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1st Annual Jubilee Music Festival Sat. Nov. 14, 2009
The first annual Music Jubilee Festival benefiting Mission Waco will be held this Sat. Nov. 14 from 6-9:30 pm at the Jubilee Theatre, 1315 N. 15th Street, next door to World Cup Café on Colcord in Waco and other stages nearby. The eclectic musical line-up will include Johnny Gimble, Dick Gimble and Friends, Ahmad, Austin Murray, Polatik, Mister Slugger, Zach Almond and The Brethren, Wes Cummingham, The Turbevilles, Richard Thomas, Brenda Flores and others. WOW - that’s a lot of talent in the area surrounding 15th and Colcord!
Dick Gimble and Joana Mackey, leaders from McLennan Community College, are joining forces with Mission Waco to produce this musical event for our community. Most of the performing musicians are from the Waco area. The program includes musicians of all ages and styles. There is truly something for everyone at the Jubilee Music Festival. Great food will also be available to purchase nearby at World Cup Café and D’s Mediterranean Grill.
Other local businesses helping out are Walmart, Curves, Pizza Hut, and Crossings. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
The purpose of the Jubilee Music Festival is to raise awareness of Mission Waco while raising money for their services that empower the poor. The long term vision is to revitalize and stimulate economic growth in the area of town around Mission Waco.
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Youth Wind Ensemble performs Sun. Oct. 25, 2009
Whenever I attend a concert performed by students I feel confident that music in America is alive and well. The talent of our young people, both school age and college age, is astounding. This also means our music teachers must be doing an exemplary job. Those of us fortunate enough to live in Waco have a plethora of concerts to choose to attend.
During the past few weeks I’ve seen Broadway musicals performed at Baylor University and at McLennan Community College that were very well done. The Baylor Jazz Ensemble concert last Tue. continued the high standard of excellence led by Waco musician Alex Parker.
At the Waco Cultural Arts Fair in September, many professional musicians were brought in from all over the country. There were also several local groups performing at this prestigious event attended by over 10,000 central Texans. The Rapoport Academy Public School in Waco had several groups performing ranging in age from 6-18 including a choir and a jazz band. Professional musicians Eric Dozier and Naseem Khozein returned for the second year to work with Rapoport students as well as North Waco Elementary students. The first photo on this blog entry shows the young professionals performing on the Indian Spring Park amphitheatre stage with local Waco students. The second photo was all taken at the amphitheatre at the end of the performance by NYC musicians, “Retumba” with Waco audience participation in the closing dance. (Notice Naseem and her mom Brenda in the center back of 2nd photo.)
On Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at 3 pm, we have an opportunity to hear some of the finest high school age instrumentalists perform in the Waco Area Youth Wind Ensemble under the leadership of local musician Brain Harris. The honor band will present ‘Multi-Media Movie Music Concert’ in the Ball Performing Arts center on the MCC campus. The performance will feature music from these movies - “The Fellowship of the Ring”, “Twilight”, and “The Incredibles” incorporating the use of slideshows and videos. Admission is free.
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MCC Has Busy Oct 2009 Performance Calendar
October 2009 is a busy month for musical performances at McLennan Community College at the school’s Ball Performing Arts Center. Get out your calendars and mark the following events that all begin at 7:30 pm.
‘Baby the Musical’ is presented the first two week-ends in Oct. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens. Call 254 299-8283 for reservations.
MCC has a reputation for always having a terrific choir with mostly Central Texas college students who have graduated from local high schools. The choir’s first concert is scheduled on Mon. Oct. 12.
Instrumental music lovers will enjoy a combined concert featuring the MCC student Wind Symphony and the Waco Community Band on Tue. Oct. 27. The program is titled, ‘Halloween Chillers and Thrillers’.
The Student Jazz Ensemble completes the month’s performances on Thur. Oct. 29.
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Waco Drummer Nick Klaras Passes Away
Nick Klaras, one of the founding members of the Waco Jazz Orchestra, passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 4, 2009 at the age of 80.
Nick entertained Central Texans for countless years with his robust style of drum playing. He always seemed to have a happy look on his face when he played his drums. He brought joy to many with his jubilant musical expressions. His smile was contagious, I always ended up smiling when I heard him play.
On several occasions I heard the remark, “He can beat the hell outa those drums!” Yes, he could beat those drums in a very tasteful, enjoyable way.
I will miss Nick Klaras - the man and his music. Most of all, I will miss his wide grin that could light up an entire auditorium.
