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Generation to Generation Concert on Nov. 21 Benefits Local School Music Programs
‘Generation to Generation’ is a benefit concert designed to donate profits to Waco public school music programs at two elementary schools - Alta Vista and JH Hines, two middle schools - Carver and University, and two high schools - Waco and University.
Club Legacy, 101 Mill Street, (formerly the Waterworks Restaurant) is providing both of its stages as a venue for this event on Fri. Nov. 21 from 8 pm - 2 am. Admission is $5.
One stage will feature local jazz musicians including Classie Ballou, Dick Gimble and Jazz Friends, Sha’Dana, and Mr. Big Stuff. The other stage will spotlight local hip hop groups such as Meheim, JR Aguilar, Mr. Ceno G, Keimo Therapy, Lil‘ Pooh Tha Chosen, and E-Money. MCC students and faculty will be performing in some of the groups.
Visionary Joana Ybarra Mackey dreamed up this exciting event for a truly noble cause - to benefit the music education of our Waco children who are the future musicians and audiences of Central Texas. Joana is a commercial music major at McLennan Community College. One of her college courses, ‘Concert Promotions and Venue Management’ taught by MCC instructor Dick Gimble requires music students to produce and promote a benefit concert with no budget to help a non profit group. Joana’s brothers and sisters as well as her own two children learned to play the violin in the Alta Vista Suzuki music program taught by the late Nancy Barcus. Joana saw first hand the impact the public school music program had on her family members. Public school students receive free instruction on string instruments and also can receive loaner musical instruments at no charge. Individual schools have a music budget from WISD, but can also accept donations from private donors to upgrade the quality of the programs. Joana has become so excited about this MCC term project that she has pursued and completed the paperwork for a nonprofit organization, “Friends of Music”, to benefit local children.
Joana has also secured sponsors to help with costs and to donate money to the cause - Dr. Pepper, Sunny Day Center (senior adult day care), Central National Bank, Til I Die Records, David and Kim Jung. Empire Graphics donated hours helping to design and produce the publicity flyer shown on this blog entry.
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RED, WHITE, and BLUES Concert Sat. Nov. 8 Honors Veterans
The Community Race Relations Coalition (CRRC) will honor veterans with a RED, WHITE & BLUES Concert and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Nov. 8 from 7 - 10 pm at the City of Waco Multi-purpose Center on the Paul Quinn Campus, 1020 Elm St. Tickets are $20 each or $150 for a table of 8.
Entertainment will feature local musicians Classie Ballou and Family Band including 9 year old Cam’Ron on the drums. Last July, the Ballou family performed at the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland Oregon. One review I read said, “I enjoyed this set of swamp blues, but what won over the hearts of the crowd was the drummer, Classie’s 9 year old grandson Cam-ron. He’s 9, looks 7 and plays like he’s 35”. The family band plays a wide variety of music, but specializes in blues and zydeco. Easy Marshall will also play piano. Local favorites Max and Tamme of KBGO Radio will keep things rolling.
Guests are asked to bring items for Iraq soldiers such as beef jerky, coffee, instant drink mix, sunflower seeds, tuna in foil packets, protein bars, baby wipes, batteries, DVD movies, CD’s, T-shirts, socks, flea collars, dog biscuits, and dog shampoo (for K-9 Units). Don’t bring any glass or can items.
Also, don’t forget the Veteran’s Day Parade on Tue. Nov. 11 at 11am starting at 12th and Austin.
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Local C&W Bands Play Fridays at Whiskey River Club
If you like live country and western bands, the new Whiskey River Club is the place for you on Fri. nights in Nov. The Whiskey River Club (used to be Grahams) is located at 7524 Bosque Blvd. They have the largest dance floor in Waco for C&W dancing. Local C&W bands will perform from 8 pm to midnight. Admission is $5 per person. There is a lighted parking lot with security. “Operation Safe Ride” is also available.
Here’s the line-up of local bands: Fri. Nov. 7 - Tobacco Road; Fri. Nov. 14 - Branded Heart; Fri. Nov. 21 - Bradshaw Gang; Fri. Nov. 28 - Smokin’ Gun.
If the Fri. night bands are successful, live music may be expanded to Saturdays.
