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.