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‘Gospel LIVE’ at Waco’s Phoenix Ballroom Oct. 4, 2009
A festival of gospel talent can be heard at ‘Gospel LIVE’ on Sun. Oct. 4 from 2-4 pm at the Phoenix Ballroom located at 401 S. 3rd Street in Waco benefiting the Talitha Koum Institute. Tickets are $25.
Keron Jackson, a Baylor music graduate, is a powerful bass-baritone singer with charisma as big as his voice. He returns to Waco to the delight of his many fans for this fund-raiser. Keron currently sings bass in The Dallas Opera, a world-class opera company. Many Wacoans remember Keron’s magnificent musical offering at the 2005 funeral of distinguished Waco Judge Bill Logue.
The Baylor University Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir will electrify this gospel event with their songs and movement. Performing in Central Texas for over 20 years, ‘Heavenly Voices’ delivers a high energy, spiritual, musical experience.
Central Texas teen-age sensational singer, Holly Tucker, will perform with her Tucker Family Trio. The Tuckers always give audiences a moving performance.
Cherry Boggess, a Waco soloist, will also perform.
Talitha Koum is one of the Cross Ties Ministries providing a Nurture Center located in the Kate Ross neighborhood of Waco that offers comprehensive care for families with young children including therapeutic nursery, parenting classes, family assistance counseling, a nurse/family partnership and a swimming pool.
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David Crowder Band Releases CD Mon. Sept. 21, 2009
The David Crowder Band will release a seventh album, “Church Music” in Waco at a 7:30 pm party on Mon. Sept. 21, 2009 at University Baptist Church Tickets cost $15. More details are available at www.davidcrowderband.com.
Band members are: David Crowder (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Jack Parker (guitar, vocals), Mike Dodson (bass guitar, keyboards, cello), Mike Hogan (violin/strings), Jeremy Bush (percussion), and Mark Waldrop (guitar).
David Crowder Band was nominated for three Dove Awards at the 40th Annual Gospel Music Awards in 2009. The Waco musical group received 2 previous Dove Awards in 2007 and 2006.
Back in 1995, David Crowder was a student at Baylor. He and Chris Seay started University Baptist Church in an effort to reach unchurched population of Baylor students. David composed songs to use in the UBC worship service located in a former Safeway grocery store building. (The church is still housed there.) David formed a band to play his worship music resulting in the release of two independent CDs by 1999, “Pour Over Me” and “All I Can Say”. Sparrow Records then signed the band and produced six more CDs.
For you trivia fans, Ted Nugent, makes a special appearance on the song, “I Won’t Be Quiet” on the David Crowder Band CD, “Remedy”. It reached #4 on the iTunes Music Store chart the day after it was released on Sept. 25, 2007.
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Waco Cultural Arts Fest Sept. 19-20, 2009 at Indian Spring Park
The sixth annual Waco Cultural Arts Fest returns to Waco Sept. 19-20, 2009 in downtown Waco’s Indian Spring Park. This free family event features live music from around the world with guest performers from several continents as well as some of our own local Waco musicians on two stages. The music begins at 11am with the Central Texas String Academy founded by Waco musician Julia Hardie on the main stage overlooking the banks of the Brazos River. Music continues on the big stage until about 10 pm on Sat. The main stage music on Sun. runs from 1 - 5:30 pm. On the second smaller KWBU Stage, located near the Vietnam Memorial, local performing children’s groups and professional music groups provide programming from noon to 8 pm Sat. and noon - 5 pm Sun. Check the schedules for both stages at www.wacoartsfest.org.
Doreen Ravencroft, the festival director, has done an outstanding job bringing exceptionally talented artists and musicians to Waco the past several years for the Arts Fest. Some of the festival musicians came to town early to present workshops and concerts to children in the Waco Independent School District all day Thur. and Fri. Sept. 17-18.
Twenty-eight years ago the musical group Retumba began to emerge in New York City. Two of the founding members, Evette Martinez and Nancy Friedman, shared their love of Caribbean music and dance with Waco children in grades 1-5 at Alta Vista Montessori Magnet School and Hillcrest Professional Development School on Thur. I had the pleasure to transport these talented ladies and participate in their workshops. The children and their teachers were on their feet participating every minute of each 45 min. session. As the presenters left one campus, the students were asking them return to teach them more.
An additional seven members of Retumba arrived in Waco from NYC as we finished the school workshops. Later Thur. evening Retumba was invited by Jackie Lott for an impromptu jam session at her home with Waco guitarists Ken Frazier and Bob Lott. Retumba singers took turns singing jazz improv solos in many languages including Spanish/Portuguese, Haitian/Creole, and French. It was an unexpected treat to hear ‘Black Orpheus’, ‘All of Me’ and other jazz standards performed by international singing artists accompanied by Waco guitarists. This morning as I dropped off Retumba members at the Waco Hippodrome to perform for over 1000 school children, one of the ladies told me ‘Last night was very special … hearing all the different languages sing. These memories will last a lifetime. This is what it’s all about.’