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SPOTLIGHT! Spoofs Election on Nov. 3
I’m ready for the elections to be over. The campaigns this year have been more unpleasant and stressful than any I can remember. One of the best ways to relieve stress is to laugh. On Mon. Nov. 2 (the day before elections), McLennan Community College’s music theatre ensemble SPOTLIGHT! will present an evening of political satire on the 2008 elections. The family friendly program will last about one hour beginning at 7:30 pm in the Ball Performing Arts Center. Admission is FREE.
The bi-partisan musical program features familiar Broadway tunes with slightly different words that are witty, comical, and even thought provoking. The altered lyrics reflect campaign issues such as gas prices, the economy, stem cell research, homeland security, the environment, Iraq, pro-choice/life, the importance of voting, and the privileges we have as Americans. The students have written many of the lyrics including ‘All That Gas’ (All That Jazz) from Chicago, ‘Mamma Mia, Time To Vote Again’ from Mamma Mia, ‘You’re The One That I Want’ from Grease and ‘Vote for the Best’ (All for the Best) from Godspell. There are additional songs from Aida, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, The Producers, My Fair Lady, and many more Broadway shows. Obama, McCain, Palin, Condolezza, Hillary, Bill, and other “wanna-bes” will all be heard on the MCC stage.
The director of the 13 member SPOTLIGHT! is Dr. Karen Albrecht. Karen also directs the annual MCC musical, teaches voice and diction at the college. She has a Ph.D. in music education and voice pedagogy from University of North Texas. MCC music and theatre students are very fortunate to have such a talented and enthusiastic instructor. In addition to decades of teaching experience, Albrecht has performance experience in opera, music theatre, and concerts in the United States and Europe. She has also presented numerous lectures at state-wide and national conferences including TETA and TMEA.
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17th Annual Halloween Organ Concert at Baylor Oct. 29
The 17th annual organ Halloween recital will be performed in Jones Concert Hall on the Baylor campus on Wed. Oct. 29 beginning at 9 pm.
The performers will forgo traditional formal concert attire for Halloween costumes. Audience members, both adults and children, are encouraged to come in costume to this free evening of fun music.
There will be a wide variety of music including the quintessential Bach ‘Toccata and Fugue in D minor’, theme from ‘Star Wars’, a hilarious spoof by P. D. Q. Bach ‘Toot Suite’, Beethoven’s ‘Turkish March’, and Saint Saens’ ‘Danse Macabre’ complete with dancing skeletons. Jones Hall will be decorated with orange lights.
Dr. Joyce Jones, Professor of Music and Organist-in-Residence, is the mastermind behind this popular seasonal event. “In order to avoid conflicts with Baylor’s homecoming Oct. 31-Nov. 2, we opted to have the recital earlier in the week, at the late hour of 9:00 PM on Wednesday, Oct. 29”. Dr. Jones is not scheduled to play, but she has been known to make impromptu appearances in previous years. She has taught organ at Baylor since 1969.
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Three Local Bands Entertain at Waco Wine and Food Fest Oct. 25
On Sat. afternoon, Oct. 25, over 1200 Waco area citizens visited the Art Center Courtyard and surrounding grounds for the 9th Annual Wine and Food Fest benefiting the Waco Humane Society.
Outstanding music by three local groups contributed to the festive event. ‘Beth and the Boys’ opened on the main stage with Texas Swing music as beautiful as the perfect fall Waco weather. Vocal soloist Beth Vivio entertained the crowd with several of my favorite songs - Crazy, Misty, and Over the Rainbow - fresh off her recently released CD. Beth sings artistically with a voice as smooth as silk. Accomplished musicians Ken Frazier and Bob Lott accompanied her timeless gems on guitar plus performed some dazzling guitar duets - Girl From Ipanema and Wave.
Next on the main stage was Waco’s hottest band, ‘Mustard Seed’, according to the City Review Magazine. This trio of seasoned musicians treated the audience with mostly immediately identifiable songs that contributed to adults dancing and singing as they walked around the beautiful outdoor Art Center area. I especially enjoyed Mustard Seed’s arrangements of songs from the popular groups Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Hootie and the Blowfish, Bob Dylan, and the Dave Matthews Band. The leader Sherman Ayers played drums and sang musically with enthusiasm for over two hours. Mike Donohue, a solid bass player in all styles the group played -rock, jazz, blues, R&B and funk, also sang. Marcus Johnson, the talented lead guitar player also contributed to the vocal harmonies.
