Home > Music Notes
“That Good Old Baylor Line” is Ringtone Fundraiser
Next spring, the Baylor University Men’s Choir is headed to Argentina to sing concerts and to perform service while experiencing a new culture themselves. The choir’s unique mission trip is scheduled May 17-31.
What really caught my eye about the trip is the unique way they are raising money. Having been a band and orchestra director back in the 20th century, I did my share of selling candy, wrapping paper, etc. Now in the 21st century, the Baylor singers are selling $2.99 ring tones for cell phones. The ring tone is the Men’s Choir singing “That Good Old Baylor Line” (a cappella). You can preview and order it from their website www.baylormenschoir.org
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Live Music on New Year’s Eve 2008 in Waco
Christmas is over. It’s time to put away the Christmas music and look ahead to the new year - 2009.
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Personally, I enjoy celebrating this holiday at home with friends or at a friend’s house. I like to quietly reflect on the past year and anticipate the new year in an intimate setting. Many Central Texans prefer to dress up and go to a crowded venue with live music.
There are several good choices with local musicians providing the entertainment.
The Mustard Seed Jazz Trio will begin playing at 8 pm at Uncorked, a new (less than 2 years old) upscale wine bar located on Hewitt Dr. next to La Fiesta. This venue has elegant furnishings and low lights suitable for a sophisticated crowd. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. This includes appetizers, party favors, and champagne at midnight. What a great deal. Just listening to Mustard Seed is worth that much. This would be my first choice if I wasn’t going to a private party.
Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza across the street (from Uncorked) on Hewitt Dr. next to Wal-Mart would be my second choice. The pizza is fantastic and the musical entertainment will be provided by Bruce Cabonara who sings like Frank Sinatra. He sings those beautiful old songs at Rosati’s regularly so reservations are a must since the place will certainly fill up. Call 666-6066 to reserve your spot.
There’s over a dozen more options in the Waco area. Check out the Trib’s accesswaco.com site for details.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Dave Wild Jazz Trio Plays Holiday Music at Basaberu Dec. 21
Just about everyone who has lived in America since 1965 has seen the animated ‘Charlie Brown Christmas Special’ on TV. It has been broadcasted every year for over 40 years. The lively, melodic music was composed by Vince Guaraldi, a West Coast jazz pianist. The music in this popular ‘first Charlie Brown special’ inspired many more specials with music also composed by Vince Guaraldi. This Sunday in Waco, we have the opportunity to hear some of this delightful jazz piano music performed by our own Central Texas jazz pianist, Dave Wild, at a fairly new restaurant/bar - Basaberu located near Baylor at 723 S. Sixth St. beginning at 6 pm.
Bassist Vince Bryce and drummer Charles Burleson will join Dave to play an evening of Christmas jazz trio music from the Charlie Brown soundtrack as well as other seasonal favorites with a jazz twist. The trio will entertain guests for 4 hours so if you aren’t there right at 6 pm, the music will be repeated during the evening along with some non-Christmas material.
Several years ago I heard Dave’s version of the Charlie Brown Christmas music at the now closed ‘Texas Tea and Coffee’ in Mc Gregor. The happy music put me (and all the other guests) in a Christmas spirit. The packed house enjoyed the holiday jazz music. I’m sure this Sunday jazz show will be equally appealing.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Award Winning Midway Orchestras Perform Dec. 18
The award winning Midway Orchestras perform in two free concerts this week at the MISD Performing Arts Center located on the Midway Middle School Campus on Hewitt Drive. It used to be the high school campus a few years ago. The PAC, now 10 years old, seats 1100 people.
The intermediate school (5th-6th grade) orchestra will play Mon. Dec. 15 at 6:30 pm. The 6th grade beginning band program will present a holiday concert that evening also. Watching young players perform in their first public concerts is always a delight. I enjoy seeing their eager, enthusiastic faces as they share budding musical talent with the community.
On Thur. Dec. 18, the Midway Middle and High School orchestras will present a concert beginning at 6:30 pm. The Symphonic Orchestra will play a piece written by local composer, M.L. Daniels. The Chamber Orchestra will play a medley of beloved Christmas carols and orchestral themes combined in a ‘surprising’ way. The Sinfonia orchestra will play a work by Handel. The Philharmonic will play a movement of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. An exciting finale will be the addition of Midway orchestra alumni who will join members of the Philharmonic to play the familiar favorite, ‘Sleigh Ride’ by Anderson.
