Lehigh Valley Source

Bethlehem Guitar Festival's 10th Anniversary Event Slated for June 4 and 5, 2010

 

Duo Melis will perform at Bethlehem Guitar Festival's 10th anniversary event at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at Moravian College's Peter Hall. 

By JERRY DUCKETT
Special to Lehigh Valley Source

One of the best kept secrets in the Lehigh Valley art world is the Bethlehem Guitar Festival, and its 10th anniversary event, with the theme of performing married couples, is slated for Friday and Saturday, June 4 and 5, 2010, at Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa. Presented by Moravian College’s classical guitar program and Martin Guitar Co., the event will include recitals, concerts, workshops, guitar expos, and master classes featuring the world’s most renowned guitar craftsmen.

The event is directed by John Arnold, the college’s classical guitar instructor. Well known in guitar circles, Arnold taught at Bennington College in Vermont prior to coming to Moravian. In addition to being an active musician nationally, Arnold is also an active member of the Pennsylvania Symphonia Orchestra and Satori. During a recent solo performance at Bethlehem’s Godfrey Daniel’s, Arnold premiered “Gut, Nylon, and Steel,” part of his Martin Guitar Suite, which tells the guitar company’s history. Also performed was “Michael Goodnight,” written by Arnold and dedicated to his friend Mischael Hedges, who died in an automobile crash in 1997.  

The festival kicks off in a big way on Friday, June 4, at 7:30 pm., when Thom Bresh—son of Country Music Hall of Fame legend Merle Travis—performs on the college’s Foy Concert Hall stage.

Bresh was born in Hollywood and made his debut at age 3, singing “Your Cheatin’ Heart” at the Corriganville Movie Ranch in Simi Valley, Calif., where most of the great western programs, including “The Lone Ranger,” were shot. His film debut soon followed at age 7, and, at the early age of 15, he replaced the retiring Roy Clark in Hank Penny’s band. His career then took another path, and, for 10 years, he worked as an actor/stuntman.

During his career, he played nine instruments, including tuba, and excelled in his impressions of celebrities. His wealth of musical talent led him to leadership, and, in 1970, he formed his own road band, with which he toured before returning to Los Angeles. He recorded his first single, “D.B. Cooper, Where Are You,” for Kapp Records in 1972, and two more for MGM three years later. He is a finger pickin’ guitarist who brings his father’s legacy to new highs.

The festival jumps into high gear on Saturday, June 5, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a guitar exposition, followed by a recital by Mayes Guitar Duo (Kathleen and Joseph Mayes) performing on guitars and lutes, and a lecture by Dick Boak at 10 a.m.

In addition to the morning recitals and clinics, major highlights of the festival are a   master class by Duo Melis (Susana Prieto and Alexis Muzurakis) at noon on Saturday in Peter Hall and their featured concert at 8 p.m., also in Peter Hall.

It was 1999 at the International Guitar Festival in the unique small city of Volos,
Greece, that a very young, but talented Spanish guitarist, Susana Prieto, and a Greek guitarist, Alexis Muzurakis, made their debut as a duo, and launched a career which has taken them through the world’s most prestigious concert halls. Those glorious musical Meccas include the Concetgebouw, a famous concert hall in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Megaron in Athens; and the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City.

Duo Melis performs works from the Baroque period to the 20th century, using both period instruments and modern concert guitars. The duo has performed and given master classes across the United States and Europe and collaborated with orchestras in Germany, Romania, and Greece among others. They have been teaching at the Conservatoire de Strasbourg in France since 2006.

“We had won numerous prizes individually and as a duo, and have also collaborated with international orchestras, such as the Berliner Symphoniker, the Radio Orchestra of Bucharest, and the National Orchestra of Thessalonika,” Prieto said during a recent telephone call from her and Muzurakis’ home in Strasbourg. “In 2003, we recorded our first CD after winning the recording prize, Cutta di Verona at the International Chamber Music Competition Gaetanp Zinetti [in Italy]. In 2005, we successfully auditioned for the Yehudi Mennhin Society Live Music Now.”

“The biggest problem we have had with our careers was finding the dates that are available to play together, since we have had so many solo professional dates. It is also very hard to answer the question when asked, ‘What is the most prestigious or memorable professional appearance you have played?’,” she continues. “We have played so many different places that each eclipses the other, and it is hard to find one better than the next. Also, it took us 10 years to become known with a fan base by performing in one competition after another, that now we only do master classes and concerts, and don’t have time for competitions.”

For the guitar festival’s schedule and admissions fees, call 610-861-1650 or visit http://home.moravian.edu/public/music/guitar/index.htm.