New this year at the Wine and Food Fest was the ‘Top Dog’ tent that featured food and wine from upscale downtown Waco restaurants, the Green Room Grille and Amelia’s, plus some high end wine. For an additional $20 donation, VIPs could enter this magical tent that also featured the music of the local group, ‘Brian and Jeremy’. This duo sang, played guitar and bongo drums to a variety of music. The appreciative audience clapped after every song encouraging the skillful musicians to give even more expression. I found myself enjoying the music so much, I forgot to enjoy the food and drink.
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Baylor Alum Helps Bring Kenny Barron Trio to Waco Oct. 24
Hundreds of students perform in Baylor University music ensembles (band, choir, jazz groups, etc.) every year. Most of these students are not music majors although some do become professional musicians. After graduation these students continue to support music by attending concerts or by providing financial support for music programs.
On Fri. Oct. 24 the world famous ‘Kenny Barron Trio’ will perform jazz in Jones Hall on the Baylor Campus at 7:30 pm. The Los Angeles Times called Kenny Barron “one of the top jazz pianists in the world”. This concert is made possible by a generous donation from former Baylor music student, Wayne Fisher. The Baylor Jazz Program is also sponsoring the concert that includes Miriam Sullivan on bass and Franciso Mela on drums. Tickets for the Kenny Barron Trio are $10 for students, Baylor faculty, and senior citizens; $15 for the general public.
A free jazz clinic open to the public will be in the Sternberg Rehearsal Hall from 4:30-5:30 pm on Oct. 24 . Kenny’s clinic will cover various styles of jazz piano and his development as a pianist and his career in the jazz music scene.
Kudos to Wayne Fisher (photo on this blog entry), currently serving on the Baylor Alumni Association Board of Directors, for helping financially support this concert. Wayne played tuba in the Baylor band in the 1950’s. Wayne’s lifelong love of classical music and jazz began in Cameron, Texas where he grew up earning Division I ratings on tuba solos and singing the ‘Messiah’ in a community choral group. Wayne spend 6 years in Waco earning his bachelor degree and law degree. He had a radio show on KYBU in 1955-6 playing jazz records. Back then, jazz albums were ‘slim pickings’ compared to now. Wayne has a personal jazz collection of over 4000 albums today. He also plays the organ.
Wayne has watched the growth of the Baylor Music Department as it added the Jazz Studies Program. Under the outstanding leadership of Music Dean Will May and Jazz Director Alex Parker, Baylor has an excellent Jazz Program that makes Wacoans very proud.
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MACT Hosts 7th Fall Music Fest Sat. Oct. 18 at the Lion’s Den
The Music Association of Central Texas (MACT) will present its seventh Fall Music Festival, “On Stage, Playin’ it Live”, benefiting Caritas on Sat. Oct. 18. This year’s expanded festival will run from 2 -11 pm at the Lion’s Den in Waco. Weather permitting, an outside afternoon show will be on the Lion’s Den grounds and the evening show will be inside. Admission for both shows is $7 plus 2 canned food items. Advance tickets are available at Lone Star Music, 914 Lake Air Dr. for $5. Bring 2 canned goods to the Lion’s Den if you purchase advance tickets.
The afternoon outdoor show will feature local singers, songwriters and musicians playing original music or their versions of standard tunes in an open festival atmosphere using two designated outside stages. Some musicians may prefer to mingle with the crowd while performing acoustically.
The outdoor area will also include food vendors, activities for the children, and booths featuring local bands and businesses.
Daddy T will be the master of ceremonies for the indoor evening show featuring local music performers The Willows, Mustard Seed, Lorna Wilhelm and a Handful of Blues, Texas Heartbeat, Johnny Tex and the Classix, 10th Leper, and Red Rogers and the Durty Dawgs. Every musical taste from original new country, to pop classic, to country dance music, to blues, to classic rock and roll will be represented. A dance floor will be available for those who want to dance.
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Concerts at MCC and Baylor on Tue. Oct. 14
Waco is fortunate to have two colleges will outstanding music schools providing concerts for Central Texas residents throughout the school year. On Tue. Oct. 14, both McLennan Community College (MCC) and Baylor University will present free concerts.
