundays at 2:30 pm on July 12 and 19. Tickets will be on sale for $10 one hour before each show. The WHS PAC box office also sells tickets M-F from 5-6 pm until July 9.
The first two photos show young actors/singers (ages 12 and up) in this year’s HSM 2 waiting in the wings to ‘go on’ during a rehearsal. The next photo shows the same rehearsal where everyone is learning while having fun on the stage with the director Linda Haskett. The final photos are young actors waiting for a cue.
Twenty years ago in 1989, Linda Haskett directed the Broadway musical, Annie, at the Waco Civic Theatre using 18 Waco girls as orphans. It was a smashing success with 16 sold out shows. I went to every performance. My six year old daughter played an orphan and I played flute in the orchestra. I’ve been a huge fan of Linda Haskett ever since. Every year she continues to TEACH Central Texas youth the art of performing by using teamwork, discipline, and most of all LOVE. The faces of her young performers have an inner glow every time the curtain comes up. It is magical.
Linda doesn’t do it alone. She always surrounds the children with the best professionals/musicians available in the area. MCC choreographer Jerry Maclauchlin, Baylor SHOWTIME! director Daniel Farris, college theater professor/visual wizard Mike Sullivan, and WHS fine arts teacher Jason Dalrymple are contributing their talents to this year’s summer production. Her supporting cast through the years for performances and summer camps has also included her assistant, Mary Vanlandingham, acting coach Henry Carter and stage movement/dancer Flo Fitzpatrick. Dozens of volunteers work behind the scene every year to ensure our Central Texas youth have a rich, cultural experience.
A few years ago I saw the Waco Children’s Theatre stage the original, “High School Musical” at the WHS PAC. It was an outstanding performance!!! I’m looking forward to seeing lots of new, young, energetic, talented youth in this year’s summer musical as well as familiar actors/singers I’ve watched grow-up on Waco stages. It is such a treat to see the young people grow from year to year not only in physical development, but in theatrical development.
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Live Dance Music Every Tue. and Thur. at the Sul Ross Senior Center
Live dance music can be heard at the Sul Ross Senior Center located at 15th Street and Waco Drive every Tue. and Thur. night from 7-10 pm. Admission is $5 and includes refreshments. Smoking or consumption of alcoholic drinks is not allowed. These dances are well attended and enjoyed by those over age 55. You’ll see dancers of all ages doing the 2 step, polka, waltzes, line dancing, and sometimes even the Chicken Dance. The smiles on the dancers’ faces (and those watching the dancers) let you know a good time is had by all in attendance.
On Tue. nights, The Young at Heart Dance Club is sponsored by the Central Texas Senior Ministries. Country band, ‘Marty J and the Boys’ will play on Tue. June 30.
On Thur. nights, The Sul Ross Dance Club sponsors the entertainment. ‘Plumb Country’ (photo on this blog entry) plays on July 2. The audience is asked to wear red, white, and blue clothing. Wear your Sul Ross T-shirt on July 9 when ‘Terry Taylor/Shilo’ performs. ‘Plumb Country’ will return on July 16 for a Sweetheart Dance. This means you can dress formal for the evening’s dance. July 23rd will feature the band, ‘Texas Heartbeat’, for the boot scoot’n evening. ‘Branded Heart’ will play your favorites and take requests on July 30.
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Kat Dixon and mangirlman band at Hemmingway’s June 27
A fairly new Waco metal band, mangirlman band, was formed in Oct. 2008. You may have heard them at Austin’s on the Avenue earlier this month. Original band members are: man Ryan Bachelor (drums), girl Nicole Long (keyboard, sax, trumpet, weird noise express train), and man Daniel Beaty (guitar, vocals). Canyon Kafer (bass) has joined the group.
On June 27, they will perform at Hemingway’s Watering Hole, 4700 Bosque Blvd., after Kat Dixon opens at 9 pm. Kat Dixon is a talented, young composer/singer who accompanies herself on acoustic guitar playing an eclectic folk, blues, experimental music style. Her creative compositions are tension-filled with beautiful harmonies and emo lyrics. After Kat’s solo set, all five musicians will perform together until about 2 am. Kat will play mandolin and sing when she joins the other band.
