Steep Canyon Rangers
Sunday, May 11 | 4 pm
Hailing from both the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount while possessing an exceptional ability to bring it down the mountain and to incorporate accessible influence from all walks of the region. With the band’s last few albums, they have gained recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass, earning a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today. A newcomer to this ship, Aaron Burdett brings a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a student of folk tradition. He provides a fresh, emotional context to the songbook, which “can reach out and touch your heart or slap you in the face,” to use the praise of drummer and multiinstrumentalist, Mike Ashworth. Steep Canyon Rangers is made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals. Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages.
Glory Crampton & 3 Tenors
Sunday, June 1 | 4 pm
Glory Crampton, Soprano, Performed as soloist to The Three Tenors’ Jose Carreras at Radio City Music Hall and soloist at Merkin Hall., NYC. Soloist for His Royal Highness Crown Prince Guillaume. Starred in over 30 Broadway Musical Theatre Productions including Star of Phantom. Solo Recording Artist with The National Symphony, Abbey Road England. Marc Devigne, Finalist on Canadian Idol and The Voice Canada. Featured on PBS Specials including “Bailamos Live at the Empire”, “A Mark Masri Concert Live”. As well as starring with renowned Tenor Mario Frangoulis. Alexei Kutznietsov, International opera /crossover Tenor. Winner of the X-Factor Ukraine. 2018 debut at Lincoln Center, NYC as Lensky in P.I.Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin” 2019 debut in La Boheme with CVAI in Montreal, Canada. Jason Forbach, Starred opposite Sara Barielles Broadways’ recent Into the Woods. Also on Broadway, starred as Raoul, in The Phantom of the Opera, and as Enjolras in Les Miserables. He has performed on Opera and Symphony stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center.
Rodney Marsalis’
Philadelphia Big Brass
Friday, July 18 | 7:30 pm
The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America’s premier large brass ensemble. A group that always reflects the diverse makeup of men and women in the American culture, RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is a family-owned and operated business that had its beginnings on the streets of New Orleans. On the advice of family patriarch Ellis Marsalis, the group created a concert format that breaks the usual barriers between genres and strives to create a connection between the audience and performers. The ensemble is especially dedicated to reaching out to the world’s youth and inspiring them to reach for their dreams. A veritable “dream team” of virtuoso brass players, the group burst onto the music scene with a debut performance in Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center in Verizon Hall, a residency for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, and a special feature on the National Public Radio show, “All Things Considered.” Performances by The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass range from solo trumpet, to brass quintet, to the full eleven-piece ensemble with percussion. Their programs include holiday concerts, mini-concerts for schools, and traditional brass concerts with optional organ or choir. Brothers on the Battlefield: The Power of Love, covers music from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movements.
The Modern Gentlemen
Sunday, July 20 | 4 pm
Brothers Brian and Brandon Brigham and Landon Beard and Todd Fournier rose to prominence as longtime members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Heralded as “The MODERN Day Keepers of the Classics,” they’ve earned acclaim for their timeless vocal harmonies and dedication to preserving classic hits. Individually, they each possess their own distinctive voice and charismatic charm. Together, their harmonies are unparalleled, seamlessly transitioning between genres and eras that transcend time. What sets “TMG” apart is their ability to bridge the gap between generations with a genuine camaraderie and music pedigree that features their artistic prowess. Their electrifying performances feature an eclectic array of chart-topping hits from Motown, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Eagles, Queen, Bee Gees, Billy Joel,Doo Wop & more, including a special tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. They’ve had the distinct honor and privilege of sharing the stage with many of the musical legends they celebrate, including The Beach Boys, The Manhattan Transfer, Smokey Robinson, and most recently, opening for Lionel Richie in Las Vegas, headlining at The Atlantis Resort Bahamas for New Year’s Eve and Sheena Easton. They’ve performed for presidents of The United States and royalty, including an exceptional performance for Prince William of Wales at the esteemed Arts Club in London.
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Sponsored by Carla & Leonard Wood
Terry Barber / Music of Queen
Saturday, September 13 | 7:30 pm
With his extraordinary vocal range, countertenor Terry Barber celebrates Queen’s Freddie Mercury, blending hit songs with stories from Mercury’s life. More than a concert, this tribute offers an intimate look at a rock legend who defined a generation. Barber’s concept recording of this material is up for eight Grammy nominations.
Brubeck Brothers Quartet
Saturday, September 27 | 7:30 pm
Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together practically all their lives. Drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist, and composer Chris cut their first record together in 1966 more than a half-century ago. They’ve subsequently played a variety of styles in several different groups, as well as with their father, jazz giant Dave Brubeck, and their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. With Dan and Chris as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb complete this dynamic Quartet. They perform at concert series, colleges, and jazz festivals across North America and Europe, including the Newport, Detroit, Montreal, Playboy/Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz Festivals. The Quartet’s last CD, TimeLine, celebrated Dave Brubeck’s famous 1958 State Department tour. The CD received extensive airplay in major jazz markets across America and was a hit on the Jazz Week radio charts for five months. The CD garnered dozens of stellar reviews, including Dr. Judith Schlesinger of All About Jazz, who wrote of Time Line, “An exciting ride. These are magnificent players whose years together have forged a seasoned and well-oiled musical unit. Their joy in this playing and each other is audible. Apart from its historical value, this is an exciting and varied outing that is recorded crisply and with great warmth. The “Timeline” it reflects is not just in years, but also in a legacy which—lucky for all of us—continues its powerful forward movement today.” These versatile musicians also collaborate with orchestras all across the U.S. as well as internationally.
Nashville NOEL
Friday, November 28 | 7:30 pm
A Country Christmas Spectacular is a dazzling holiday extravaganza that brings the spirit of Nashville and the magic of Christmas together in a heartwarming and unforgettable show. This spectacular production showcases the best of Country music and the joy of the holiday season, creating a truly enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. Since its inception, Nashville Noel has become a beloved tradition for fans of Country music and Christmas enthusiasts alike. The show features a talented cast of musicians, singers, and dancers from the South who come together to deliver a high-energy performance that captures the essence of Nashville’s rich musical heritage and the warmth of the holiday season. With a mix of classic Country hits and beloved Christmas carols, Nashville Noel takes audiences on a musical journey that celebrates the magic of both genres. From toe-tapping renditions of iconic Country songs to heartwarming performances of beloved holiday classics, the show offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, joy, and festive cheer. Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular has become a must-see event during the holiday season, delighting audiences with its infectious energy, top-notch performances, and heartwarming moments. Whether you’re a fan of Country music, a lover of Christmas, or simply looking for a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and filled with holiday spirit, Nashville Noel is the perfect choice.