Ms. Blair Williams is the director of the orchestra program. Her assistants are Matt Cross and Terence Guerrero. The MISD orchestra program only began 8 years ago with a group of 62 students. Today over 300 students play string instruments in the district. The orchestras have already earned numerous UIL sweepstakes awards and have won “Best in Class” at festivals across the state. The Middle School Chamber Orchestra and the High School Philharmonic were both recognized as being in the ‘Top Ten Orchestras’ in Texas by TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association). Seventeen students have earned chairs in the TMEA All-State Orchestra during the past 5 years. These are fantastic accomplishments for any orchestra and especially remarkable for such a young program
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Annual Christmas Musical Dec. 13-14 at Columbus Ave. Baptist Chrch
The 9th Annual Waco Christmas Celebration at Columbus Ave. Baptist Church, 1300 Columbus Ave. is scheduled at 2 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7 pm on Sat. Dec. 13 and 2 pm and 4:30 pm on Sun. Dec. 14. Tickets are $5 for general admission and can be purchased during the week at the Main Church Office and Mardels located on Valley Mills and Waco Drive.
This year’s musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Around the World’, features a 100 voice choir and cast of over 200 local adults and children. Other highlights include hand bells, vocal ensembles, and a spectacular Nativity dramatic finale.
Hundreds of musicians and hundreds of volunteers make this magnificent production available for thousands of Central Texans every year in Dec. The performers have spent weeks in rehearsals. Other volunteers help build scenery, sew costumes, make and serve snacks, help with publicity and ticket sales, help with tech support (sound, lights, etc.), help with backstage crew (moving sets and props), and supervising children backstage.
Come early to see live animals that will be available for petting on the church’s front lawn including a camel, sheep and donkeys.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Waco Native Caroline Cutbirth Sings With The Waco Symphony Fri. Dec. 12 at 7:30 pm
Caroline Cutbirth is living her dream in Nashville as an ‘up and coming’ country singing star. Just a few years ago Waco native Caroline was graduating from Waco High School (in 2002) where she participated in Florence Scattergood’s WHS Show Choir before studying music at Belmont College. Now she spends her time composing songs and performing with two of her best friends - Jennifer Wayne (grandaughter of John Wayne) and Tayla Lynn (grandaughter of Loretta Lynn). Jennifer and Tayla will be coming to Waco to sing with Caroline as part of the annual Waco Symphony Holiday Pops Concert at Waco Hall this Fri. Dec. 12 at 7:30 pm. The girls will sing traditional Christmas music plus the symphony will play several of Caroline’s original songs as well. Tickets range from $15 - $30.
Don’t miss ‘the girls from Music City’ featuring our very own Caroline Cutbirth!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Waco Community Band Holiday Concert Dec. 9 at MCC
Here is a great event to mark on your family calendar for free holiday entertainment.
The Waco Community Band will present “Holiday Celebration” on Tue. Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center on the McLennan Community College campus.
The concert will include music from The Nutcracker, seasonal favorites, and the traditional sing-along.
These talented musicians have worked many weeks to prepare this musical gift to our community. Don’t miss it!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Senior Ministry Annual Luncheon Hosts Harold Strand Orchestra and Horton Duo on Dec. 9
Two groups of local musicians will provide entertainment for the Central Texas Senior Ministry Annual Holiday Celebration on Tue. Dec. 9 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Lion’s Den in Waco, 1716 N. 42nd St. Tickets are limited to 300 and will NOT be available at the door. Tickets are $2 for adults over age 60 and tickets are $5 for adults younger than 60. Call 752-0316.
The Harold Strand Orchestra will provide music for dancing and listening beginning around 10 am. Then the Horton Duo will play instrumental Christmas Classics while guests are enjoying the delicious luncheon.
The Harold Strand Orchestra began playing at Toby’s Place in West in 1968. In 1980, their engagements expanded to include entertainment for the monthly Crawford Polka Club dances in Crawford and ballroom music for the Stardust Dance Club in Waco. Today, 40 years later, the HSO continues to perform at various locations around Central Texas. Many locals remember bandleader Harold Strand providing accordion dinner music at Heitmiller’s Steakhouse in Elm Mott for over a decade in the 90‘s, occasionally joined by Dave Hooten on clarinet.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Waco Jazz Orchestra Performs Dec. 8, Releases 1st CD
The Waco Jazz Orchestra performs Mon. Dec. 8 at 7:30 pm at MCC’s Performing Art Center. There is NO charge for admission. This 17 piece ensemble specializes in the performance of Big Band jazz under the artistic direction of trumpeter Tim Cates. The WJO has been entertaining audiences since 1989. They are sponsored by the McLennan Community College Department of Commercial Music.
The WJO recently recorded their first CD. The CD will be released to sell to the public for the first time at the concert on Monday. The photos on this blog were taken during one of the recording sessions.
Most WJO members are not professional musicians, but community musicians who have careers as accountants, entrepreneurs, doctors, educators, and other businessmen. They enjoy being active performers on their instruments in numerous settings throughout the Central Texas area. The group meets weekly to prepare for concerts.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Multiple Music Groups Perform at Annual Tree Lighting Event on Sat. Dec. 6
A free fun evening is planned for Central Texas families this Sat. Dec. 6 in downtown Waco. There is truly something for every member of the family culminating with the exciting ‘flipping of the switch’ by Mayor DuPuy to light the community’s Christmas tree. There will be several local music groups performing between 6-8 pm.