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Temple Jazz Orchestra Concert June 26, TJO Travels to Holland in July 2009
The Temple Jazz Orchestra will be performing at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on July 10 from 7:15 - 8 pm. This three day festival (July 10-12, 2009) is the largest jazz event on Earth attracting 60-70,000 concert goers from around the world each year. Fifteen stages support continuous music for 180 jazz ensembles using about 1500 musicians playing all genres of jazz. Tickets are 335 euros for all three days.
If you don’t feel like flying to Holland for the 3 day event, you can catch a performance of our local musicians in a FREE send-off concert at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple just 30 miles south of Waco on Fri. June 26 at 7:30 pm. Seating is limited to about 500 seats so don’t be late. Many Wacoan musicians play in the Temple Jazz Orchestra. The top photo shows three Waco musicians in the TJO - Greg Bashara, Tim Cates, and Byron Swann. Other Waco residents in the TJO are Dave Wild and Vince Bryce.
Here is the TJO line-up: Tom Fairlie (conductor); Keith Fiala, Tim Cates, Byron Swann, Sparky Thomason, and Denise Doyle (trumpets); Gary Smith, Gannon Phillips, Brent Colwell, Brent Mathesen ,and David Wilborn (trombones); Colin Masonand Karen Batson (alto sax); Greg Bashara and Bob Medina (tenor sax); Frank Nelson (baritone sax) Rhythm Section: Dave Wild and Ben Irom (Piano); Reese Liles (Guitar); Michael Morris (Drums); Vince Bryce (Bass)
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Outdoor Concerts Almost Over
Even though our daytime high temperatures have been in the 100’s the past 10 days or so, the evenings are usually pleasant. I’ve attended outstanding concerts at the Woodway Arboretum (After Midnight), Indian Spring Park (Juneteenth Gospel Singers) and and Bosque River Stage (Kimberly Kelly, The Gimbles) during this hot weather and have been comfortable. There always seems to be a nice breeze. This also helps keep the mosquitoes away along with the burning torches of citronella. Don’t let the heat prevent you from an outdoor concert in Waco. It’s not that bad. Our outdoor concert season is almost over. The July 4th concerts at Indian Spring Park will end our summer concerts that began in May.
This week’s concerts feature ‘Elephants’, a large band that plays rock and jazz, at the Arboretum on Wed. June 27 at 8 - 9 pm. ‘Pride and Joy’ and Mustard Seed’ will perform at the Bosque River Stage 8 - 10 pm. These are three of my favorite local bands. They always do a great job entertaining their audiences with a variety of upbeat songs.
If you’ve never attended an outdoor concert in Waco, make the effort to try something new. The music is great and you’ll always see people you know. You’ll be glad you went.
Photos: ELEPHANTS-the Band. MUSTARD SEED members are Marcus Johnson, guitar; Sherman Ayres, percussion; and Mike Donohue, bass. PRIDE AND JOY members are Chris Castaneda, guitar; Tony Castaneda bass; John Castaneda, drums.
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‘After Midnight Performs Wed. June 17 and Thur. June 18, 2009
‘After Midnight’, a classic rock, rhythm and blues, and more Waco band, will perform two nights in a row for Central Texas audiences. On Wed. June 17, they will play at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway and on Thur. June 18, the band will perform on the Bosque River Stage near McLennan Community College. Both shows will begin at 8 PM.
‘After Midnight’ was started over nine years ago by drummer Bob Darden. Two of Bob’s Baylor professor friends, Steve Gardner and Barry Hankins, have played in the band since its conception. Steve is the keyboard man and Barry is the guitarist. All three are talented musicians as well as published authors. They play music from their teen-age years (the 1960’s) through current hit songs. Several bass players have been with the group. Currently, Lance Grigsby is the bassist. All the band members contribute to the vocals.
Once the music bug hits, usually in a person’s teen years, it’s life long. This means most musicians can have at least 50 years of performing in one way or another. One of the ‘After Midnight’ band members went to Oak Cliff High School with Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughn. Jimmie asked him to go on tour after high school. Our local musician chose to obtain his PhD in economics at Berkeley instead of performing with the future internationally famous Jimmie Vaughn. If you know these band members, you know I’m talking about Steve Gardner, Baylor professor of economics and keyboardist for ‘After Midnight’.
‘After Midnight’ especially loves to play for fans who are dancing. Their music is very dance-able. Get out your dancing’ shoes and head to one or both of these concerts.
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MCC Music Grads Kimberly Kelly, Emily Gimble Perform June 11 at Bosque River Stage
I can’t wait until Thur. night! One of the most beautiful amphitheaters in Texas, The Bosque River Stage, will be the setting for some outstanding music performed by local Central Texas musicians.
