Final Concert Scholarship Award Aug. 30

Thanks for a great season, Friends.  Your generosity has allowed us to award not one but two scholarships and we are so please to pass the good wishes on to two excellent musicians who have already distinguished themselves as genuine members of community.  They understand that "Together We All Do Better."

This week we're featuring four of the area's most accomplished pianists and they're playing together: "That's Eight Hands on Two Pianos" at Zion Lutheran Church, Tuesday, Aug. 30 at noon.  As always a church luncheon is available at $6.00.  The concert itself is free.

Planning is underway for the Fifteenth Series and we have some new surprises for you.  Mum's the word though until everything is finalized in early spring.  If there are musicians or groups you've been longing to hear, please contact one of the members of the committee and we'll add them to the list.

This time I'm listing members in order of their years of service and hoping I don't goof:  Cherry Tinquist, Carol Morrill, Kathy Goodwin, Cathy Shields, Darcy Reich, Eileen Grosland, Irene Eckert, Karen Karls, Lenora Evans, Louise Koglin-Fideldy, Allison Scally.  Every member of the committee performs a valuable service and it is through each member's commitment that the series pulls together each year.

And without all the committed people behind the scenes at the participating churches, we could not begin to contact the wonderful, generous performers who pull us together with their music.  By late September committee members have begun inquires.  By December performers have informed us of their availability, and by January churches have confirmed their interest in sponsoring concerts. So time is short if you'd like to participate in any way.  We regret that we can not accommodate every performer or request, but each year we try to bring you the best.

Have a wonderful year.

Carol

From Bach to Rock with Olivia

August 13 at 10:26 Olivia shared her joy with all of her Facebook friends.  "First place at the Minnesota State Oldtime Fiddle Championship! Also took home first in both the Twin and Non-Fiddle divisions! Needless to say, today has been quite good." A humble announcement from a very personable performer. 

August 23 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church the Tuesday Noon audience will have yet another opportunity to see how far Olivia has come.  Some of us remember her as the timid 11-year-old who was practicing 8 hours a day with a goal of becoming the best violinist in the world.  She's not so sure about that anymore, but she's still working hard and sharing her love of the violin and its music with numerous students.  She's also singing with Itasca Community Chorus and continues to play at assisted living facilities and anywhere else she can accommodate in her schedule.

Come early as St. Joe's is noted for their delicious luncheons at $6.00.  The concert is, as always, funded by donations.  This year's generous audience has made possible two scholarships that will be awarded next week.

Mase and the Masons

Jim Mason teased, "Wait till you find out what I have up my sleeve  for the upcoming Tuesday!  :-)" Then he went on to bring me up to date on his daughter's musical endeavors. 


Daughter Sarah, who directs the Ely High School band, will bring still other new elements to their performance as she is just back from the International Music Camp July 10th-August 5th where she was asked to return as an instructor.  Daughter Abi's degree will be in Elementary Education. However, she is the percussion section manager for the Concordia Band and Concordia Orchestra!  She plays everything.  She was even called in to play timpany with the Bemidji City Orchestra about a month ago.  

Never short on talent or surprises, the Mason family promises an easy-listening program at Community Presbyterian Church Aug. 16 at noon.  

A $6 church luncheon is available as always and donations continue to go toward music programs and this year's ever "First Tuesday Concert Scholarship" to be awarded Aug. 30.

Only the Best

Ross Larson is a newbie to the series though for the last several years he's been accompanying the Zion Luitheran Choir along with supporting other performers in several venues.  Ross teams with Stuart Boehr, Bonnie Kangas, and Darcy Reich to deliver solo, duet, and trio numbers on piano and organ.

Ross Larson, who was born and raised in Grand Rapids, graduated from Grand Rapids High School this spring. He has studied piano with Anne Dimich since the 2nd grade and recently completed his senior piano recital. Ross has also studied organ under Jan Bilden with the assistance of the Arrowhead AGO Young Organist Scholarship. In the fall, Ross will attend the Carlson School of Management at the U of M, majoring in both a business field and piano performance.