Jerry Duckett is a freelance writer who lives in Allentown, Pa.

Danielle Lubené Releases CD at Black Box Theatre

Danielle Lubené
Contributed Photo

By ROSEMARY PRATKA
Special to Lehigh Valley Source

Bethlehem, Pa.--Danielle Lubené's CD release party last Sunday evening at the Black Box Theatre within the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts in Bethlehem was more than a welcoming return to music for this local singer/songwriter, it was a work of art in itself.

     Black box theatres  became popular in the 1960's as spare, black painted venues in which experimental and improvisational acting could be performed without a focus on set or technical elements. In this way the human drama itself could be more fully explored. And for Lubené, this was the perfect space to present her latest work, "Post Cards From The Sea Of Me." Produced by Harrisburg's Jason Rubal (Dresden Dolls, Hierosonic), it is an original blend of ballads and pop songs, ranging from the pleasurably upbeat to emotional material that seems meant to cauterize wounds.
     Lubené, looking doll-like except for her laced up boots, started the show alone on stage with her acoustic guitar singing "April Fool" from her 2003 release "Slink". Backing vocalist Kathleen Warren then appeared and they sang "ESP and the Sandman," from Lubené's debut EP in 1994.  The two women's beautfully synchronized harmonies evoked hushed approval from the audience of about fifty people, many who appeared to be long time fans, delighted to hear this song. Once the rest of the band came on to the stage things heated up as they played songs like "Temptation" and "My Henry Miller" which channeled Lubené's edgy, sensual side.
     Lubené then performed the new CD in its entirety. Bassist Bill Melcher, and drummer Dave Joachim kept up an energetic rhythm on songs like "Sometimes" and the Ramones cover "I Just Want to Have Something to Do," while guitarist Doug Ashby turned up the distortion, playing riffs and solos with evident pleasure. Lubené danced while singing, and when not playing guitar, used her hands gesticulating to emphasize her point. The ballad "My Mirror", a song about acceptance and understanding was moving, and John Martyn's classic "Bless The Weather" showed off Lubené's smooth vocals intertwining with Melcher's exquisite, prominent bass lines. Lubené finished with "Sweet Revelry," a song inspired by her daughter Maddy, to warm applause. For an encore Lubené and Warren sang a rollicking version of Wanda Jackson's "Mean, Mean Man," with the band whooping it up while playing behind them.

     After the show, the audience was treated to a buffet of hors d'oeuvres that were beautiful as well as tasty including mango and shrimp canapes, roasted spiced walnuts, and mini crabcakes with pesto. Lubené chatted and signed CD's, talking about her return after taking time off from music to raise her daughter, and upcoming shows. The real treat of the evening was Lubené sharing her return to performing with such enthusiasm. 

Event Featuring Local Bands Helps Milford Square Resident with Medical Expenses

Couples swing to live music by The Whoadads, who reunited for a performance at "The Colonel's Winter Cavalcade of Stars" to benefit Milford Square, Pa., resident Bob Sener. Dancing at right are "Roc" Crumliss and "Irish" McCorkle of Kutztown, Pa.
Photos by Nadine M. Hasenecz

By NADINE M. HASENECZ
Of Lehigh Valley Source

Approximately $2,200 was raised for the Bob Sener Medical Fund when more than 100 people showed up to hear six local bands play at “The Colonel’s Winter Cavalcade of Stars” from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at North Penn Gun Club, Trumbauersville, Pa. 

The show opened with The Fireside Blues and closed with a reunion performance by The   Whoadads. Between were performances by The Beings, Pine Valley Rhythm Jumpers, Midnight Shift, and The Ultra Kings. (In 2000, three members of The Whoadads formed The Ultra Kings, causing the former group to disband.)

A Milford Square, Pa., resident and fan of live music, Sener—whose colon ruptured in November 2009—was present for the event’s duration. “Thank you for giving me ‘rock therapy,’ ” Sener said privately to members of The Whoadads, in a nod to the band’s rendition of “Rock Therapy” by Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio. Sener sat in on drums for two songs with Midnight Shift but told friends he avoided speaking to the crowd via microphone for fear of being overcome by emotion.

WDIY 88.1 FM operations director Neil Hever was master of ceremonies. Recorded music was played between sets by both Hever and Mike McMillan, host of “Bare Wires” on Lehigh University’s radio station WLVR 91.3 FM and member of both Midnight Shift and The Whoadads.

A donation of $10 per person was taken at the door, and 100 percent of those proceeds benefited the fund. In addition, 10 percent of proceeds from food sales was donated to the fund. The money was presented to Sener after the show. He is slated for another surgery in April.