Kimberly Kelly and Emily Gimble attended McLennan Community College’s Commercial Music Program together several years ago. Now both young women are recognized around the state of Texas as ‘the best of the best’ musicians. They are following in the footsteps of internationally famous MCC music grad, Ruthie Foster, who performed last Fri. night at another gorgeous amphitheater in Waco, Indian Springs Park.
Kimberly and her band will open the show at 8 pm with some of her original songs as well as covers of country classics. We’ll get a preview of some songs she is currently recording on a new album produced by Walt Wilkins. Emily plays piano and sings background vocals on some of the cuts. Maybe the girls will perform a song or two together at Thursday’s concert. Stony Larue also sang on one of Kimberly’s newly recorded songs.
Emily’s granddad Johnny Gimble will lead the second half of the ‘River Sounds’ Concert with his Texas Swing band. Johnny has been playing his Western swing style fiddle since the 1930’s. He is known worldwide and has previously earned a Grammy award. Johnny has performed with a variety of musicians including Paul McCartney, Wiilie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and American idol winner Carrie Underwood.
Thur. night Emily will add her beautiful voice and piano playing to Johnny’s band. Her dad Dick Gimble will play his upright bass, Wacoan Ken Frazier will play guitar and Joe Bullock from Dripping Springs will play drums. Every summer I look forward to hearing this inspiring group of musicians perform in an outdoor concert in the Waco area. Their love of music comes through in every song!
The gates open at 7 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you’re late because all the comfortable chair seats will be filled early.
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The Morticians Kick-off Woodway Arboretum Summer Concert Series on Wed. June 3, 2009
Next Wed. June 3 is the kick-off concert at the Carleen Bright Arboretum ‘Midsummer Nights’ Concert Series in Woodway at the intersection of Bosque Blvd. and Estates Dr. The Morticians, a popular Waco classic rock band, will start playing in the gazebo at 8 pm. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy this FREE concert in the amphitheater behind the main complex. Parking is also available across the street in the Woodway City parking lot. The Arboretum receives financial support from the City of Woodway as well as individual donors.
Every year I look forward to the Wed. night concerts. The entertainment is always outstanding and it’s especially enjoyable to run into friends you haven’t seen since the previous summer’s concerts. I love watching the children play while they make new friends and dance to the music. I also enjoy the sounds of the birds and frogs between the musical numbers. The mood is usually light-hearted and carefree. It’s a great way to spend a evening outdoors. The concert series continues for 5 weeks until July 1. Future concerts feature ‘The Beatnix’ on June 10, ‘After Midnight’ on June 17, ‘The Elephants’ on June 24, and ‘Jonquil Street Band’ on July 1.
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10th Leper at Ice House on Sat. May 30, 2009
Zack and Jim’s Hog Creek Ice House in Speegleville will host a ‘Pork Party’ on Sat. May 30 beginning at 6 pm with the Waco band, 10th Leper. At 8:30 pm, Lange Debault, an up and coming songwriter artist from Waco will perform his original music.
10th Leper has been playing throughout Central Texas for over 10 years. Their music runs the entire spectrum from blues to hard rock. These guys play their hearts out at every performance inspiring and entertaining their audiences. Their combined experience equals over 100 years of musical performances. Paul Fields and Kenny Parker play hot leads on guitar. Gene Ballou plays his own unique style on keyboard. Keeping the driving beat going are Chris DelConto on drums and David Munday on bass. The vocals are shared by the musicians.
The Ice House is located about 6-7 miles north past Lake Waco off Highway 6 at 170 Branson Trail just before you get to Cedar Creek Cross Rd.
The nonpartisan group that set up the Waco Tea Party on April 15 has organized this family friendly ‘Pork Party’ to raise money to continue their protests against excessive government spending. The suggested donation is $10. Kids under 17 are welcome and will be admitted free. In addition to the music, there will be games, contests, and a silent auction.
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Memorial Day Ceremony on Mon. May 25
Americans have celebrated Memorial Day honoring American servicemen who have sacrificed their lives for our country every year since 1868.
A Memorial Day Ceremony will held Mon. May 25 beginning at 9 am at the Waco Rosemound Cemetery in the Veteran’s section where tents and chairs will be set up. Local musicians will provide inspirational patriotic music.