The 56th annual Waco Jaycee Christmas Parade will begin at 7:15 pm on Sat. Dec. 6 following the Arthritis Foundations Jingle Bell Run. The parade will travel down Austin Avenue from 8th Street to Heritage Square. Local musicians from MACT (Music Association of Central Texas) will participate playing holiday music from vehicles or walking alongside the vehicles.
Following the parade, Keep Waco Beautiful will sponsor the 27th annual downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremony at approximately 8 pm. This year the event will be at Heritage Square. Two music groups from Rapoport Academy will perform. A multi-age choir (grades 1-11) directed by Ashley Henderson (photo attached to blog) will sing before the parade. A high school jazz ensemble directed by Richard Thomas will perform on stage during the ceremony (see attached photo). Actors in costume from Waco Civic Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” will serenade the audience singing Christmas carols throughout the evening.
SCHEDULE FOR SAT. DEC. 6 4pm - Race registration; 5pm - Jingle Bell Run; 6:15pm - Stage entertainment (Rapoport choir), other children’s activities (designing Christmas cards, face painting, jump house); 7:15pm - Parade begins; 8pm - Tree lighting begins, jazz band plays
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |
Three Holiday Performances Scheduled For Waco Children’s Choir
Listening to the Waco Children’s Choir is like listening to the voices of angels especially during the holiday season. The sound of children’s voices singing is a pure delight. The singers, under the direction of director Julie Bolin, have three performances scheduled. Mark your calendars now before the busy season begins.
The choir sings at two locations on Sat. Dec. 6: Richland Mall, for the Hillcrest Hospice “Light Up a Life” tree lighting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. AND Waco Convention Center for the Jr. League’s “Deck the Halls” event, at 12:30 p.m.
A Children’s Choir Concert is scheduled Tue. Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Waco, in their chapel (enter from Clay St.)
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Christmas Music Is Coming To Waco
I’m disappointed that I missed the concert at the Legacy last night. The line-up of local musicians sounded so wonderful! I had planned to go after my husband and I attended an adult ping pong party at a friend’s house. Unfortunately, I fell, hurt my foot, and had to come home. This morning I went to the doctor to discover it was actually broken.
Now maybe I’ll sit still long enough to write more blogs. The beautiful central Texas fall weather had been alluring me outdoors every day to walk. Due to my current difficulty with mobility, I’ll spend more time sitting at the computer and watching our new large screen HDTV. I just discovered 17 different music channels (in the 700’s on Grande) that I enjoy. The name of the musician, title of the music, photos, and background information is displayed on the screen while each song is played. I’m glad our ancient TV went out a few weeks ago so we could purchase an early Christmas gift to ourselves-HDTV. There are even two channels that play holiday music nonstop. It’s nice to move into 21st century technology.
Christmas music puts me in a festive, yet peaceful mood. I look forward to the plethora of local concerts performed by schools, churches, amateurs, and professionals in the Waco area. I’ll be writing blogs on some of my favorite holiday performances during the next month. Most music groups have already been rehearsing Christmas music for weeks or months preparing for the holiday concert season.
Keep checking this site to get some ideas of great performances by our local musicians. If you have any concert suggestions, send them to me personally or add a comment to this blog for everyone to read.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment |
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.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
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.”
Latest comments
I never got to thank you for such a pleasant article on Holly! You’re the best. I hope more folks will read your blog. it’s great. I’ll keep you posted as her career progresses.
... read the full comment by Johnny | Comment on Holly Tucker Sings at Gospel Music Celebration In Valley Mills Aug. 17 Read Holly Tucker Sings at Gospel Music Celebration In Valley Mills Aug. 17
Hey Sandi — In the interest of full disclosure, readers might like to know there WILL be live music at one point during the “private party” where you’ll spend New Year’s Eve. YOU, in fact, will be the featured performer, playing
... read the full comment by Trixie | Comment on Live Music on New Year's Eve 2008 in Waco Read Live Music on New Year's Eve 2008 in Waco
This event is sold out! A similiar holiday luncheon will be held next Thur. Dec. 18 in West. Call the same number for tickets 752-0316
... read the full comment by Sandi | Comment on Senior Ministry Annual Luncheon Hosts Harold Strand Orchestra and Horton Duo on Dec. 9 Read Senior Ministry Annual Luncheon Hosts Harold Strand Orchestra and Horton Duo on Dec. 9
I didn’t know Richard Thomas directed the Rapoport jazz band. I saw him perfrom on sax at the Waco Cultural Arts Fest. He’s a talented man!!!!!!!Ill be there Sat. night to hear his kids.
... read the full comment by jazz lover | Comment on Multiple Music Groups Perform at Annual Tree Lighting Event on Sat. Dec. 6 Read Multiple Music Groups Perform at Annual Tree Lighting Event on Sat. Dec. 6