Couples sway to Pine Valley Rhythm Jumpers' rendition of the Santo & Johnny classic "Sleepwalk." 

 

Pine Valley Rhythm Jumpers guitarist/vocalist Wes Comes with his wife, Sheri Schneider.

 

 

 

 

 

  
Bob Sener sits in on drums with blues band Midnight Shift. The event was held to raise money to help pay Sener's medical expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master of ceremonies WDIY 88.1 FM operations manager Neil Hever jokes with Bob Sener.

 

 

Midnight Shift

 

 

 

 

  
The Ultra Kings

  
The Beings

 

 

 

 

  
The Fireside Blues

 

 

 

 
   
An elderly guest is helped on the dance floor as she moves to a classic recording played between live sets. At left, Bob Sener watches.

MUSIKFEST ANNOUNCES 2010 THEME AND POSTER

  Contributed photo.

BETHLEHEM, PA.--The transformative impact of music will be the focus of Musikfest 2010, the 10-day music and arts festival that will take place in downtown Bethlehem, Pa. Aug. 6-15.

Musikfest 2010’s theme, “Transformation,” is designed to highlight how music and musicians can impact individuals, audiences, communities and the world. As part of its theme, Musikfest 2010 will feature performers and events that showcase the various ways music transforms people, as well as how certain musical genres have been transformed over time. One of the highlights of the festival will be the Transformation Series, which will take place at Moravian College’s Peter Hall, off Main and Church streets, Aug. 7-8 and 13-15 at 4 p.m. Performers for the series and the rest of Musikfest 2010 will be announced in the coming months; however, the first major concert announcement will take place Friday, Jan. 22.

“The Transformation Series will feature performers who showcase the transformative nature of music. Some will look at the changes within a specific genre, while others will cover the transformations between genres,” said ArtsQuest Director of Performing Arts Patrick Brogan. “These will be interactive performances that will engage audiences.”

Jeff Parks, president of ArtsQuest, said, “This year’s Transformation theme is symbolic in many ways. Not only is it a nod to the transformative effects that music has on all of us, but it also reflects the transformations that Musikfest has undergone over the years. What started as a smaller community event in 1984 has grown into a major celebration that attracts more than one million people to downtown Bethlehem each August. The growth of the festival is a powerful statement that speaks to the enduring effects of music across generations, but it’s also a testament to the tremendous support the event has enjoyed from our patrons, volunteers, partners, the city and, indeed, the entire community.”

“Musikfest will undergo further transformation next year as the Sands RiverPlace main stage moves to its new home across from the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, slated to open in May 2011,” Parks added. “We’re excited about the positive impact that the move will have on the festival, the neighborhood and the city, as it brings thousands of people to an area that will be teeming with arts, culture and new kinds of transformation.”

As part of the 2010 theme, ArtsQuest has also released its official 2010 Transformation poster, now on sale at www.musikfest.org and the Gallery Shoppe at the Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem. The digital painting, created by ArtsQuest eMarketing Manager Jon Lunger, features three musicians – a saxophonist, trumpet player and guitarist – standing in front of a brightly-colored wall of speakers.

“Music has a transcendental impact on everyone, from the artists who write the lyrics and create the music, to the audiences that enjoy the performances,” Lunger said. “The colors and the textures are really an interpretation of the transformative effect a person has when creating and enjoying art, whether it be visual or performing.”

Musikfest 2010, which is presented by ArtsQuest, will take place 5-11 p.m. Aug. 6 and noon-11 p.m. Aug. 7-15. The festival will include some 500 musical performances on 14 indoor and outdoor stages throughout Bethlehem’s historic, 18th-century downtown. In addition, the event will showcase delicious food and desserts by more than 60 vendors, a variety of children’s activities, visual arts and crafts and a closing-night fireworks display.

For more information on Musikfest, visit www.musikfest.org or call 610-332-1300.

The Doughboys Headline WDIY Anniversary Party

The Doughboys—Mike Caruso on bass, Richard X. Heyman on drums, Myke Scavone on vocals/harmonica, and Gar Francis on guitar—performed Jan. 16 at WDIY’s studio in Bethlehem, Pa. 

Bethlehem, PA — Plainfield, N.J.-based band The Doughboys headlined WDIY 88.1 FM’s 15th anniversary party at the radio station in Bethlehem, Pa., on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010.

Heavily influenced by original British invasion rhythm-and-blues bands, the rock ’n rollers opened with The Yardbirds’ “I’m a Man” and closed with The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.” In between, the band featured such originals as “Why Can’t She See Me?” “Carmalina,” “Queen City,” and “I’m Not Your Man” from its 2009 CD “Act Your Rage.”