Ann Harder, Woodway resident, will open the ceremony singing the National Anthem. Ann is also known as the co-anchor of the local channel 25 news.
Silver Taps (sometimes called echo taps) will be played by Wacoan bugler Larry Perez who served the Army in the Vietnam War and also by bugler Bill Hall of Hewitt who served in the Air Force in the Korean War.
McGregor resident Danny Kohl who received a Purple Heart while serving in the Army in Vietnam will be the bagpiper.
Farrah Marie Burns, a Hewitt resident who works at the Waco Veterans Regional Office, will sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
This is a free community event sponsored by the McLennan County Veterans Association (MCVA). The cemetery is located at the end of 12th street. Take LaSalle east onto 12th and you’ll run into it. There is handicapped parking available.
This year the Green Berets will raise the American flag, the Marine Corps will provide a 21 gun salute, the Young Marines will post flags at Veteran graves. There will also be a live canon salute and a reading by MCVA board member Mike O’Bric, “That We Shall Never Forget”. Over 700,00 veterans have died after returning to the US following the Vietnam and Desert Storm Wars from Agent Orange and chemical poisoning.
Each year a different branch of the military is featured. This is the year of the Army. Next year 2010 will be the year of the Marines. In 2011, the Navy will be highlighted, followed by the Air Force in 2012 and the Coast Guard in 2013.
Other upcoming Veteran events with local musicians will be the POW Ceremony in Sept. at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway featuring the ‘Texas Country Gentlemen’ and the Veteran’s Parade in downtown Waco in Nov.
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Local Musician Swap Meet Sun. May 17
I apologize for not writing any music blogs lately. My computer has been visiting Ft. Worth having a new screen installed. There has been so many end of the school year concerts and other great musical events, it would’ve been hard to chose what to write about.
MACT (Music Association of Central Texas) is having a swap meet/garage sale on Sun. May 17 from 1-6 pm at the American Legion Hall Post 121 located at N. 3rd and Tennessee St. Instruments and musical equipment will be for sale by local musicians. This is a great opportunity for musicians wanting to buy or sell. If you’re a fan of a local musician and you’d like to own a piece of their equipment, the prices will be good.
At a recent MACT event, Sonny Mac and I had our own mini swap meet. We exchanged CDs. He gave me his ‘Best Of’ CD and I gave him my Celtic CD. I love listening to “The Best of Sonny Mac”. It’s an 18 cut CD of great listening tunes that energize as well as relax and also suitable for home parties. Sonny is an awesome performer on guitar and vocals. Here’s a photo I took of Sonny at our last MACT jam. He performs throughout Central Texas. Check out www.accesswaco.com to find where he and other local musicians are playing.
If you re a local musician or a supporter of local musicians, you are also invited to the monthly MACT meeting at El Chicos on Mon. May 18 at 7:30 pm.
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Waco Community Band Concert Tue. May 5 at MCC
If your child is thinking about playing a band instrument in the future, attending a Waco Commmunity Band is a great way to hear talented musicians who continue to play their instruments beyond high school and college.
The Waco Community Band, directed by Brian Harris, will conclude its 2008-09 concert season with “THE FRENCH CONNECTION” at 7:30 p.m. in the MCC Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, May 5. The concert will feature music written by French composers Berlioz, Ravel and others in the form of marches, transcriptions, and original works for the symphonic band. Guest soloist will be Sarah Harris, playing Camille Saint-Saen’s beautiful solo work for French horn, Romance, Opus 36. Admission is FREE for this outstanding family entertainment. For more information, visit www.WacoCommunityBand.org.
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Gospel Music Showcase at Bellmead Civic Center Sun. May 3
The Bellmead Lions Club will hold its Annual Gospel Music Showcase on Sunday, May 3, 2009 beginning at 3:30 pm, at the Bellmead Civic Center, 3900 Parrish. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians Ann Harder, Brazosgrass, Charlie Burch, Dale & Anita Allen, Kasie Meek, Cindi Miller, Mark & Kistin Maynard, Charles Thornal, Walking by Faith, Johnny & Cheryl Tucker, & Holly Tucker. Dave Blanton will be the sound man. Tickets at the door are $10. This includes a BBQ plate, drink, dessert, and the bluegrass/gospel music show. Proceeds go to scholarships and local community projects.