I agree - sharing/performing music with others creates a unique experience and bond like nothing else. Jazz is a language understood by musicians around the world.
RETUMBA in Waco photos: 1. Alta Vista students ‘cool down’ at the end of workshop 2. Hillcrest students and teachers at dance workshop 3. Retumba singing jazz 4. Local guitarists Bob Lott and Ken Frazier
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Third Annual Big Band Swing Concert at Baylor is a Hit
Last night Baylor jazz director Alex Parker delivered a wonderfully entertaining big band swing concert with his 20 piece Jazz Ensemble. With only five rehearsals, this group of talented Baylor students produced a superb concert. Six guest artists (Baylor faculty) performed as soloists throughout the evening. I was amazed at the stunning artistry of these local Waco musicians/Baylor professors.
My favorite performance in the program was the Tommy Dorsey arrangement of ‘I’m Getting Sentimental Over You’ with the trombone solo played Brent Phillips, professor of trombone at Baylor. Brent’s beautiful, warm, rich, luscious, flowing melody brought tears to my eyes. I can’t remember ever hearing a more gorgeous trombone sound played so musically.
Kent Eshelman was listed as the tuba instructor, but Alex introduced him as the Baylor faculty jazz pianist. Kent has degrees in both areas (piano and tuba) from Michigan. After Kent performed with the Jazz Ensemble on piano, he performed an amazing Boogie Woogie piano solo that totally mesmerized the audience who gave him an immediate standing ovation. At intermission, I was honored to meet Kent, his pianist wife, and their young baby. I welcomed them to Waco. It was exciting to know we have such a talented performing musician new to the Waco area. I will be watching for future performances by Kent Eshelman.
Faculty jazz trumpet player Wiff Rudd gave a stunning solo performance on ‘James Session’. He has been entertaining audiences in Waco for over a decade. It is always a pleasure to hear such a powerful, yet exquisite trumpet sound.
Michael Jacobson played a dazzling alto sax solo on “Speak Low’. Bass instructor Sandor Ostland and percussion instructor Edward Taylor also played striking solos on a couple of pieces with the student ensemble.
The Jazz Ensemble received several standing ovations so they played several encores. Director Alex invited the audience to dance in the aisles as they played their final encore of the famous Glenn Miller arrangement of ‘In the Mood’. I was touched watching a college age boy dance with a lady old enough to be his grandmother and a Baylor co-ed dancing with a gentleman the age of her grandfather. Three generations of music lovers were at this concert. It was a wonderful community experience.
As I was leaving Jones Concert Hall, I overheard a Baylor student remark, ‘I am so filled with joy right now.’ Her sentiment seemed to reflect the delightful feeling many of us felt from the magnificent program that had just seen and heard.
The next concert by Alex Parker’s Jazz Ensemble is Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm in Jones Hall. Mark your calendars now if you love top quality live jazz. Alex does a tremendous job training the future jazz performers of America.
In the photo: Outstanding soloist Mary Gant, the only student band member from Waco, stands as she plays a tenor sax solo with Alex Parker directing the Baylor Jazz Ensemble.
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Lorna Willhelm and Handful of Blues Perform Fri. Sept. 11 at Lake Brazos Steakhouse
Lorna Willhelm and a Handful of Blues (formerly Maiden Voyage) will perform 8-10 pm on Fri. Sept. 11 at the Lake Brazos Steakhouse, 1620 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Waco.
Vocalist Lorna leads the group consisting of guitarist Pat Kelly, and bassist Rex Willhelm. These talented musicians perform a fusion of blues, jazz, rock, and country. Lorna sings beautifully, sometimes sassily, in a variety of styles combining passion and spicy rhythms. Pat plays impressive guitar licks and great accompaniments. Rex supports the group with his solid bass playing and also writes songs.
This trio consistently pleases audiences by playing quality music and adding a touch of fun. They play all over the Waco area. Check www.accesswaco.com for future listings.
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‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Opens at Waco Civic Theatre on Aug. 28
I can’t wait to see the Waco Civic Theatre’s production of the Broadway musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ this week-end. Show times are at 7:30 pm on Aug. 28, 29, Sept. 4, 5, 11, 12 and at 2 pm on Aug. 30 and Sept. 6, 13. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students/seniors. Opening night tickets are an extra $2 and include a reception. Call the box office for info or reservations at 254 776-1591. ‘Little Shop’ is an enjoyable musical comedy with several messages on multiple levels. It is rated PG. The story revolves around an unusual plant at a family owned flower shop that likes blood and a skid row love story. The music is from the 60’s - rock, doo-wop, and Motown.