Formed by bass player Mike Caruso and drummer Richard X. Heyman in 1964, the group was originally known as The Ascots and served as house band at the legendary Café Wha in Greenwich Village. The band split in 1969 and reunited in 2000.

WDIY Operations Director Neil Hever with drummer/group founder Richard X. Heyman

 

Kate Riess of WDIY with The Doughboys’ Gar Francis and Myke Scavone

 

 

The Doughboys perform at WDIY's 15th anniversary party
Photos by Nancy Heyman/courtesy of Neil Hever

FAITH! “Clash” Of The Valley Choirs – Rematch At Symphony Hall on Sat. Jan. 30

Faith! - A “Clash” of the Valley Choirs celebration has been designed to bring live classical music to the residents of the City of Allentown and surrounding areas in a unique and engaging way. It was so well received last year that it is back by popular demand!

Inspired by the popular NBC television series, “Clash of the Choirs,” the PA Sinfonia is inviting choirs to participate in this kick-off to Black History Month, 2010, by performing in a spirit of friendly competition and good will.  The Philadelphia Brass Quintet (affiliated with the PSO as members of the quintet are members of the PSO) and Vivan Wang (a 16-year old award-winning local pianist often featured with the PSO) will perform pieces written by African American composers, (i.e. Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin among others) interspersing them with performances of local choirs performing gospel music who will compete for votes from a panel of musically-knowledgeable and respected judges.

A cooperative partnership among the PA Sinfonia Orchestra, the Lehigh County Conference of Churches, the Community Music School, the City of Allentown, Mayor’s Office-Faith-Based Initiatives, and the Allentown Symphony Hall Association will host and help to promote this unique event.

Choirs will be given the opportunity to perform in Allentown’s Symphony Hall for their community, church groups, families and friends and will compete for monetary prizes to be awarded to the top choir and also top youth choir for their favorite charity. The audience may get the opportunity to “vote” for their favorite choir, so choirs are encouraged to have church groups and their friends and family attend this fun and inspirational event!

Special Guest Performances by: Greater Shiloh Music Ministry, Echoes of the Liberia Dance Troupe, and Ian S. Homes, II, The Holmes Family with the Community Music School vocal ensemble.

Last year, we had over 700 people in the audience at Symphony Hall ! Residents of the Valley were treated to top-notch classical and gospel music and the best of African-American culture. This concert will embrace young and old, and while geared toward the efforts of the African-American community, it will utilize music as a universal language to bridge all cultures. All registered choirs of this event will be involved in a pre-qualifying competition the morning/afternoon of January 30, 2010 followed by a pre-concert reception and the concert at 7:30 pm.  Non-perishable food items will also be collected for local food banks Tickets are only $5 youth and $10 adult with groups of 20 or more $1 DISCOUNT OFF regular pricing. On street parking and also Parking Authority garage will be open – entrance on 6th street.

www.PASinfonia.org

Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra's Winter Vivaldi At Wesley Church

Bethlehem, PA.--The Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra will present their Winter Vivaldi concert at 3:00 p.m, at Wesley Church, 2540 Center Street, Bethlehem with a program featuring Father Sean Brett Duggan on piano performing the J.S.Bach Concerto in A for Keyboard and strings BWV 1055. Sinfonia principal players will perform other works by Vivaldi, Handel, Gabrieli, C.P.E. Bach. $20-$40 tickets and discounts for seniors and students. Call 610.434.7811, email: PSO Boxoffice @verizon.net. Plenty of free parking is available. Online ticket purchases available through www.pasinfonia.org.

This series features the principal players of Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra. Cheryl Bishkoff, oboist will be highlighted on the Concerto in g for oboe, strings and continuo by Georg F.Handel. Cellist, Deborah Davis will play an unaccompanied Ricercar II in a minor by Giovanni Gabrieli and flutist, Robin Kani will solo on C.P.E. Bach’s Concerto in d minor for flute, strings and continuo.  Violinists Mary Ogletree and Rebecca Brown will be featured on the Trio Sonata in e minor for two violins and continuo by Antonio Vivaldi. 

Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750, was a prolific composer and organist from Germany who has earned the distinction as probably the greatest composer of the Baroque period. His works incorporate an intellectual depth and musical counterpoint to which other composer’s works are often compared.  This concerto is the fourth of seven (so far) that Father Sean will be performing with the PA Sinfonia string quintet and continues a Duggan/Sinfonia musical tradition that began when Father Sean met conductor Allan Birney in 1996 at the Taubman Institute in Amherst, MA.,(where they were both studying this approach to keyboard playing). This particular concerto differs from Bach’s other ones as it is less complex, a little shorter than previous works in the set…it is "happy" in mood - a very pleasant and "sunny" work- not so contrapuntally complex; more approachable and easy to listen to.

