Northern Lights Trio

Taking the stage on July 7^th is the Northern Lights Trio. An encore appearance for Northern Lights Trio,  Northern Trio plays many songs from the big band era that “you just don’t hear anymore.”   Incredible musicians with a repertoire of over 2000 songs, these talented performers take requests and flow smoothly from one number to the next. 

Their group includes Ron Olsen on piano, Jerry Hagen on bass and Terry Price on drums.  Ron is a “retired” supper club entertainer, Jerry’s musical background goes back to the 1960’s as a rock-n-roller, and Terry has played with various bands throughout the Midwest both as a drummer and as a guitar virtuoso.  They have been playing together as the Northern Lights Trio for over six years and perform a special concert at the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork annually.  

The Trio usually starts out with a few tunes that they enjoy playing but they also love to take requests from the audience.  The result is spontaneity mixed with challenge.  All songs will be announced at the time of performance so it is easy to follow along.  Come on out to enjoy this group of very talented musicians and don’t forget to bring along your song requests!

Northern Lights Trio will perform Smooth Jazz Standards at Community Presbyterian Church, 703 N. Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 7^th at noon.  Following the free concert is the optional church luncheon at $6. 

Songs from the American Songbook 6/30/15

Thirty to forty guys get together weekly to sing--just because they love to sing and  love  being part of the Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus family.  A non-audition chorus, GRAMC competes regionally each year Big Sing in April.  They also deliver two local concerts at Christmas concert and in the spring concert at the Reif, but as a  service organization, GRAMC sings for retirement homes, fundraisers, and benefits. 

Tuesday's noon concert at the St. Joseph Catholic church will feature such oldtime favorites a

"It’s A Grand Night For Singing," "Once in Love With Amy," "Moon River,""All the Things You Are," and "You're a Grand Old Flag."   Directed by Eileen Grosland and accompanied by Bonnie Kangas, this choir is guaranteed to delight and looking forward to visiting with you following the concert.  

As always the noon concert is free and a $6 luncheon is available on site.

 For more information visit our website: www.gramaleshorus.org, or ask a chorus member.

Dining with the Shields Brothers

Cathy and George Shields enjoy their very own after dinner music.  When a son disappears to the basement after a meal, they may hear a riff on the piano, followed by an original response from the guitar and then the percussion joins in.  Cathy says, "There's nothing like a good jazz trio" and to make it better, the music is being created in their home by sons Graeme, Jonathon and Ian.  Though the program is billed as Jonathon Shields "A Little Bit of Everything," all three will share their music Tuesday, June 23 at noon at the Grand Rapids' Alliance Church on Airport Road.

Several years ago we watched the Shields' trio delight in their cup number as well as several other wonderful pieces.  Since then, Graeme has graduated from the University of MN Duluth with a degree in music theory and composition.  Graeme is working as a church organist in Cambridge Lutheran Church and plans to pursue his masters' degree at the University of Western Michigan in the fall.

Brother Jonathon fell in love with the guitar in Grade 5 while living in New Brunswick.  Jonathon has just completed his first year at the University of St. Thomas where he is majoring in Guitar Performance.  In Jonathon's hands, the guitar will transport you to Spain, send you traipsing along the beach where you'll think you're hearing a harp, or bring you back home with some Duke Ellington.  He'll even perform Bach's classic "Bouree" before his instrument sings of "Love Some More.''  And just in case you're interested in learning guitar yourself, Jonathon is offering lessons this summer.

Ian, a senior at Grand Rapids High this fall, takes classes at ICC when he's not playing trumpet in the Marching Band, the Jazz band or the Symphonic Band. He plays drums when his brothers force him, but you'll not see any coercion this Tuesday--just three wonderful young men serving up the music they write, perform and play with.  And pianist mother Cathy's megawatt smile will light the way.

Soaring with the Skajas

Olivia Skaja first performed for Tuesday Summer Concerts at age 11.  At that time, she could deliver 45 minutes of classical music from memory like a seasoned pro.  Her goal-- to be the world's greatest violinist; her process--practice eight hours a day.

Now at 16 Olivia performs throughout the area several times a week and continues to work toward her goal.  That goal has broadened to include bluegrass, Celtic, etc.  and she's learned to play not just to but with her audience.

Accompanied by her mother Deena, who plays with Itasca Orchestra and Itasca  Brass, and sister Kaitlin on the guitar, Olivia may also share her vocal music.  Every performance reveals a bit more about the musician Olivia Skaja and the wonderful family support she enjoys.

To preview, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O89SRrbzne8&feature=youtu.be

Favorites from Church and Stage

Lisa Johnson, Kathy Lysne and Stuart Boehr bring us their favorites, Tuesday, June 9 at First Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.  From the looks of their titles, they started preparing early while we were still close to drought conditions.  The second half of the program features four titles with rain or water and the first number petitions for channeling peace.

Well known to the Zion Church family, this trio delivers a purity of tone and performance surpassed by few.  Dr. Lisa, a Concordia grad. who sang under Rene Clausen, is ably supported by alto Kathy Lysne and Stuart Boehr at the keyboard.

First Lutheran has newly remodeled its sanctuary and their team is noted for their fine lunches so plan to stay for the $6.00 lunch.  As always, the concert is free and donations are used for publicity and music programs throughout the year.