Among the selections are an exciting Celebre Tarentelle by L. M. Gottschalk with Ross and Stuart Boehr on 2 pianos, classical, romantic, and folk numbers featuring the breadth and depth of Ross's keyboard skills, and a grand flourish of Galop-Marche by Albert Lavignac with Ross, Stuart Boehr, Bonnie Kangas, and Darcy Reich on piano.

St. Andrew's hosts Keyboard Kaleidoscope August 9 at noon.  The concert is as always funded by donations with an optional church luncheon at $6.00.  

Once for Old Times Sake

  Ever evolving, ever capturing the spirit of the moment and the cooperation of the players, August 2nds' musicians are among the truly talented individuals who hear so clearly they can put together real music with a minimum of direction.

  Niece Rhonda Roskos tells this story of Andy and his winter audience.  While playing in Arizona, a woman passed behind Andy and said, “I just hate you.” 

  Andy finished the music he was making and then tagged with the woman.  “Ma’am, I don’t know you.  How can you hate me?” 

  The woman explained that she had taught music nearly her entire life and she couldn’t do what he does.  Then the two sat down together and shared their love of music at the keyboard. 

  Leonard Clarke strolled up after the substitute concert last August and said, “I want to play with you.”  Having heard Len in several settings over the years, I replied, “Had I had your contact information, you would have been up here with us.” 

  Len supplied information and we’ve been privileged to play dulcimer with him a few times since.  His only question is, “Am I playing melody or harmony?” 

  Tuesday the Summer Series Committee is honored to present three talented musicians, who have moved from band to band, responding to the needs and wants of community along with the circumstances of the individual musicians. 

  Andy Roskos learned to play piano at age 10 when his mother taught him the basics.  Soon after he picked up accordion so he could play in a dance band “Ernie’s Harmony Kings.”  He and his brother-in-law later formed a group which included drummer Brian Smith called “The Country Gentlemen.”

About the same time Leonard and David Clark were entertaining locally with their folk music.  After Leonard joined the Navy, David formed a high school rock band “The Renegades” where Brian played percussion.  When Leornard returned from the service, he played country Music with Charlie Nason and later teamed up with Brian and Molly Jordan to form “Country Kapers.”  David left “Country Gentlemen” to play with “Western Reunion Band” and Leonard stepped in. 

  And so it goes.  Over the years Lenny has performed with “Lenny and the Boys,” “Wheelers Hubcap Guitar Band,” The Verstiles,” “Bottom of the Barrel Boys,” Adopted Finns” and “Andy and Stu.” 

Today they simply say, “Let’s just call this one ‘Once for Time’s Sake Band!’ Enjoy!”

Premiering "Fourteen Souvenirs of a Young Traveler"

July 26, 2016 the Grand Rapids Summer Concert Series features Graeme Shields, son of Cathy and George Shields.  This is Graeme’s fourth or fifth appearance with us and each time the program is richer and more reflective of Graeme’s personal style on piano, organ, and mixed media. 

Graeme Shields is an emerging Canadian-born composer currently residing in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Composing classically-oriented music influenced by programmatic elements and modern ideas, he strives to present his work in an accessible light.

Graeme is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Composition at Western Michigan University.  Shields also holds a Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition from the University of Minnesota Duluth where he studied under the tutelage of Dr. Justin Rubin.  He holds awards from the Kennedy Center and University of Minnesota Duluth.

This week’s program reflects Graeme’s European travels.  Shields’ travels have led him across twelve European countries to search for melodies and sounds to incorporate into and inform the material in his substantial piano work Fourteen Souvenirs of a Young Traveler. 