The Waco Community Band will present its first concert of the 2008-09 season on Tue. Oct. 14 at 7:30 in the MCC Performing Arts Center (PAC). The concert “A Night at the Opera” will feature music from popular operas played in arrangements for band. One piece, ‘Two Puccini Arias’ arranged by Joseph Spaniola will feature the beautiful, lyrical, soprano voice of local musician and MCC faculty member, Lisa Uhl. Most of the music in the concert is recognizable to most listeners even though the titles may not seem familiar. Musical arrangements include: Bizet’s ‘Suite from Carmen’ arr. by Reed, Wagner’s ‘Elsa’s Precession to the Cathedral from Lohengrin arr. by Calliet, Berlioz’ ‘Overture to Beatrice and Benedict’ arr. by Henning, plus selections from “Tosca” and “Madam Butterfly”.
The Waco Community Band (WCB) rehearses weekly for their 10 month season providing concerts throughout the year. The WCB is a member of the Association of Concerts Bands. The Association’s mission statement is to aid in establishing community bands so that each musician who wishes to perform has that opportunity, that every community has the opportunity to take civic pride in its band, and that Americans and citizens of the world community can enjoy performances of band music.
Also on the Oct. 14 MCC concert, the MCC Wind Symphony featuring MCC college students will perform.
Brian Harris will conduct both performing groups. He is a Past President of the Texas Community College Band Directors Association and also the author of the Warner Brothers method book Directional Warm-Ups for Band. In addition to these two performing groups, Brian also conducts the Waco Area Youth Wind Ensemble composed of local high school musicians.
The Baylor University Jazz Ensemble will present its second program of the 2008-09 concert season on Tue. Oct. 14, at 7:30 pm in Jones Concert Hall on the Baylor campus. Twenty college student musicians will be led by Waco musician and director Alex Parker, Continuing Lecturer in Jazz Studies at Baylor.
I was very impressed at the first jazz concert at Baylor last month. Alex has drawn in some excellent musicians to the Baylor jazz program. He does an exceptional job developing these talented individuals into a cohesive performing group that audiences love.
The free Oct. 24 Baylor concert will include John Fedchock’s “Up and Running”, Geoffrey Keeker’s “Captain Jon”, an arrangement by Manny Mendelson of John Coltrane’s “Naima”, Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” arranged by Alan Baylock, the Bob Curnow arrangement of Pat Metheny’s “The Awakening”, David Berger’s setting of “Rumpus in Richmond” by Duke Ellington, “Two Seconds to Midnight” by Alan Baylock, and an arrangement by John Clayton of Horace Silver’s classic “The Jody Grind.”
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Talent Show Ages 2-17 at HOT Fair Oct. 11
The HOT Fair is having a Talent Show for kids between the ages of 2 and 17 on Sat. Oct. 11 at 2 pm in the Creative Arts Building. It’s always fun to watch talented young performers who someday may be on the big stages at the fair.
Entries for young performers are due by Thur. Oct. 9. 1st and 2nd place ribbons will be awarded in 4 different age categories: 2-5, 6-10, 11-13, 14-17. Time limit is 3 minutes per act. Each contestant can only be in one group or solo. There is NO entry fee. For information or to register, go to http://www.hotfair.com/Assets/hotfair/forms/08cae_catalog.pdf Scroll down to page 35.
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Ken Frazier Plays with Tommy Emmanuel, Kim Kelly at Dallas State Fair
Waco’s most famous guitarist, Ken Frazier, performs Thur. Oct. 2. with world famous guitarist Tommy Emmanuel at the Bosque River Stage near MCC at 8 pm. All seats are sold out, but seating on the grassy hills is available for $20.
Waco musicians don’t just perform in Waco. Kimberly Kelly, well known Waco singer/musician, will perform on Fri. Oct. 3 at the State Fair in Dallas at 3 pm.
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Local Musicians perform at HOT Fair Oct. 2-11
Every fall, The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo is held in Waco at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex located on Bosque Blvd. between Lake Air and New Road. Over 200,000 people attend each year.
