02.02.10
BAYOU DIESEL-A MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
Bayou Diesel, a high-energy Mardi Gras dance band from Black Mt, NC, featuring multi-talented musicians from the greater Asheville area, will appear in Mooresville, 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 13th at the Joe Knox Theater, Charles Mack Citizens’ Center, 215 N. Main Street, Downtown Mooresville. The group will play many of the popular French and Creole musical styles native to Southwest Louisiana, popular with Mardi Gras season. With the distinctive sounds of the button accordion, Bayou Diesel evokes the spirit of a community crawfish boil deep in the Louisiana swamps and prairies. Their menu includes several Cajun and Zydeco two-step waltzes and tunes one finds common from New Orleans to Lake Charles. Like hot sauce on gumbo, the band flavors its show with tight swingin’ rhythms and a spicy French lyrics for seasoning. Group members will also give some background on Mardi Gras and its music. You’ll be clamoring for all the beads and Jambalaya, and you can holler “AAA-eee!” No matter what day of the year, it is always Fat Tuesday with Bayou Diesel.
Bayou Diesel has been playing and performing locally since August 2005, with one CD to date, they have matured into a popular local dance band by drawing on the styles of favorite contemporary Louisiana artists like Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Boozoo Chavis, Bo Jacque and Keith Frank. They appear regularly at Asheville venues Jack of the Wood, the Westville Pub, and 11 on Grove where they have a strong following of dancers and enthusiasts. With guest rubboard players and call-and-answer audience vocal participation, the band is really fun to see and dance to. In 2006, Bayou Diesel appeared at the Tryon Barbeque Festival. 2007 and 2008 saw several appearances at local festivals and at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, and 2009 at Asheville’s Belle Chere Festival. They are the ultimate “Pardi-Gras band” and love to play for club and family-friendly festival audiences alike. The five-member group plays several instruments to give the lively sounds of Mardi Gras.
Steve Burnside, a multi-instrumentalist, including the button box, has skills in several different root musical styles such as bluegrass, swing, and Celtic. Steve has been playing and performing Louisiana style music for 20 years. John Mulholland, also a multi-instrumentalist and an original band member, is an expert percussionist on the Zydeco Rubboard. Paul Leech, “Tall Paul”, is the Bayou Diesel bass player. He is also a multi-instrumentalist, exhibiting his skills on guitar, mandolin, cello, penny whistle and snare drum. David Zoll is a full time music instructor and the guitarist for Bayou Diesel. He has been with the group for about 1.5 years and is a solid musician on several levels. The fifth member, Ben Bjorlie, is the newest member of the band. Ben came to Bayou Diesel just over a year ago, interviewing first as a drummer but has most recently has been “cooking it up on the tubs.” Let the good times roll for an evening of lively music with Bayou Diesel.
A “Meet The Artists” reception will follow the concert. Admission is $10, Students $5, children under 10 free; tickets can be purchased at the Mack Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville, and the Mooresville Recreation Department office, or by calling (704) 662-3334.
12.16.09
Charlotte Children’s Choir Performs
What a sight to behold! Three of the six ensembles comprising the Charlotte Children’s Choir, directed by Sandy R. Holland, performed Sunday, December 13 at Roland Morgan Auditorium in Mooresville, North Carolina: Cantare, featuring teenage boys in 10th through 12th grade; Bella Voce Singers, featuring teenage girls in 10th through 12th grade; and Concert Choir, featuring grammar school girls and boys before their voices change.
The Cantare ensemble of young men, dressed in black pants and vest with white shirts, began the program by performing “O Come, O Come, Emanuel,” an ancient plain song, which was sung by memory. The Bella Voce Singers added a dramatic moment as they slowly walked down each aisle holding lit candles, then stopping midway while the Cantare singers finished singing. As the young men left the stage, the young women, dressed in long black taffeta gowns, processed onto the stage to sing “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” accompanied by Christine Van Arsdale on the harp.
On occasion, each group performed music designed for it, such as, the Cantare ensemble performing, “Nine Carols for Male Voices,” arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams, or the Concert Choir performing in their bright red jackets, “Dancing Day,” by John Ritter. On other occasions, however, the three groups combined to immerse the audience in sound, such as Benjamin Britten’s “This Little Babe,” from Ceremony of Carols accompanied by William E. Gouge on piano, Connie Beach on flute, and Michael Scarboro on timpani.
Sandy Holland, in her tailored black outfit, was in complete control of the groups and was relaxed in her arm movements while conducting. She coordinated the movements of the groups perfectly as they entered and exited the stage. Although her goal was musical perfection, she reflected the joy she felt in her work as she spoke of the hard work and dedication of the groups.