The director for the WCT production is George Boyd III who has directed on Broadway, Off Broadway, National and International Touring groups, and at various Regional Theatres. The attached photo is director Boyd with the ‘unusual’ plant in the musical. (photo by Jerry Larson)
Central Texas musicians in ‘Little Shop’ include Amanda Chancey as Audrey, Paul Mabbitt as Seymore, Michael Daughtry as Orin, and James Johnson as Mushnik. The singing Doo Wop girls are Crystal Tate, Jana McCoy, and DLR Mayes. Other members of the ensemble are Brian Tankersley, Mike Makowski, Joe Manning, Margaret Rast, Becky Fox, Karen Savage, Donna Makowski, Crystal Chambers, Sha Dana Jones, and Jeremy Davis.
I remember the first time I saw the ‘Little Shop’ musical in 1994. Waco High School performed it at the Waco Hippodrome. This was before the Performing Art Center was built on the WHS campus. Mace Hibbard played the lead role of Seymore. I had only known Mace as a saxophone player so I was surprised to see him sing and act so well. His sister Sarah (another WHS former music student) is a well-known opera singer with a PhD after her name. Mace currently performs throughout the US and teaches jazz saxophone at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
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Lorena Music Students Win State Competition
School starts this week for most students in Central Texas. Many high school band musicians began rehearsals over two weeks ago preparing music and marching shows for half time performances. It’s been over 25 years since I was a band director in Belton, but I still remember the thrill and excitement of a new school year. Band directing is practically a 24/7 type job. It’s always somewhere in your mind and ‘talking shop’ is the mainstay of conversation for many directors.
Central Texas has too many wonderful school music programs to list. However, there are two exceptional students from Lorena with accomplishments of musical excellence I wish to share. Percussionist Collin Brown and vocalist Jordan Hanlin competed in the All-State UIL Solo Competition this summer winning the coveted ‘Outstanding Performer’ award in their categories of snare drum and 1st soprano. Over 85,000 young musicians competed in the UIL music events. Out of 22,000 music students who advanced to the highest level this summer, 239 were selected as ‘Outstanding Performer’ in a specific category,
Collin and Jordan are seniors this year at Lorena High School. Both are members of the band under the leadership of directors Carol Penoli, Shannon Autrey, Rebecca Rosenboom, and Damon Vela. Jordan is also in the Lorena choir directed by Robyn Maricle and takes private voice lessons from Beth Fry. Collin takes private lessons from Damon Vela.
CONGRATULATIONS to these fine students and their outstanding school music programs.
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Dr. Terry York Receives Highest Church Music Award
Waco musician, Dr. Terry York, received the Baptist Church Music Conference’s highest award, ‘The W. Hines Sims Award’ at the 2009 yearly conference in Nashville this summer. This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of church music. Each year the winner is chosen by the membership of the Baptist Church Music Conference. Dr. York is very deserving of this year’s conference award.
Dr. Terry York, a Baylor music professor, also teaches at The Truett Seminary. He was a Baptist Minister of Music for many years and also served as project coordinator for ‘The Baptist Hymnal’ in 1991. Dr. York also composes lyrics for church choral music that melds hymns with praise choruses. You may have heard of his ‘Worthy of Worship’. His lyrics to ‘See God’s Light’ has recently been selected as the new university hymn for Ouachita Baptist University.
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Musician/composer Michael Young Releases CD
Michael Young, the 2001 valedictorian of Waco High School, released a CD of his original rock/pop compositions using guitar, keyboard, drums, and a variety of other instruments/sounds. The professional quality CD, “The Man in the Moon” performed by the band, ‘Judges’ Hill’, is also produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Michael Young. He is helped by his Waco High friends — Josiah Spence and Keith Prather. Other friends contributing to the album are Matt Latour, Barrett Walton, Lars Pomara, and Matthew Payne.
The music is pleasing and relaxing enough to use as dinner music. I especially like the solo piano work, Nocturne No. 1. You can listen to several of the songs and order the CD from the band’s myspace - www.myspace.com/streetlightradio. I agree with a myspace friend’s comment to ‘Judges’ Hill’, “You’re about to bring soul back into a very muffled music scene”. The music on ‘The Man in the Moon’ crosses through 3 generations. I’ve talked to members of the generation of my children (20-somethings), my generation, and my parents’ generation. They ALL like the music on this CD. WOW!!!! Another Wacoan grows up to be a successful musician. Michael Young also performs solo acoustic guitar music in Austin where he currently resides. Michael is the son of John and Becky Young.