The HOT Fair’s website, www.hotfair.com, states “(Our) goal is to educate through entertainment and agricultural experiences, as well as to become the center of entertainment in Central Texas”. Entertainers on the Miller Stage include many local musicians during the fair’s 2008 run Oct. 2-11. Tickets for adults are $10, kids 12 and under are $5.
MILLER STAGE
Beginning Fri. Oct. 3 from 6-8 pm, Wes Hardin and the Country Outlaws perform, followed by Classie Ballou & the Family Band from 8-10 pm, and concluding with Lazy J and the Dirty Shuffle from 10 pm to midnight.
On Sat. Oct 4 a full line-up of local talent starts at 2 pm with Axis B, then Binge at 4 pm, the Ballards at 6 pm, Jonquil Street Band at 8 pm and ending with Phase V from 10-midnight.
Sun. Oct. 5 features all Hispanic music.
On Mon. Oct. 6, three generations of the Gimbles perform their Texas Swing Music on the BIG Bud Light True Music Stage at 5:30 pm.
Back to the Miller Stage on Wed. Oct. 8, MCC bands entertain from 8-10 pm
Thur. Oct. 9 from 6-8 pm False Bravado performs followed by Smokin Gun from 8-10 pm.
Fri. Oct. 10 opens with Bobby Marquez and the Out of the Shoot Band at 6 pm, followed at 8 pm with Lange Devault and the Live Band. Kaley Caperton and her band close out the evening from 10 pm - midnight.
Sat. Oct. 11 starts the entertaining at 2 pm with Doc Mojoe, followed by 10th Leper Band from 4-6 pm, then, 6-8 pm is Sandusky, 8-10 pm is Flat Rock Junction, and the final performers are Junior & The Starlights from 10 - midnight.
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Six Local Bands Peform Sat. Sept. 27 at ‘Rock the Walk’ Concert
‘Rock the Walk’ Concert at Hog Creek Icehouse is Sat. Sept. 27 from 4 pm - 1 am benefiting the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ and the ‘National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund’. There is NO COVER charge but donations are accepted.
Julie Shelton Hays from KWTX is the M/C for the evening. The following local musicians graciously donate their talents and time to participate in the concert:
The Morticians
The Gordon Collier Band
Kimberly Kelly
The Jonquil Street Band
Hour Glass
John Epperson and Drivin’ Blind
The Morticians, Waco’s Classic Rock Band, originally formed in 1965. They specialize in the ‘Baby Boomer’ music from the 50’s and 60’s sometimes called ‘oldies’.
Gordon Collier Band, winner’s of the 2007 Country Band of the Year Award from the Music Association of Central Texas, brings a mix of old songs, favorite dance tunes, and some original music that sticks in your head for days. The variety of the five band members creates a unique combination. They go from old school blues to rockin’ red dirt without missing a beat. “It’s not your grandpa’s country music”.
Contemporary country musician Kimberly Kelly sings beautifully and plays mandolin in her band. Kim is another success story from the McLennan Community College Commercial Music Program.
As a group of seven individuals from varying backgrounds, influences, and ages, Jonquil Street Band is not your average band. They play Country, Classic Rock, Blues, Oldies, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and Soul, as well as write and perform some of their own material. Jonquil’s sound and song repertoire appeal to all age groups.
‘Hourglass’ performs classic rock with musicians Mike Tibbs, Steve Lampert, Larry Lafferty, Michael Cooper, and Bland Cromwell.
‘John Epperson & Drivin’ Blind’ plays Southern Rock. Bassist Ronnie Webster and drummer Donnie Rorie complete the trio.
In addition to the great music, there is a food buffet, drink specials, and a silent auction.
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FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest Sat. and Sun. Sept. 20-21, 2008
The Waco Cultural Arts Fest returns to Heritage Square in Downtown Waco for its FREE annual event on Sat. and Sun. Sept. 20-21.
“Art and music touch the heart, fire the imagination and draw people together. The Waco Cultural Arts Fest aims to honor art education and the art community through this two day festival of art, music, performance, food and arts activities for all ages. Come support the arts!” WCAF website
Three local student musician groups, led by Waco musicians, start the music filled day Sat. on the Main Stage.