The program was a good length, not too long, but long enough, and the audience felt inspired by the musical gift the children left with them.
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- ICA Board Member Jean Whatley with raffled Cotton Ketchie print.
12.10.09
Christmas Concerts in Mooresville This Weekend
Iredell County has two very good events this weekend that provide plenty of Christmas spirit through live musical performances on Saturday and Sunday, both in Mooresville.
Stu Eaton, who produces the Mooresville Concerts series and is on the Iredell Concert Association Board sent this to us:
Mooresville Concerts continues its third season on Saturday, December 12, 2009 , 7:30 p.m. with Kate Minogue and The Beggar Boys returning to Mooresville to warm your spirit with songs, tunes, and stories from around the Celtic world. 
Carols, old and new, retell the Christmas story, and Irish Step Dancers from Charlotte’s Rince na h’Eireann School of Irish Dance join the band for a special holiday treat. Formed in 2001, The Beggar Boys have delighted audiences with their eclectic blend of Celtic traditional music and original songs and tunes in Boston, Charlotte, Mooresville, Davidson and elsewhere around the country. The band can also be heard on National Public Radio’s “A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea” on the air this holiday season.
This performance, the third of six concerts in the Downtown Mooresville series, is playing in the Joe Knox Theater at the Charles Mack Citizens Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville. Following each performance there will be a complimentary performers’ reception, with refreshments, to give the audience an opportunity to meet the performers, or just socialize. Tickets are $10, $5 for students, children under 10 free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Mack Center or at the Mooresville Recreation Department office, or by calling (704) 662-3334, or the night of the performance.
On Sunday afternoon, our Iredell Concert Association series brings The Charlotte Childrens’ Choir to Roland R. Morgan Auditorium at 3:00PM. The Charlotte Children’s Choir, with more than 240 children in 6 ensembles between the ages of 8 – 18, representing 9 counties, two states, and over 100 public and private schools, is celebrating its 24th Anniversary Season this year. 
Two ensembles, with more than 100 singers, will present a traditional holiday program which will entertain all members of the family. The Choir has enjoyed unique and exceptional performance opportunities with such professional organizations as the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Carolina, and Carolina Voices, has appeared with the American Boychoir, on the A&E television special with Judy Collins, and most recently with the Grammy award-winning Canadian brass. The Choir has also appeared at state, regional national music educator’s conferences including the NC Music Educators Association, the 2006 National Conference of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, the 2007 Southern Division AM featuring America’s most talented young musicians. touring and sharing their music is a large part of the choral experience. The Choir has successfully toured throughout the US and abroad, performing in such venues as the National Cathedral (DC), St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NYC), Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris) in Ireland, England, Canada and the Pacific Northwest United States. this past June the Concert Choir and Youth Choral traveled to Italy, serving as musical ambassadors to Florence, Venice and Rome.
Click on the Iredell Concerts website HERE to see more about tickets and membership.
12.03.09
Mooresville Concerts Presents The Beggar Boys
The Beggar Boys – A Celtic Christmas Mooresville Concerts continues its third season on Saturday, December 12, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. with Kate Minogue and The Beggar Boys returning to Mooresville to warm your spirit with songs, tunes, and stories from around the Celtic world. Carols, old and new, retell the Christmas story, and Irish Step Dancers from Charlotte’s Rince na h’Eireann School of Irish Dance join the band for a special holiday treat. Formed in 2001, The Beggar Boys have delighted audiences with their eclectic blend of Celtic traditional music and original songs and tunes in Boston, Charlotte, Mooresville, Davidson and elsewhere around the country. The band can also be heard on National Public Radio’s “A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea” on the air this holiday season. . This performance, the third of six concerts in the Downtown Mooresville series, is playing in the Joe Knox Theater at the Charles Mack Citizen’s Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville. Following each performance there will be a complimentary performers’ reception, with refreshments, to give the audience an opportunity to meet the performers, or just socialize. Tickets are $10, $5 for students, children under 10 free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Mack Center or at the Mooresville Recreation Department office, or by calling (704) 662-3334, or the night of the performance.
11.12.09
Revonda Roberts and Harvest Wind in Mooresville Saturday Night
Mooresville Concerts presents its next event this coming Saturday night at 7:30PM at the Charles Mack Citizens Center in Mooresville. Revonda Roberts and Harvest Wind, a bluegrass gospel group will perform. Free performers’ reception, with refreshments, after each concert. Information: www.downtownmooresville.com. Tickets available by calling (704) 662-3334, 9:00-4:00 M-F. Admission is $10, students, $5.
