A Weekend of Wonderful Music!

Will Earl Spanheimer

Laura Pedersen

Do you speak music?  Music is the international language, and Natchez is filled to the brim with this language in the events that the Natchez Festival of Music has on tap this weekend.

The International Tango Rendezvous Sextet, joined by the Havana String Quartet will play a concert/dance event on Friday, May 20 at 8:00 p.m. at the glamorous Prentiss Club.  Music, light refreshments, great venue, a cash bar, dancing, and fun!  This group of musicians brings a unique experience to Natchez with their interpretations of one of the world’s most exciting genres of music.

It’s A Grand Night for Singing!  Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein   What a grand night for music! Rodgers and Hammerstein defined the American Musical Theater with their eleven musicals, with their stories of cowboys, tropical islands, carnivals, mysterious faraway lands, and singing nuns.  

Stories of human triumph, challenge, relationships, and love were set to music that has become a part of who America is, that expresses hope, that leaves each person with a song that lifts the heart, and that lingers throughout one’s life.  

To sing these fabulous songs made famous in musicals such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Carousel, and others are a group of the most beloved stars who have performed with the Natchez Festival of Music—Will Earl Spanheimer, Victor Khodadad, Laura Pedersen, and Hilerie Klein Rensi, accompanied by Kumiko Shimizu. 

Each of these artists has performed throughout the United States in major venues as well as throughout the world.  What a privilege to have these singers and these songs!  They are not good, they are absolutely fabulous!  This is as good as it gets, anywhere, any time!

Sunday Afternoon Favorites, Opera and More  Will Earl Spanheimer, Victor Khodadad, Laura Pedersen, Hilerie Klein Rensi, and Kumiko Shimizu will be joined by another favorite star, Kimberley Bentley, as they present a Plantation Performance at Dunleith on Sunday , May 22, at 4:00 p.m.  Their versatility shines as they sing a combination of opera favorites and other irresistible musical selections in this beautiful setting.

Tickets for these events can be obtained through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at the Natchez Visitor Center, by phone at 601.446.6631 or 1.800.647.6742, or online at www.natchezpilgrimage.com.  A special weekend package for the three events can be obtained with a 10-percent discount.  What a bargain to enjoy the world’s greatest music by fabulous artists!

Check the website www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com for further details and information.

Songs of the Civil War

‘Always…Patsy Cline’ Returns to Natchez!

 

She’s coming back to Natchez for a return engagement!

           

            The Natchez Festival of Music Guild is proud to present a repeat performance of the much-requested blockbuster hit, “Always . . . Patsy Cline.”  Two performances will be held:  Friday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center on Homochitto Street.

           

            The cast and crew of previous presentations in Natchez will be reunited for yet another excursion into Patsy’s world of rock ‘n’ roll and country music.  “Patsy” will once again be brought to life through the incomparable vocal stylings of Mary Nell Rushing.  “Louise” will once again be portrayed by Diana Glaze, who becomes more like the gregarious Houston fan with each performance.  The phenomenal group of musicians who comprise the band (and will guarantee that you can’t sit still) includes Musical Director  and Natchez favorite, Sylvia Johns Ritchie on piano; fantastic fiddlers Mickey Davis, who also has played with the Jackson Symphony, and Dave Troutman, who holds a Masters Degree in Music Education; Louis DeVries, conductor of the Saint Joseph Orchestra, on bass; Casey Gilbert, a self-taught musician who performs with various talents, on lead guitar; Ken Cranford, who has worked with Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Mel Tillis, playing pedal steel guitar,; and drummer Terry Trovato, who began his college career on a Percussion Scholarship and was selected to be the percussionist for the Natchez Festival of Music’s “An Evening of Jazz.”  Every one of these musicians is superior in their own right, but together they are tremendous.

           

            For those of you who have seen the show, please come share the fun with us again.  If you have not yet seen the show, don’t let this opportunity slip by you!  Please come, bring your friends, dress in costume if you wish, and prepare to be Patsified!  (The show was written by Ted Swindley and is directed for the Natchez Festival of Music by Diana Glaze.)

           

            Reservations may be made by calling Mary Robertson at 601-445-2210.  Tickets are $20.00.   Check the Festival website:  www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com for more information.

Valentine's Day Gala -- Love...And All That Jazz!

Photo courtesy Photos8.com  

The Natchez Festival of Music announces its upcoming Valentine Gala, Love…And All That Jazz, on February 14, 2011.  Hosted by the Guild, the gala will be held at the home of Dr. Brad and Sherri LeMay at 700 Orleans Street at 6 p.m. 

This year's event is in honor of Buzz Harper, a Festival founder and member of our Eminent Board.  

Buzz has been a major supporter of the Festival for these past 20 years; and we welcome this opportunity show our love and appreciation to him as we proceed with plans for our 21st season -- the beginning of our third decade!

Music will be provided by Jazz LTD of Natchez, with Donna Schaffer on vocals and piano, Terry Trovato on percussion, and Tim McGivaren on bass.  Several Festival artists who have stayed with Buzz or who have been very special to him plan to be here and participate in the program.

Barry Maxwell will again serve as our auctioneer, and there are some really fabulous items for the live auction.  Just a few examples:

• Bill and Bobbye Henley have offered their three-bedroom, three-bath lovely condo at Orange Beach for a week. 

 

• On the second weekend in May, David and Marjorie Feltus Hawkins will provide a two-night, weekend stay for two at their home in Nashville, TN.  On Friday evening, the Hawkins will host their guests for dinner at the Country Club. On Satursday, it's off to the Steeplechase with box-seat tickets, where they can enjoy the races, along with a selection of  food and libations. Transportation to and from the airport is included.

    

• Lani and Ron Riches are giving a suite for a one-night Romantic get away at Monmouth Plantation, complete with champagne and breakfast.

• Pearl Street Pasta is donating a dinner for four, including a bottle of wine.

• Merkel Dupuy has again offered to bring his Cajun crew and provide a cochon de lait for someone. 

• Bingo Starr will cook for someone.   

We have other exciting things to offer, as well—bridge parties, dinners, sponsorships for Festival artists and events, and lots of other wonderful things. 

Of course, we will have lots of wonderful, elegant food—lovely hors d’oeuvres and sweets, along with a cash bar.  

Tickets are $50.00 per person or $95 for two.  Ticket deadline is February 10, and tickets are limited.  For ticket sales and information, call Mary Robertson at 601.445.2210.  Tickets will also be available at NPT. 
 
We look forward to seeing you at this lovely and exciting evening!