The Central Texas String Academy performs first at 11 am. Over the past 25 years, this Suzuki program has grown to include over 130 violin, viola, cello, and bass students. The CTSA faculty includes Founding Director Dr. Julia Hardie, who also teaches violin and viola; Associate Director Susan Whitney, violin and viola; Associate Director Dr. Sue Jacobson, violin; and Sheri McMurtrey, cello.
At noon, the 50 member Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra is directed by Dr. Michael Alexander, Associate Professor of String Music Education at Baylor. The String Coordinator is Ms. Blair Williams, Assistant Director of Orchestras at Midway ISD. The Winds/Brass/Percussion Coordinator is Mr. Colin McKenzie, Assistant Director of Bands at Baylor. The Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra is celebrating its 18th concert season.
Larry Ordener directs the ‘Steel Drum Ambassadors’ comprised of AJ Moore Academy students at 1 pm.
Three professional music groups from Waco also perform on the Main Stage between the other seven additional professional groups.
The Horton Duo performs traditional Spanish and Portuguese instrumental music from 3-4 pm on the Main Stage following the Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dancers from Houston dancing from 2-3 pm.
On Sunday, two Waco jazz groups perform. Richard Thomas and the Sesame Street Quartet plays at 12:30 pm. The MCC Faculty Jazz Ensemble performs at 2:30 pm.
Check the website to read about all the performers at www.wacoartsfest.org/performers.
PHOTOS: Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra at Jones Hall, Baylor
Steel Drum Ambassadors from AJ Moore Academy
Horton Duo - Jeff with Portuguese guitarra, Sandi with soprano recorder
Richard Thomas plays alto sax
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‘Judas Feet’ CD Release at Common Grounds Sat. Sept. 13
The folk rock band ‘Judas Feet’ composed of three siblings from Silsbee, TX (two are currently attending Baylor), plus a couple of their musician friends in Waco plan a CD release party at 8:30 pm on Sat. Sept. 13 at Common Grounds, 1123 S. 8th St.
All music on the CD, “Behind the Evening’ is original compositions mostly written by Tommy Read, the lead guitarist and singer. Cody Green, a sophomore music major at Baylor, wrote several pieces. Cody also plans cello in the group. Diana Read sings beautifully from her heart on the CD. Younger sister Hannah Read, a Silsbee High School junior, will make the trip to Waco to play bass and harmonize with her sister on Sat. night. Waco musician Paul Mitchell plays banjo, mandolin and pump organ. Rounding out the group is Tron Carter on drums.
Tommy’s songs tell stories about ‘real’ life in in a simple way attempting to make music that brings people together. Listening to the group’s various tone colors with sincere musicians expressing their art form is a joy.
‘Judas Feet’ also performs Sept. 18 at the Acoustic Cafe on the Baylor campus held at the sub. The Acoustic Cafe is not a location - it is a twice a semester event at Baylor.
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‘Doc Mojoe’ at the ‘Icehouse’ Fri. Sept. 12
Now that the weather in Waco is getting cooler - the high is only in the 90’s, fall is upon us. Seriously, last week the lows were in the 60’s. That’s almost a cold front compared to our Aug. lows.
Zack & Jim’s Hog Creek Icehouse near Speegleville (170 Branson Trail) is one of the largest venues for musicians in the Waco area. Outside there is one acre area enclosed for musical entertainment. The new facility located one-half mile from the old facility opened in the spring of 2007 with about 8,000 square ft. inside including a restaurant, bar, inside stage, dance floor, and general store.
On March 27, 2008, the Seventh Annual Music Association of Central Texas Groovy Awards designated Zack & Jim’s Hog Creek Icehouse as the ‘Club of the Year’ for the second year in a row.
The southern rock band, Doc Mojoe, performs at the Icehouse on Fri. Sept. 12 starting at 9 pm. Even if you haven’t heard of Doc Mojoe, you will recognize the members of the band. They are a fusion of members from the Jackson Edwards Band and the Nate Rodriquez Band. They call their style “Americana”. The band members play dance music that reminds me of the music I listened to in college in the 70’s before these band members were even born. It’s ‘feel good’, ‘wanna enjoy the week-end’ kind of music that puts me in an energetic mood.
The leader of Doc Mojoe is Jackson Edwards who sings, plays guitar and blues harp (harmonica). Lead guitar and singer is Dustin Clifford. Dan Garrett plays bass and sings. Playing all kinds of percussion including the tambourine is Matt Shroyer.