11.10.09
Carolina Brass Comes to Town!
Carolina Brass Comes to Town!
When the six members of Carolina Brass marched onto the Western Avenue Baptist Church stage on November 08 with their shinny instruments and big smiles, the audience sensed they were in for a big sound and a big treat.
On stage, only the tuba player, Matt Ransom, faced the audience. The two trumpet players, Timothy Hudson and a young player introduced as Josh, faced the horn player, Robert Campbell, and the trombone player, David Wulfeck. John Beck, the percussionist, performed to the side of the brass group. Their black suits, gold vests and bow ties added to the coming festivities.
The program consisted of a variety of genre, some very well-known compositions, such as Aaron Copland’s “Simple Gifts,” and some lesser-known works, such as “Canzona per Sonare No. 4,” by the 16th century composer, Giovanni Gabrieli, arranged by Page. Each selection had some feature that made it unique. “St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy, for instance, represented the birth of the blues. Most of the arrangements featured different members of the brass team; even the tuba player, who usually plays a bass part, was sometimes featured as the lead player.
After intermission, the group played a medley of the music from “The Sound of Music.” Different musical styles and keys, as well as smooth transitions from one selection to the next made it an enjoyable experience for the audience. As the last selection, John Beck showed his skill on the xylophone by playing “Xylophonia,” a Joe Green arrangement.
The extremely well- educated group gave the impression that although they were highly qualified musicians, the reason they were performing was simply the love of music and the delight, satisfaction, and gratification of presenting it to the world.
11.06.09
The MacDowell Music Club
11.02.09
Carolina Brass Perform on Sunday Nov. 8
Carolina Brass will perform on Sunday, November 8 at 3:00PM at Western Avenue Baptist Church in Statesville (directions HERE). Attendance is by season ticket or tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, Click on Concert Information and Ticket Information at the right of the page. 
10.09.09
Blues with Big Ron Hunter Saturday in Mooresville
If you like the blues, then Big Ron is for you. He’ll be performing Saturday night at 7:30PM in Mooresville at the Charles Mack Citizens Center. This is the first performance of the Mooresville Concert Series. Tickets are $10 or $5 for students.
Here’s a preview:
Here is the full schedule:
Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.: Big Ron Hunter and his Band – Carolina blues
Saturday, Nov 14, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.: Revonda Roberts and Harvest Wind – bluegrass gospel
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.: The Beggar Boys – Celtic style Christmas
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.: Bayou Diesel – Mardi Gras in the Mountains
Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 – 7:30 p. m.: New Dixie Pharaoh – traditional and progressive bluegrass
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 – 3:00 p.m. MATINEE: The Cockman Family – gospel, family
10.07.09
The Daniel Rodriguez Concert Review
Daniel Rodriguez
Iredell Concert Association proudly presented a concert starring Daniel Rodriguez, “The Singing Policeman,” at Mac Gray Auditorium, Statesville, NC on October 3, 2009.
Before he began to sing, Rodriguez impressed the audience with his relaxed presence on stage; he was at home. The program he presented was not only music, but he also painted a picture of the various doors that opened to him, bringing him into the professional world of music. One of the important steps in his climb to success was the opportunity to study with Placido Domingo. This came about when Domingo heard Rodriguez perform at his graduation as a NYPD cadet. Rodriguez was selected as one of the New York Police Department’s designated National Anthem singers, and he received widespread attention for his rendition of “God Bless America.”
His program also included his wife, Marla Kavanaugh, a soprano who has performed internationally, and her twin sister, Marissa Dikkenberg, who centered her performances on the music of Broadway.
Rodriguez refused to label his pianist, Gail Smith, an accompanists, for she was a pianist in every sense of the word. Her technique shined with her mastery of the many scale and arpeggio passages in the arrangements she played. Many of these pieces had a section for a piano solo. Smith also composes and arranges music and has written fifty books.
Rodriguez presented a variety of music from different genres; many of them had a background story, such as “Granada,” which was a tribute to his grandfather and “Stout Hearted Men,” which he dedicated to the brave men of the NYPD.
Although Rodriguez is a natural tenor, in his youth, he was trained as a baritone. As a result he has a strong lower register and can handle songs in either range. The audience was thrilled when he finished his program by performing “God Bless America,” and asked them to join him and sing along. As the audience departed, they carried with them a little on the inspiration Rodriguez conveyed; you could see it on their faces.