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“The Wicked Wiz of OZ’ Fri. May 1 at MCC PAC
An original musical extravaganza, “The Wicked Wiz of OZ”, will be performed Fri. May 1, 2009 at 7:30 pm at the Ball Performing Arts Center at McLennan Community College. This fabulous, FREE, one hour program based on the musicals, ‘Wicked’, ‘The Wiz’, and “The Wizard of Oz’ will be presented by MCC instructor Dr. Karen Albrecht’s SPOTLIGHT! students. These end of the semester performances by Central Texas students that sing and dance at MCC are always outstanding!!!!! Karen is a superb musical director and instructor creating entertainment that appeals to all age groups.
Since ‘Wicked’ hasn’t made it to Waco yet, SPOTLIGHT! gives us a chance to get a glimpse of the award winning music from the Broadway show.
SPOTLIGHT! is a musical theatre MCC student production troupe that has been performing Broadway musical numbers in Waco since 1999.
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MACT Celebrates 10th Anniversary April 20, 2009
Last night my husband Jeff and I attended the tenth anniversary celebration of MACT (Music Association of Central Texas) at the American Legion Hall of Waco. About 100 music lovers gathered to jam and to eat an Italian pot luck dinner. This is my first year to be a member of this eclectic group of talented musicians of multi-generations and genres. I come from a classical music background performing flute in orchestras and chamber music ensembles, only recently delving into the rich American jazz standards from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s using a wooden alto recorder. Sometimes I feel out of place among the predominant group of guitarists, bassists, drummers, and vocalists. I love to listen to their varieties of music and watch them perform music from their souls. “It’s all about the music” is the slogan of MACT. I’m learning so much from these seasoned, professional musicians.
The heart and soul of MACT is James and Carolyn Hurst who spend countless hours organizing events and communicating with the members. The first photo shows them at last night’s anniversary party.
The food and decorations were organized by Conway Ogle seen in the second photo at the dessert table with her fun-loving drummer fiancee, Chris Del Conte. MACT is a group effort with everyone pitching in to help.
Last night I heard my first ‘swamp rock’ music performed by guitarist/vocalist Paul Fields. I loved the driving beat that made you feel like dancing. The lyrics were like folk music telling a story. I would call it ‘feel good’ music. I talked with Paul after his performance. He is a guitarist/vocalist with the award winning band, 10th Leper. This band of ‘old blues rockers’ (as Paul calls them) has been together about 10 years. The band currently has 6 members, three are ordained ministers. Paul said his favorite gig is playing at TYC where the band brings a positive message to troubled youth. They also play at the Freeman Center and at other benefits in the Central Texas community. Their music crosses all barriers of age, race, and social groups. Paul says, “Music touches everybody.” Tenth Leper plays about 80% original music and about 20% cover music. The musicians have fun while producing a quality product that is beneficial to society.
The third photo is Paul Fields.
Future blogs will feature more musicians and photos from MACT events.
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MCC Choirs, Local Professionals Perform Holocaust Works on April 14
There is a variety of musical performances throughout the Central Texas area during the Easter season. Music is a great way to express deep emotions.
Director Gail Wade will present the McLennan Community College Chorale and Tartan Singers in a special off-campus concert at Seventh and James Baptist Church on Tue. April 14 at 7:30 pm. This moving concert will include the “Holocaust Cantata” by Donald McCullough and Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms”. The program is free and open to the public. About 80 per cent of the students in the MCC Choral program are from the Waco area. Some of my favorite local professional musicians (Lydia Bratcher, Gale Wade, Lisa Uhl, and Donnie Balmos) will be performing in this concert making it ‘must see’ community production.
The title of the concert on the poster, “Even When God is Silent I Believe”, is taken from the text of the opening song: ‘I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when feeling it not. I believe in God even when God is silent.’ After World War II, Allied soldiers found these words carved in the basement of a building in Cologne, Germany. This poignant Holocaust Cantata was first performed in 1988 for the 50th anniversary of Kristallnacht which means ‘night of broken glass’. Kristallnacht was a horrifying night when the Nazis destroyed thousands of Jewish homes, businesses and over 200 synagogues.
Local private piano instructor, Lydia Bratcher, will accompany the ensemble on the organ and piano. MCC voice instructor, Lisa Uhl, will be the featured soprano soloist. MCC Director of Visual and Performing Arts Donald Balmos will assist on keyboard. MCC honor students, Katie Grebel and Justin Kroll, will play percussion. Jeremy Shih, a Baylor student from Plano, will play cello.