The Ricercar II for  solo cello by Domenico Gabrielli was written more than 30 years before Bach composed his unaccompanied suites for cello. Ricercar No. II (2) is the longest out of the set of  7 improvisatory Ricercari dating from 1689. Gabrielli was a respected performer on the cello who was trained in Bologna, a Mecca for the early cello. The ricercar develops as it goes along, changes speed and changes meter several times and ends in a sort of fast, gigue-like dance

 Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) violinist and composer, was born in Venice.  His father was an orchestral violinist and also his son’s main teacher.  Vivaldi, a very prolific composer (and an ordained priest) wrote many orchestra works in addition to nearly 50 operas.  He is probably best known for his orchestral work, the Four Seasons, which was published in 1725. The Trio Sonata in e minor for two violins and continuo has four movements – Grave, Corrente, Giga and Gavotta.

 Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was a German musician and composer, the second son of J.S. Bach and Maria Barbara Bach. He was a founder of the Classical style of writing and was considered one of the foremost clavier-players in Europe. His compositions, dating from 1731, include about 30 sonatas and concert pieces for the clavier. His flute Concerto in D Minor, “due to its unparalleled mellifluous opening movement,” has been performed by flautists world-wide. (Wikipedia)

Jan. 23 Benefit to Feature Six Bands

Local rockabilly band The Ultra Kings will perform at "The Colonel's Winter Cavalcade of Stars" benefit on Jan. 23 in Trumbauersville, Pa.
Photo courtesy of The Ultra Kings

Trumbauersville, PA. -- Six Lehigh Valley area bands will perform at “The Colonel’s Winter Cavalcade of Stars” to benefit the Bob Sener Medical Fund from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at North Penn Gun Club, 2555 Toll Gate Road, Trumbauersville, Pa.

Bands scheduled to play are The Beings (experimental/psychedelic), Pine Valley Rhythm Jumpers (hillbilly), Midnight Shift (blues), The Ultra Kings (rockabilly), and Fireside Blues (blues). In addition, the former WhoaDads (rockabilly) will make an extra special reunion appearance. The event will be hosted by WDIY 88.1 FM operations director Neil Hever, who will also spin records between sets.  

Admission donation is $10 per person. All admission proceeds will go to Bob Sener to help pay for his medical expenses.

Food and drink will be available for purchase, and 10 percent of food proceeds will be donated to the medical fund. The menu is as follows: Big Black Chevy Burger, Drag Strip with Shoe Strings, Mopar Meatball Sandwich, Memphis Pulled Pork Sandwich, Colonel's Chicken Sandwich, Hot Rod Poppers, Tracker Fins, and Rockin' Hot Wings.

North Penn Gun Club in Trumbauersville is off Route 309, just outside of Quakertown, Pa.

 Experimental/psychedelic band The Beings
Photo courtesy of The Beings

Music At Wesley To Present 'Bright Day Star' On Fri. Dec. 18

Bethlehem, PA.--Music at Wesley  proudly presents The Baltimore Consort in a concert called ‘Bright Day Star’ on Friday,  December 18 at 7:30 pm at Wesley Church, 2540 Center Street, Bethlehem.  The program will include yuletide carols and dance
tunes from the British Isles, Germany, France and Spain. The Baltimore Consort
includes seven musicians specializing in early music and well known for both their
concerts and recordings.  They include: Mary Anne Ballard, viols and rebec;
Mark Kudec, cittern and viol; Larry Kipkis, viol, recorder, gemshorn and crumhorn; Ronn McFarlane, lutes and bandora;  Mindy Rosenfield, wooden flutes and fifes, and crumhorn; Danielle Svonavec, soprano and Jose Lemos, countertenor.
Tickets are available at the door for $15.

Group photos are available -  call Allan Birney at 610-282-4282

Camerata Singers Christmas Concert “A French Noel” Performance Sat. Dec. 19

CAMERATA SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT “A French Noel” featuring Charpentier’s  Christmas Midnight Mass and Saint-Saens’ Christmas Oratorio.  Camerata Singers, soloists and Pa. Sinfonia Orchestra, Allan Birney,conducting.  Saturday, December 19, 8:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church,  Allentown. Tickets  $30, $20, $15 senior and student discounts. 610-434-7811 www.pacameratasingers.org