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Shane Howard Band Releases 3rd CD at Austin’s on the Ave. Sat. Aug. 1
The Shane Howard Band (SHB) will release its 3rd CD, “Out of Control” at a party on Sat. Aug. 1 at Austin’s on the Avenue in Waco. This event is open to the public. The band will play from 9 pm to 1:30 am. CDs will sell for $10. SHB labels their music as ‘alternative country’. You can listen to five different songs on a TUNEPAK created by the SHB at www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1684826.
Shane Howard has been performing in bands in Central Texas the past 10 years. A few years back, Shane redesigned his band into a trio with local musicians Gary Scott (bass, vocals) and Steve Scheifley (drums, vocals). The band has concentrated on playing more original music and developing their own unique style.
If you have never been to Austin’s on the Avenue or never heard the Shane Howard Band, you are in for a treat! SHB will return to Austin’s on Aug. 14 if you miss the CD release party on Aug. 1. I love listening to music on the beautiful outdoor patio at Austin’s located at 719 Austin Avenue in Waco. The first few times I went to Austin’s on the Avenue, I felt like I was in Ft. Worth or Houston or Austin. Now it feels like the ‘new’ downtown Waco — better than any of the other big cities. Some of my other favorite ‘new’ downtown venues are ‘The Palladium’, ‘The Square Bar and Grill’, and ‘The Croft Art Gallery’.
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Waco Needs PAC on the River, Former Wacoan stars in musical at Houston PAC
Last week I read an inspiring editorial in the Waco Trib by Henry Walbesser encouraging us to consider a performing arts center (PAC) near the Brazos River. I’ve heard talk about this for about 20 years. Now is the time. Waco is becoming a progressive city with wonderful new developments downtown. The next step to put us in ‘the big leagues’ is a facility for musicians, dancers, and actors to perform. Besides bringing in national talent, local performers would also have a great venue. Wacoans wouldn’t have to drive to Dallas, Austin or Houston to see major/large productions. (The Waco Hippodrome is a great venue, just smaller than most big cities.)
My husband and I travel to Houston about once a month to attend performing arts events. Houston’s downtown theater district is amazing. The new Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (opened May 2002) has two stages seating a total of 3,000, a four star restaurant above the theaters, and a parking garage. The resident theater company at the Hobby Center PAC is the Masquerade Theatre performing Broadway musicals year round. For more info see www.thehobbycenter.org or www.masqueradetheatre.org
Former Midway ISD and McLennan Community College student, Laura Gray, performs in the Masquerade Theatre productions regularly at the downtown Houston PAC . ‘The Producers’ will open this Fri. July 24 and runs until Aug. 2 featuring Laura in the lead female role. I saw a national traveling group perform this at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre a couple of years ago. I’m looking forward to seeing it again on the big stage.
Here are a couple of photos of Laura singing one of her solos from ‘The Producers’ at a preview event in Houston and the poster for the show with Laura wearing a blond wig for her role in the musical.
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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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Joana,
We are very proud of you and your work. Through My Daughters Eyes, we live a life of a blessed mother and father. Your success is our success. Love Mom and Dad Jerry and Adeli Ybarra
... read the full comment by Adeli Ybarra | Comment on 1st Annual Jubilee Music Festival Sat. Nov. 14, 2009 Read 1st Annual Jubilee Music Festival Sat. Nov. 14, 2009
Good luck Joana I’m very proud of you & I’m sorry we won’t be there with you. Have a great show.All my love your sister Caroline xx
... read the full comment by Caroline Huer | Comment on 1st Annual Jubilee Music Festival Sat. Nov. 14, 2009 Read 1st Annual Jubilee Music Festival Sat. Nov. 14, 2009
My father was a dear friend of his and to our whole family.I lost my father (Johnnie Smith Jr ) a few years ago….I am sure they are together with Lonnie Campbell playin’ GREAT music!!!
... read the full comment by Rhonda Smith Owens | Comment on Waco Drummer Nick Klaras Passes Away Read Waco Drummer Nick Klaras Passes Away
3 Rapoport Academy musical groups also enjoyed the Cultural Arts Festival! The Jazz Ensemble, “Chorale Fusion” (1st-12th grade choir-all singing together) and “Nevermore”(2 high school students with great backup) performed on 2
... read the full comment by Gaylene Reed | Comment on Waco Cultural Arts Fest Sept. 19-20, 2009 at Indian Spring Park Read Waco Cultural Arts Fest Sept. 19-20, 2009 at Indian Spring Park