Transcriptions of prisoner interviews and other text during the program will be read by community members Raymond Bailey, Bill Dietz, Virginia DuPuy, Carl Hoover, Naseem Khozein, Tahara Vargas, and Carlton Willis.
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‘Rising Star’ Performs at Western Expo at HOT Fairgounds Sat. April 4
Last night, March 26, 2009, 250-300 local musicians and their friends met at the American Legion Hall in Waco to present the 8th Annual Groovy Awards in 24 different categories. Over 100 musicians made it to the finals from ballots submitted by the public. Hundreds of others didn’t make it to the finals — that is a lot of musicians in the Central Texas area!
One of the awards was for ‘Rising Star’. Angie Hardin, the lead presenter, carried an armful of helium filled star balloons as the award was presented to teen-age singer/songwriter Holly Tucker.
You can hear Holly next Sat., April 4 at the Western Fair and Expo at the HOT Fairgrounds (www.hotfair.com) from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm with her new ‘live band’. Holly’s band is a family affair with other talented musicians rounding out the group. Johnny Tucker, dad, leads the band playing acoustic guitar and sings background vocals. Cheryl Tucker, mom, plays keyboards and sings background vocals. Travis Tucker, 22 year old brother, is an accomplished drummer playing for years in Christian worship bands. Tucker was also a member of the award-winning Lorena High School Drumline for three years and has been a member of The Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band Drumline for three years. A Lorena high school buddy of Travis, Jacob Smith, is a music student at MCC focusing on bass guitar. He is a well-rounded guy who sings and plays percussion in Holly’s band. Caleb Barnet, a student of Dick Gimble at MCC, plays guitar in the Axtell school jazz ensemble and in Holly’s group. He plans to continue his music at NTSU in the fall. Steve Palousek has been an award-winning steel guitarist, Nashville session player, and a member of the Ray Price band for 13 years. Steve is currently owner/operator of ‘Awesome Works Recording’ in Holland, Texas, where Holly has done some of the work on her CDs. He is an amazing musician and a real addition to her team.
I talked to several people at the Groovy Awards last night who heard Holly and her band at El Chicos recently. They were impressed.
In previous years Holly sang country and gospel with her parents at two of the best venues in the state: The Johnnie High Country Music Revue in Arlington and The Dennis Ivey Texas Opry in Crockett.
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New CDs by Baylor Faculty Musicians
The Baylor Woodwind Quintet released a CD recently on the prestigious classical label, Centaur Records. The faculty performers are flutist Helen Ann Shanley, oboist Doris DeLoach, bassoonist Matt Morris, clarinetist Richard Shanley, and French horn player Jeff Powers.
I have enjoyed the superb musical performances of the Shanleys (Helen Ann and Richard) and DeLoach for over 25 years in this faculty quintet. The other members have rotated as faculty members changed, but this talented trio has remained a constant.
All the selections on this hour long CD were written by 5 Baylor composers (faculty and students, past and present) expressly for the Baylor Woodwind Quintet. Two pieces were written by Richard Willis: ‘Colloquy for Woodwind Quintet and Percussion’ with percussionist Todd Meehan and ‘Six Miniatures’. Scott McAllister wrote ‘With Growing Wind and Tide‘. Paul Richards’ piece entitled, ‘Woodwind Quintet’ has two movements - Calliope, Dirge and Fugue. Composer Charles Rochester Young wrote ‘Three Summer Evenings’.
The Quintet’s horn player Jeff Powers also released a CD he made with pianist Vincent De Vries, “In a Lyrical Way: Music for Horn and Piano by Flemish Composers”. These two Baylor faculty members perform works by Brahms, Poulenc, Rachmaninoff, and Milhaud.
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Baylor and MCC Present Concerts on March 17, 2009
One of the nice things about living in a college town like Waco is the abundance of musical performances presented by the Baylor School of Music and the McLennan Community College (MCC) Music Dept. Most of the concerts are free.
The faculty in our two Waco music schools are all accomplished musicians who perform periodically to inspire students and enthuse concert goers.
Jane Abbott Kirk, professor of piano at Baylor, performs at Roxy Grove Hall on Tue. March 17 at 7:30 pm. Jane is a Texas native who won her first Symphony piano contest at age 11 in Corpus Christi. She has performed with the Houston Symphony and the San Antonio Symphony as well as throughout the US, Canada, and Austria. Now Jane lives, teaches, and performs in Waco. We are so fortunate to have local talent like Jane. Those living outside Waco can listen to her recordings on the label, Musical Heritage Society. Jane was awarded the prestigious ‘Collegiate Teacher of the Year’ in 2004 by her peers at TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association).
