Sunday, May 27, 2012

Memorial Day

There are always concerts and parades in observance of Memorial Day.  Be sure to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Just a reminder that the Knightwind Ensemble concert at Wisconsin Memorial Park begins at 1 PM (Memorial Day May 28) in the Chapel of the Chimes.  Yours truly will narrate A New Birth of Freedom, a musical setting of the Gettysburg Address.  I hope to see you there.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

The first concert of the summer season

The first concert of the summer season that I want to pass on to you will be performed by the Shorewood Concert Band.  It will be as a part of the Chicken Barbecue at Atwater Park presented by the Shorewood Men's Club. on Saturday June 9.  The fun begins at 11:30 and continues to 7:30 PM.  But you might not want to wait until the end, as the chicken goes fast. 

The chicken will be prepared again by Rupena's Fine Foods.  I can tell you from experience that the chicken is excellent.  If you have a small appetite, the 1/4 chicken dinner is probably right for you.  For the hungrier folks, the 1/2 chicken dinner is great.  And you can also get a whole chicken to bring home to the family.  Tickets for chicken will be sold at the park, so the only thing you need to remember to do is show up!

The Men's Club will also have entertainment all day at the park.  The Shorewood Concert Band opens the entertainment at 12:30.  They are followed by the Johnny Padilla Quartet.  The last act of the day will be Gleeson's.  Best to make a day of it, enjoy the music, the food, and the park.  What a great way to begin the celebration of summer!

Be sure to mark your calendar and enjoy the Shorewood Concert Band at the Men's Club Chicken Barbecue.  See you there!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Concert Preview: Knightwind Ensemble

The Knightwind Ensemble will present their annual Pops Concert on Memorial Day, Monday May 28 at 1 PM in the Chapel of the Chimes at Wisconsin Memorial Park. 

The Park, in observance of Memorial Day, will be flying their Avenue of Flags:  over 1,500 flags on display throughout the grounds (weather permitting).  The ceremonies begin at 9 AM, with the Knightwind Ensemble concert starting at 1 PM.

Besides patriotic marches and music from Broadway and the movies, the Ensemble will present a work that was written for The President's Own United States Marine Corps Band in 2009.  It is a musical setting of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address entitled A New Birth of Freedom.  And, of course, the concert would not be complete without the traditional Armed Forces Salute.

You might consider coming a bit early to enjoy some of the other performances and ceremonies.  You can also browse the wonderful artwork throughout the building.  And of course, driving through the Avenue of Flags is quite an experience, even if you have done it before.

The events in Wisconsin Memorial Park begin at 9 AM.  The Wisconsin Memorial Park web site has more information.  You can also find more information at the Knightwind Ensemble web site.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Concert Preview: Milwaukee Festival Brass

The Milwaukee Festival Brass will salute the upcoming Summer Olympics with a concert on Sunday May 20 at 3 PM in the Schwan Concert Hall on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Under the direction of D. Mark Taylor, the MFB will music with titles, themes, and locales tied to the London Olympics of 2012.  Among the variety of pieces are 'Brilliante' and  'The Torchbearer'!

Brilliante was written for the Childs Brothers as a duet for euphoniums and later adapted for solo euphonium. It is a new variation on Rule Britannia and has become one of the most widely performed euphonium solos.

The Torchbearer was written as the test piece for the 2009 National Brass Band Championships in Great Britain.  The variations are based upon the first phrase of the trio from Eric Ball’s Salvation Army march, Torchbearers.  Test pieces are always a bear to play but wonderful to listen to.  This piece will certainly test the MFB members.



Tickets are $12 for Adults and $9 for Seniors and Students, and can be purchased at the door.  Be sure to mark your calendar for this one.