The United Methodist Church at 1701 SE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 is pleased to present Graeme and feature their new grand piano at noon, Tuesday, July 26.  As always, the concert is free (funded by donations) and the optional church luncheon $6.00.

http://www.graemeshields.com/

Coleraine City Band

Next Tuesday, July 19, 2016 the Summer Series Committee brings you the Coleraine City Band.  In its 110th year of weekly summer concerts, the band rehearses Monday evenings and performs Thursdays at Longyear Park in Coleraine at 7:00.

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With a long history of civic involvement, the band consists of a number of area directors and well-known performers as well as young band students. Eighth grade students perform side by side with retired professional musicians. With 20 members the band has plenty of talent to draw on and a lot of good music to share. Together the band draws an appreciative audience rain or shine.

Director Sander Grotjohn compiles a weekly program of rousing patriotic, classical, and jazz numbers for his audience.  Bonnie Kangas says, "You name it; we play it." The July 7 program included a number of rousing marches, the armed services medley and show tunes.

This week's program is yet a mystery though Eileen Grosland assures me, "It's in the making and it will be great."  More information forthcoming. . . .

Forever Young Revisited

July 12, 2016 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset, you have another great opportunity--a chance to enjoy another free 45-minute concert by three of my favorite musicians.  

Maria Annoni, Jonathon Shields, and Marina Whight bring you “Forever Young Revisited.” Billed as some of our favorite songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s and a couple beyond, this concert of superb instrumentalists and vocalists is sure to delight. Numbers range from Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band"  to Bob Dylan's "Forever Young." 

MARIA T. ANNONI was born and raised in Duluth, graduated from St. Scholastica, and went on to complete graduate degrees in music theory at Ohio State.  She began playing music for the church as a child and continues her ministry to various communities--in the area and nationally.. She teaches music at Itasca Community College, and wears many other hats as well: classical guitarist, liturgical guitarist, liturgist, cantor, and chorister. She has been on sabbatical from ICC this past year during which time she completed a Master’s of Theology in scripture at St. John’s University.

JONATHON SHIELDS, born up north in Kenora, Ontario, Canada, has spent the majority of his life in northern Minnesota.  Jonathon found his love for music and the guitar when he was in 5th grade out on the East coast of Canada living in Miramichi, New Brunswick. He has been playing, writing, and performing ever since. Jonathon has played with a wide spectrum of musicians ranging from amateurs to professionals while performing across all genres, from contemporary orchestra and classical to folk, jazz, country, and rock n roll. Right now, Jonathon is attending the University of St. Thomas working on a two majors: Music Performance (B.M.), Music Business, and a minor: Recording Arts.

MARINA WHIGHT has been playing guitar and singing with Maria Annoni since the mid 80s and is thrilled to rejoin Jonathon to bring you Forever Young Revisited.  Marina is a singer, actor, dancer, choreographer, and musician.  More recently, Marina has been involved with the Grand Rapids Players, Uncommon Loons, and is currently recording and performing with Pat Surface and the Boundary Water Boys.  On top of her artistic endeavors, Marina teaches First Grade Students at St. Joseph's School here in Grand Rapids. 

As always, the series and the scholarship is funded by your generous donations.  Stay for a generous luncheon ($6) that benefits the Our Redeemer bell program. 

Jerry and the Jeriatrics

Did you miss the fun at Community Presbyterian Church today at noon?  If so, contact Marcie Lingren <auntiemarcie@hotmailcom> to reserve your tickets for the Northern Lights Trio and Jeriatrics show at the Edge of the Wilderness Performing Arts Center, Aug. 13.

Northern Lights Trio Plus Geriatrics, July 5

 At the close of their first Tuesday noon performance in 2014, pianist Ron Olsen enthusiastically praised the audience and requested a return engagement on the Community Presbyterian's Church's (703 N. Pokegama Ave.) grand piano.  That’s high praise from a pianist who has toured professionally and performed on some of the world’s best instruments. But no piano makes really beautiful music without the expert nuancing of a keyboard artist like Ron, as he leads the trio seamlessly from easy listening and jazz standards through Broadway, sacred and secular music and into rock'n roll. 

