Chamber Music Sedona Celebrates Music from
Around the World
Blue Grass Residency
is a First for Red Rock Country
by
Donna Schist
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Chamber
Music Sedona is recognized for the artistic diversity of the
finest order and this is exemplified during its 24 year history.
From its simple beginnings in 1982 to today as one of the
southwest’s most important rural presenters, Chamber Music
Sedona celebrates the human experience using the vast artistic
resources represented by its trustees, staff and members.
In 1998,
mandolin wizard Mike Marshall appeared in Sedona with The Modern
Mandolin Quartet, an ensemble that blazed new music trails. The
MMQ performance with Marshall as first mandolinist, demonstrated
an artistic and technical command that has brought Marshall back
to Sedona four times: twice with Chris Thile, once with Edgar
Meyer, another with Darol Anger. In 2003, Marshall accepted an
invitation to serve as an artistic advisor for Chamber Music
Sedona.
The Burnett Family
As a result of
Marshall’s influence, Chamber Music Sedona will hold its first
Bluegrass Residency, May 2-6, offering a multiplicity of
activities serving as “points of entry” for the seasoned,
unseasoned, and curious.
“While this
residency will be different from past ones, one of the most
important genres in today’s world is bluegrass, a style that
reflects the American experience, and continues to grow in
popularity,” said Bert Harclerode, Chamber Music Sedona
executive director.
The resident
quartet, Richard Greene & The Brothers Barton, will be featured
in a mix of programs free and ticketed. Grammy winning fiddler
Richard Greene has joined forces with brilliant bluegrass duo
The Brothers Barton and master bassist Jim Whitney.
From classic
bluegrass and old-time music played the way Bill Monroe taught
Greene to exciting original compositions, this new ensemble
consistently achieves packed houses with standing ovations and
encores the norm.
Chase Coleman
Together the
four have superb chemistry and charisma, playing with equal
reverence for tradition and innovation. Greene continues to work
with many of the most notable artists including J.D. Crowe, Tony
Rice, Tony Trischka, David Grisman, Peter Rowan, Andy Statman,
Dave Frishberg, Buell Neidlinger, Larry McNeely, Melissa Hasin.
It was Bill Monroe who said “...There’s not a man in the country
that can do what Richard can do...”
Wednesday
evening, May 2, Greene will give a “Fireside Chat” at the Sedona
Public Library as part of the Sunterra Title Series “Free
Chamber Music at the Library.” The program is open to the public
and all patrons are asked to bring two cans of food for what has
become a tradition.
Thursday, May
3, Greene & The Brothers Barton perform in-school “Concerts for
Youth” at West Sedona, Big Park and Sedona Red Rock High School.
Friday, May 4,
the Quartet will perform a free concert at the Sedona Historical
Museum in a Brown Bag Bluegrass Concert from high noon to 1 p.m.
Loren Barton
Friday evening
Chamber Music Sedona will present a barbecue “Pickin in the
Canyon BBQ at Bacon Rind Park” as a Friend & Fun Raiser. For
reservations to the 5:30-7:30 p.m. event call Chamber Music
Sedona at 204-2415
Saturday, May
5, afternoon from noon to 5 p.m., Richard Greene & The Brothers
Barton will be joined by The Burnett Family Bluegrass for “Bowin,”
Pluckin’ and Pickin,’ at the Coconino Center for the Arts in
Flagstaff. The afternoon will include a series of informances
(informal performances with dialogue and Q&A), workshops and
lessons.
“This will be a
special treat for all that are interested in bluegrass and want
to improve their skills,” said Greene. “Bert’s told me all about
the Northern Arizona Bluegrass Scene, and we’re excited to be a
part of this. We look forward to meetin’ and greetin’ new
friends and particularly the Burnett Family.”