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NEW Show Choir for Students-Sign Up Sat. Sept. 6
Waco Children’s Theatre is starting a new performance group this year — SHOW CHOIR — for school age singers (ages 6-18). No audition is required, just sign up! This performance oriented group is for kids who like to have fun with ‘song and dance’ numbers similar to a variety show. The SHOW CHOIR will also learn scenes from different Broadway shows, perform as soloists and in small ensembles as well as large group numbers that may include scripts and skits. Flo Fitzpatrick is the choreographer. Linda Haskett is the executive director for the performance group.
If you have a school age child or know a child in grades K-12 that likes to sing, dance and/or act, hurry to St. Alban’s Outreach Center located at 30th and Waco Dr. to register for the Waco Children’s Theatre fall classes on Sat. Sept. 6 from 9 am - 5 pm. Space is limited. In addition to the SHOW CHOIR, there will be acting and art classes. Another new class this year is ‘DANCING WITH THE KIDS’. This ballroom dancing class is for ‘kids’ of all ages. Parents and Waco community members also have a chance to participate.
The Saturday before Halloween is scheduled as a ‘Monster Mash’ that includes a costume contest and a ‘Young American Idol’ contest for Waco Children‘s Theatre students.
Students wanting to audition for the Christmas musical can sign up for audition times on Sat. Sept. 6 also.
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Bruce Carbobara Sings at Rosati’s Sept. 4 Due to Mustard Seed Family Emergency
Due to a death in the family of one of the Mustard Seed band members, they will not be performing on Thur. night, Sept. 4 at Rosati’s Pizza in Hewitt.
Bruce Carbobara, a regular performer at Rosati’s will appear Sept. 4 from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Bruce sings songs from the ‘Rat Pack’ (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett).
People go crazy when they hear Bruce entertain on stage. He also does Elvis Presley songs. Whenever Bruce performs, you can hear the audience say things like, “I can’t believe we are in Waco Texas.”
Bruce is originally from Chicago. He has performed his songs on PBS with an orchestra. Now he lives in Waco where his wife is a teacher with WISD and his brother is a professor at Baylor.
Bruce usually fills the restaurant’s seating area, so reservations are recommended. Call 666-6066 to hear Waco’s hidden musical talent, Bruce Carbobara at Rosati’s.
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‘Mustard Seed’ Performs at Rosati’s Thur. Sept. 4
“Mustard Seed’ is a band that plays a variety of Waco events. They are a new band about a year old with seasoned musicians.
‘Mustard Seed’ is an acoustic trio of Waco area musicians. They play “Billboard 100 and Classic Rock” that is usually recognized by multigenerational audiences. All band members sing to create a rich three-part harmony.
The band’s leader Sherman Ayres has been singing for over 30 yrs while also working as a plant manager at M & M Mars. He also loves to play drums in a variety of musical styles.
Marcus Johnson is a classically trained bass player, turned guitar player and singer.
He is a versatile guitarist playing styles ranging from blues, folk, pop, and Latino.
Mike Donohue plays bass guitar and sings. Locals recognize him as a previous member of the Sonny Mac Blues Band.
My husband and I heard ‘Mustard Seed’ recently at Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza in Hewitt. Listening to their exciting music made me want to move to the beat or sing along. Most of the diners seemed to be in a happy, upbeat mood. I think the live music contributed to the enjoyable atmosphere. Mustard Seed performs at Rosati’s about twice a month on Thur. nights beginning at 7:30 pm.. Their next performances are Sept. 4 and 18. Rosati’s is located on Hewitt Drive beside the Wal-Mart parking lot.
‘Mustard Seed’ will also be performing at the Waco Humane Society’s Wine and Food Fest on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25, at the Art Center Waco. Mark your calendar so you don‘t miss this annual fund-raising event for the Waco Humane Society.
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‘Jazz in the Square’ Sun. Aug. 31
Several local music groups will perform at ‘Jazz in the Square’ on Sun. Aug. 31 starting at 4 pm continuing until 10:30 pm. The big band, ‘Elephants’ and family band ‘Classie Ballou’ will both entertain at Waco’s downtown ‘Heritage Square’. Local trio, ‘Mustard Seed’ will play in the VIP chill room located inside the new Chamber of Commerce building on site.