The MCC Student Jazz Ensemble will also present a concert on Tue. March 17 at 7:30 pm in the Ball Performing Arts Center on the MCC campus. Faculty saxophonist Rob Page will direct the student group composed of many Waco area college student musicians. Rob holds degrees from The University of Pennsylvania and The University of Miami and is the Director of the Visual & Performing Arts Division at MCC.
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24 Waco Musicians Perform in Belgium During Spring Break 2009
The first two weeks of March 2009, 24 Waco musicians/Baylor music faculty will be in Belgium. They won’t be on vacation - they have a very ambitious schedule of 21 concerts/recitals, 78 master classes/workshops, and 12 scholarly lectures. These musical events will take place in 16 different cities including all the major music conservatories and many high school music academies in Belguim.
Baylor faculty composer, Dr. Scott McAllister, will conduct some of his original compositions during the annual International Contemporary Music Festival. Baylor faculty member, Dr. Loyd Hawthorne, will conduct the Belgium National Radio Choir.
Baylor’s Vision 2012 emphasizes global education. This trip by the music faculty will help fulfill some of those goals. It is also a way to establish some professional relationships with music colleagues in Belgium. What a wonderful international experience for our Waco musicians!
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Live Music at Cricket’s Fri. March 6
This Fri. March 6 at 9 pm, there will be live music at Cricket’s! But Cricket’s doesn’t usually have live music. They don’t even have a stage. Imagine inside Cricket’s near the front (where the darts are located), move a few tables away, and there is space for the musicians to set up. The special event at Cricket’s is free, but donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Cricket’s Grill & Draft House is located on Franklin across from the Hilton.
Jason Collins, a Waco singer, will perform with Waco guitarist Todd Collins. Their music is a combination of styles - classic rock, songs of the 80’s, quasi-country, and original songs.
Jason was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) four years ago. He has spent time in a wheelchair, endured chemotherapy, vision impairment, and more during the course of his disease. Jason is a positive person who wants to fight this disease by raising money to further MS research. He is an inspiration to all, especially fellow MS patients. He wrote an original song, “24 Hr. Alamo” that says, “I will not go quietly” and “Let’s fight the enemy”.
In addition, the Fletchtones led by former Wacoan Jay Fletcher will perform. Waco drummer Richard Shelton will play with the group.
I remember a band called Flashback that used to perform at Chelsea Street Pub in the Richland Mall about 20 years ago. Jason and Jay both played in that band.
Come out Fri. night to hear Jason, Todd, the Fletchtones and others as they use their musical talents to raise awareness and funding for MS. It is their desire to use their passion of music to offer support and assistance to those dealing with MS.
The photo on this blog entry is Jason and Todd performing in the band ‘Paradox’ in 1985. This same duo (Jason and Todd) will perform together Fri. March 6, 2009 at Crickets -that’s a long history of friendship and music-making!
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My mom loves these dances!!! especailly the country bands. It is all she talks about. There’s always a big crowd of her friends there and she likes to meet new people too.
... read the full comment by Nancy | Comment on Live Dance Music Every Tue. and Thur. at the Sul Ross Senior Center Read Live Dance Music Every Tue. and Thur. at the Sul Ross Senior Center
Thanks again Sandi for covering one of those events that helps to make Waco such an enjoyable place to live .
... read the full comment by Frankenberry | Comment on Live Dance Music Every Tue. and Thur. at the Sul Ross Senior Center Read Live Dance Music Every Tue. and Thur. at the Sul Ross Senior Center
I’m glad to hear the mangirlmanband (notice I spelled it correctly this time) is evolving from a 3 piece metal band to a 5 piece group with more variety. Best of luck as the band continues to develop. Most bands change and add members through the years
... read the full comment by Sandi | Comment on Kat Dixon and mangirlman band at Hemmingway's June 27 Read Kat Dixon and mangirlman band at Hemmingway's June 27
our name is mangirlmanband. one word. we are NOT a metal band. our 5 members include Ryan Batchelor drums Nicole Long keyboard, trumpet, vocals, noise
... read the full comment by Nicole of mangirlmanband | Comment on Kat Dixon and mangirlman band at Hemmingway's June 27 Read Kat Dixon and mangirlman band at Hemmingway's June 27