Tuesday, July 5 the noon concert features the Northern Lights Trio + 1 and Geriatrics.  Ron and his group entertain requests and claim to have 2000 plus tunes in their head so come with your favorite titles in mind.  Queried as to how they decide and signal key changes, Terry Price, guitarist and percussionist, humbly replied, “We just know.”  The combo of keyboard expertise and sensitivity to a wide range of music on the parts of all member makes this one of the season’s favorite performances. 

Ron played in piano bars and supper clubs throughout the Midwest while in school and while working his "day job"  in Munich, Germany.  Terry was the percussionist many Midwest bands including the Dave Dighton Band of Iowa. Bass player Jerry Hagen was a member of the well-known Pretenders for many years. 

This year word has it that Don Olsen, Ron’s brother, will be joining the group the first half so I’m thinking we’re about to hear the washtub bass among other special effects.  Marcie Lindgren from the Edge will be on hand with specially discounted tickets for the piano bar which the band headlines at Bigfork, Aug. 13. 

At halftime the group will morph into Jeriatrics, a costumned rock ‘n roll group of the 60’s so come prepared to tap your toes, revisit your youth, and revive your sense of humor. 

You won't want to miss the Northern Lights Trio in concert next Tuesday, July 5 noon at Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids.  As always the free concert is followed by a $6 church luncheon and a chance catch up with friends.

Consensus and the Stubbs Return

Brian and Jenny Stubbs and friends return to Grand Rapids this Tuesday, June 28th to share the music they are making with their Brainerd friends.  Hear them in concert at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church Noon to 12:45.

Consensus is a Brainerd-based a cappella group, performing an eclectic mix of standard choral works, popular arrangements, and jazz standards.  The nine-member group formed in 2011 to create anopportunity to socialize and to sing music with a high degree of polish.

The concert opens with "You Are the New Day" by John David, arr. Peter Knight, followed by an eclectic mix of choral gems. The closing number "Seaside Rendezvous" by Freddie Mercury, arr. Paul Hart and sung by only 9 wonderful vocalists, is guaranteed to hold us in thrall.

Brian moved to Brainerd years ago after directing the Grand Rapids High School vocal program   Those of you who were privileged to sing under his direction remember the wonderful humor and intensity with which he finessed a number.  At one point, he was so energized that he challenged the altos in his ecumenical choir to sing a high G and demonstrated that he could do so.  No excuses! Just pure music.

The concert is, as always, funded by your generous donations.  This year you are encouraged to refer Itasca County music majors in their third year of university studies for a scholarship.  Applications are available from all committee members and are due Aug. 1.

That's St. Andrew's Lutheran Church just off N. Highway 38 at the last stoplight before you leave Rapids at noon, Tuesday, June 28th.  

Trio con Brio Stockholm

They're back!  All you music lovers who've followed Jan Holmgren, Carina Cederwall, and Stig Andersson from their home in Sweden across Minnesota and back will revel in the gentle humor and sensitive musicianship of these longtime friends.  Imagine touring the U.S. with your two best friends, not once, but five times.  At each stop our friends rendezvous with friends from previous concerts.

This time they'll be reminiscing over their initial tour fifteen years ago when they stayed in the home of Pastor David Anderson, St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids.  At the time David was serving the Deerwood congregation and via a postcard had referred Jan to the Grand Rapids Summer Series Committee.  Zion graciously hosted their first three concerts here, but due to scheduling difficulties, we have a brand new venue for them and you.  Please make your way over to the Alliance Church on 21st S. and Airport Road.  

 TRIO CON BRIO STOCKHOLM’s program for June 21^st is entitled “Music Without Limits—In Our Way.” The performance will include music from Lars-Erik Larsson, Aram Chatjaturjan, Issac Albeniz, Leroy Anderson, Erick Korngold, Ignaz Friedman and will conclude with the well known Abba hit “Thank You for the Music” written by former Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson!