Paul Barton
Admission for
the afternoon is $20/adults or $15 in advance. Students to age
18 with ID are free of charge. The Flagstaff program is made
possible with support from the Flagstaff Community Foundation
with housing assistance provided by the Radisson Woodlands
Hotel. Private lessons with Richard Greene, Paul and Loren
Barton and Jim Whitney can be arranged via email at
SedonaBluegrass@aol.com
Sunday is the
crowning jewel of the residency, beginning at 11:00 a.m., when
Joey Bistro will take on a folk atmosphere for a brunch and
bluegrass concert featuring Greene and colleagues unplugged.
The menu
includes Pumpkin stuffed Ravioli with Amaretto Cream Sauce
appetizer. Entree Selection includes a choice of Eggs Forestiere,
poached eggs atop toasted English Muffin, ladled with Wild
Mushroom Sauce, or Chicken Alla Di Favio, grilled Chicken Breast
with Tarragona Rock Shrimp Cream Sauce. Entrees are served with
Red Rock Springs Farmers Market fresh vegetables and Chef’s
choice of starch. Dessert is a Gino Tiramisu. A glass of
champagne is served as is coffee or tea. Reservations are
$65/person and must be made in advance. Seating is limited to
50.
Richard Greene
The Sedona
Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by and takes place at Los
Abrigados Resort and Spa, from 1-6:00 p.m., creekside. Featured
are The Oak Creek Boys, Stephanie Bettman & The Boys, The
Burnett Family Bluegrass, and Richard Greene & The Brothers
Barton.
Free trolley
service will provide transportation to the festival from the
primary parking lot at Crestview Community Church, Highway 89A
and Airport Road. Festival admission is $25 for adults and $10
for youth to age 12.
Quick Piano
Competition and Recital
Northern
Arizona piano students ages 12-18 will compete for cash prizes
and for the chance to perform in concert during the 11th Quick
Memorial Piano Competition Saturday, April 14, at the Sedona
Public Library, in West Sedona.
“Some 25 young
pianists will compete in this program,” said program coordinator
Helen Black. “It is so wonderful to see these talented young
people, and it’s a real thrill to see the winners of this
program perform. The performances will take place Friday, April
20, 7:00 p.m., at St. John Vianney Church, in West Sedona.
The competition
was established to honor LaReine Quick. “We’re very pleased with
this program that has seen many a fine pianist from Northern
Arizona,” said Douglas “Pete” Quick, Quick Family Trustee. “Mom
was classically trained and she was at ease with the most
challenging classical works, but she could also get to the heart
of a standard and the soul of the blues. It is in this spirit
that we carry on this program now in its 16th year.”
Immediately
following the concert by Trio con Brio - Copenhagen, April 22,
all Quick Memorial Piano Competition participants will be
invited to a master class offered by Trio con Brio - Copenhagen
pianist Jens Elvekjaer.
The piano
recital on April 20 is part of the Sunterra Community Series
“Free Chamber Music at the Library,” and will next present
fiddler and American Bluegrass legend Richard Greene in a
Fireside Chat at the Sedona Public Library with CMS executive
director Bert Harclerode and CMS Trustee and musician Chris
Seymour. Admission to each of the free programs is two cans of
non perishable food that will be contributed to Sedona
charities.
Flagstaff
pianist featured in Free Concert series
Chamber Music
Sedona kicks off its spring concert line-up with a recital by
Flagstaff pianist Chase Coleman as part of CMS’ Free Chamber
Music at the Library series, April 11, 7:00 p.m., at the Sedona
Public Library in West Sedona. While the program is free, each
patron is asked to bring two cans of food that will be donated
to the Sedona Community Center.
“Chase is a
very special artist,” said Bert Harclerode, CMS executive
director. “The program will be memorable.”
“Chase has in
his fingers cocktails, chestnuts and more,” said Harclerode.
“Explained in musical terms, his musical palate covers
everything from popular works to the great classics. Chase
always adds informative commentary to his program and I’m
looking forward to his performance.”
Seating is
limited to 90 patrons and doors open at 6:45 p.m. All patrons
will be invited to join the CMS mailing list by signing in and
in turn all patrons who sign in will have the chance to win CMS
posters by the late Irv Burkee, as well as concert tickets to
the April 22 concert featuring Trio con Brio - Copenhagen.
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