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the outdoor jazz festival. Rental chairs will also be available. Credit cards are not accepted so please bring cash. Food vendors include Rosati’s Pizza, Olive Branch, Outback Steakhouse, Green Room Grille, and Vitek’s BBQ.
General admission tickets are $35 at the gate or $30 advance at the Hippodrome box office. VIP tickets are $125 or $1,000 for a table of 8.
In addition to our local musicians, several big names will be at ‘Jazz in the Square’ including Grammy-nominated trumpeteer Joey Sommerville, guitarist Eric Essix from Alabama, NYC jazz pianist Alex Bugnon, saxophone great Joseph Vincelli, Houston flutist Alethea Renee, Dallas singer Breggett Rideau, and the Buster Brown Band from the Texas Panhandle.
Originally Wayman Tisdale, the former NBA star turned award winning jazz bass player, was to be the headliner. As some of you know, Wayman has bone cancer. A few days ago (Aug. 25, 2008) he had part of his leg amputated. We will miss Wayman at this year’s jazz event.
‘Jazz in the Square’ is a ‘Black Tie Productions’ produced by Wacoan Rick Eddings who brought us ‘Jazzin’ at the Zoo’ last Sept. 2007 at the Cameron Park Zoo. It was the best jazz event I had ever attended in Waco!
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WESTFEST Aug. 29-31
Labor Day comes early this year (Sept. 1). Now’s the time to make plans for a fun-filled week-end (Aug. 29-31) of music in West, Texas.
The 33rd annual Labor Day Westfest features many local musicians during the three day Czech/Polka festival. Each year about 25,000 people enjoy the music, dancing, food and cultural atmosphere in West, TX located 15 miles north of Waco. Take exit 351 and follow signs to the West Fair and Rodeo.
The Fri. night preview party music begins at 7:30 pm on Aug. 29. Central Texas country bands Wayward Sons, Branded Heart, and Donna Beckham provide music. Admission is $10 for adults for the Fri. night preview.
All entertainment and exhibits on Sat. and Sun. Aug. 30-31 is included in the daily admission - $7 adults, $4 children.
Some of the best polka bands in Central Texas will be providing high energy dance music in two different tents on Sat. and Sun. Aug. 30-31 non stop from about noon to midnight.
In the Cultural Amphitheatre, two Waco groups perform amid a variety of dance groups from throughout Texas. The Waco Brazos Valley Cloggers perform Sat. 1:30-2 pm and Sun. 3:30-4 pm. El Folklorico Las Estrellas de Waco dance Sat. 5:30-6 pm.
On Sunday morning a traditional Westfest Polka Mass is held in the Cultural Amphitheater beginning at 10:15 am. This Catholic Mass features hymns sung to favorite polkas and waltzes. Everyone is welcome.
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Joana is a real ‘go getter’. We need more people like her who want to help others. Dick Gimble is also to be commended for requiring ‘a real life project’ for his students that benefits Waco.
... read the full comment by carol | Comment on Generation to Generation Concert on Nov. 21 Benefits Local School Music Programs Read Generation to Generation Concert on Nov. 21 Benefits Local School Music Programs
The Horton Duo’s new Christmas CD that was just released is FABULOUS and a MUST have for the holiday season! I’ve got it in my car and it is going to stay there throughout the Christmas season…BUY ONE NOW! before they are going , going
... read the full comment by Jenn W | Comment on Generation to Generation Concert on Nov. 21 Benefits Local School Music Programs Read Generation to Generation Concert on Nov. 21 Benefits Local School Music Programs
Thanks for the info on the live Friday nights at the Whiskey River Club. We need more live country at indoor clubs with good dance floors.
... read the full comment by Johnnie Bradshaw | Comment on Local C&W Bands Play Fridays at Whiskey River Club Read Local C&W Bands Play Fridays at Whiskey River Club
Glad to see so many local bands are going to be at whiskey river run this year! I am going to send this blog to all my friends!!! GREAT WORK!!!!
... read the full comment by Mike | Comment on Local C&W Bands Play Fridays at Whiskey River Club Read Local C&W Bands Play Fridays at Whiskey River Club