Darcy Reich and I have both been listening to the CD's we purchased on their previous tours and looking forward to additional music we can savor throughout the years.  A mellow combination of oboe/ flute, piano, and vocal, these are the easy listening classics you can visit with friends over or sip your favorite beverage as you listen to the loons on the lake. CD's are only $10 at the door so come early, bring your friends, and plan to enjoy a tasty church luncheon ($6) following the concert, which is, as always, free.  We will, however, pass the plates on this one to help the Trio with some of their travel expenses from Stockholm, Sweden.  

The concert starts sharply at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, June 14 at the Alliance Church on Airport Road. 

From Little Eden

Ripples of success spread joy day by day, performance by performance.  Today over 160 audience members gathered to be lifted up by the first concert "Songs We Love to Sing."  And I'm still flying high!

Next week The Rev. Richard Collman, who grew up on Prairie Lake south of Floodwood, will share his life of music with us. Each summer he and his family enjoy their time on the lake at "Little Eden."

Titled "An Autobiographical Recital," Richard opens with a rich piano arrangement of "Les Baricades Misterieuses" by Francois Couperin subtitled "The Mysterious Barricade" and composed in 1717. A Liszt Etude and a Celtic meditative piece follow.

Organ numbers include a Dietrich Buxtehude "Prelude and Fugue," followed by a modern arrangement by "The Old OneHundredth."  

The third set concluding with  "Be Still My Soul" demonstrates the beauty and range of the Celtic harp.

We are indebted to Rev. Peter Nord and Anne Lewis for introducing Richard Collman to our Fourteenth Summer Series.

Summer Series Kickoff Tuesday, June 7.

These young women will set your socks hopping and your heart singing as they share "Songs We Love to Sing."  Known throughout the community for their audience appeal and superior musicianship (lft.to rt.)Staci Taylor (Floodwood Art Director), Lenora Evans (Deer River High School Vocal Music Director), Susie Saxhaug Loeffler (Deer River Elementary Teacher), and Katie Benes (Reif Center) have assembled a popular program of their favorite music to showcase "how music makes us whole." Also featured is the fine Deer River A Capella Quartet.  The incomparable Janice Burch accompanies the group.

Mostly secular in nature, the program features two jazzy spirituals.  The repertoire ranges from the spiritual "It's Me It's Me, Oh Lord" and "How Can I Keep But Singing" to "Loathing" with a delightful mix of solo and small group numbers.

Following the free concert is an optional church luncheon for $6.00.  One of the First Lutheran women informs me they serve a mighty fine lunch.  Stay and visit with your friends over another cup of coffee or tea.

The first of a thirteen-summer-concert series the program will be performed at First Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN from 12:00 noon to 12:45. Concerts are funded by generous donations from the audience.

Another Spectacular Season Available Soon

The winter may have been mild to this point, but it has not been without personal challenges.  Nevertheless, we're back with a full slate of thirteen polished musical performances.

This summer we will feature three out-of-town groups:  Trio con brio from Stockholm, Sweden, Consensus (Brian Stubbs' a capella choristers from Brainerd), and Richard Collman from Northfield, MN.

Local musicians include the Masons, Skajas, the Shields, Ross Larson and Stuart Boehr with piano/organ concerts, a vocal potpourri with Susie Loeffler, Lenora Evans, Katie Benes, Staci Taylor, and Maria Annoni, Marina Whight, and Jonathon Shields.  The Northern Lights are back with a two-point program--easy listening and comic performance from Jerry and the Geriatrics.

New the series are the Coleraine City Band and Len Clark and Andy Roskos.  Watch for us on the gold bookmarks due out May 1. If you need reservations or information on specific groups, please contact rill2b@paulbunyan.net.   As always, concerts are funded by donations at the door and $6 lunches are served by the host churches.