Category Archives: Music

Seaglass Performing Arts Announces Holiday Program

Music, Stage - all,

Seaglass Performing Arts Presents

 “On Earth, Peace”

This Holiday Season

As part of the Christmas Prelude program in Kennebunkport, Maine, Seaglass Performing Arts Chorale will be performing a program of music ranging from Gospel Spirituals to Mozart’s Magnificat in C Major. 

This heartfelt expression through music of the desire for Peace on Earth this holiday  season will be performed at South Congregational Church, Temple Street, Kennebunkport, Maine on Saturday December 7 at 7:00 PM, and at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford on Sunday December 8, 3 PM.

Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and for students ages 12 to 18. Tickets purchased in advance are $12 for everyone ages 12 and up. Children under 12 will be admitted free of charge.

Tickets available online CLICK HERE, at Morse Hardware in Wells, and at the door (cash only at the door).

Dates and locations 

Saturday December 7, 7 PM

South Congregational Church, Temple Street, Kennebunkport, Maine, 04046

Sunday December 8, 3 PM

Holy Family Catholic Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford, Maine, 04073

About Seaglass

Founded in 1993 by Artistic Director Jean Strazdes, the Seaglass Chorale is a non-auditioned adult choral group of 50-60 voices that has established itself as a voice to be heard! The chorale represents some 20 southern Maine communities and regularly performs throughout the area, with concerts in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Sanford, Saco, and other regional venues. We are well supported by our longtime accompanist, Kimberly Karchenes.

Internationally acclaimed, Seaglass Chorale has traveled to Europe twice, performing in Rome, Venice, Innsbruck, and Budapest. In September of 2004, choristers proudly led the musical prelude at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

The uniqueness of Seaglass events stems not only from the quality of its performances and the generous response of the community, but from its demonstrated connectivity to the community through its benefit concerts. Benefiting organizations include Habitat for Humanity, St. Thomas School in Sanford, the Sanford/Springvale Food Pantry, York County Shelters, Wells Historical Society, Noble High School, Child Abuse Prevention Council, and many others.

The chorale is often called upon in celebration of such diverse community events as the Nasson College Community Center dedication, Franciscan Monastery Anniversary, Laudholm Farms Building Inaugural, Holy Family Church (Sanford) Jubilee, and the Sanford Mainers baseball team playoffs.

In short, no other regional group integrates more fully in its diversity of intended audiences, music, events, and venues – always with its mission focus of performance opportunities through community service.

 

Seaglass Chorale Presents Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana

Music, Theatre Announcements

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Sanford Performing Arts Center at Sanford High School, 100 Alumni Boulevard, Sanford, Maine 3:00 pm

Seaglass Performing Arts Chorale, conducted by Artistic Director and Founder JeanStrazdes, will be performing Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at the new Sanford Performing Arts Center at Sanford High School, Sanford, Maine at 3:00 pm on April 28, 2019. The performance will be one of the premiere concerts at the new center and is in celebration of Seaglass Performing Arts’ 25th anniversary performance year. The Chorale will be collaborating with the Chamber Singers of Sanford High School under the direction of Jane Kirton and the Marshwood Middle School Chorus under the direction of Kris Bisson.

Seaglass Chorale is proud to present Carl Orff’s masterwork, Carmina Burana, featuring soprano Sierra Marcy, baritone Will Prapestis, and a children’s choir from Sanford Middle School. Carmina Burana is a scenic cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1935 and 1936, based on 24 poems from the medieval collection of the same name. The first and last movements of the piece are called “Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi” (“Fortune, Empress of the World”) and start with the very well known “O Fortuna”. Carmina Burana was first staged in Frankfurt, Germany, by the Frankfurt Opera on June 8, 1937, to wide acclaim. Since then, no other Orff composition has approached the renown of Carmina Burana, as evidenced in both pop culture’s appropriation of “O Fortuna” and the classical world’s persistent programming and recording of the work. In the United States, Carmina Burana remains intensely popular.

Tickets for this single performance of Carmina Burana are $20 (at the door); $15 (online and advance purchase); $10 (students 12 to 18); free for students under 12. Tickets can be purchased online at seaglassperformingarts.org, from any chorale member and are also available at Morse Hardware on Route 1 in Wells.

Seaglass is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Concert by the Forget-Me-Knots will benefit the Struggle with Alzheimer’s

Music

A concert to benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation will take place Saturday, October 20, 7 p.m. at The Congregational Church in 21 Front Street, Exeter, NH.

The program of music featuring piano, vocalists, woodwind, guitar, and stand-up bass, will be presented by the Forget-Me-Knots.  They are a group of musicians who decided to come together to share their love of music in support of Alzheimer’s. Vocalist Jean Strazdes has performed throughout the world in various operas and currently teaches at Phillips Exeter Academy.  Mary Carol Kennedy is a clinical social worker as well as a woodwind player.  She teaches and performs locally in southern Maine.   Kim Karchenes, pianist, is the Music Director at The Congregational Church in Exeter and the accompanist for several local community choruses.  Bob Daigle is a self-employed environmental consultant.  His true passion is music, which he celebrates through guitar, stand-up bass and voice.

The concert will be a celebration of “memories” through several musical moments   There are many ongoing studies researching the effects of music on the brains of patients struggling with this disease.   Studies have shown that music may provide an opportunity to connect with a patient even when verbal communication has become difficult.

 The Forget-Me-Knots have each been touched by Alzheimer’s and will donate all proceeds collected at the door to The Alzheimer’s Foundation. All donations will be gratefully received. Please come and enjoy a wonderful evening of music in support of this worthy cause.   For more information please contact Kim Karchenes at kkarchenes [at] maine [dot] rr [dot] com.

Visit  https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music  to learn more about how music may help with caregiving, the warning signs, the importance of early detection and diagnosis as well as information on care and support.

 

Seaglass Performing Arts Announces Palm Sunday Concert

Music

Seaglass Performing Arts

Under the direction of Jean Strazdes, Presents
“An Afternoon of Sacred Music by Fauré, Lauridsen and Bernstein”

Kennebunk, Maine

Seaglass Chorale, under the direction of Jean Strazdes, Artistic Director, will present selections from Bernstein’s Missa Brevis; Fauré’s Requiem and Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna. In addition, there will be a performance of Bernstein’s Simple Song from the Mass by Ms. Strazdes.

One Performance Only: Palm Sunday Sunday, March 25, 2018
Christ Church
6 Dane Street

Kennebunk, Maine 3:00 pm

Tickets are available through Seaglass [at] gwi [dot] net, phone at 207.985.8747, and at Morse Hardware on Post Road in Wells. Tickets are also available at the door. Prices: $15/adult; $12/senior and student

Seaglass Performing Arts Brings Joyful Music And Dance To Christmas Prelude Week

Music

Seaglass Chorale
“A Joyous Celtic Celebration”
December 2, South Congregational Church, Kennebunkport
December 3, Holy Family Church, Sanford, Maine

Reviewed by Bobby Franklin

It was a lovely two days of Celtic music and dance in Kennebunkport and Sanford, Maine as the Seaglass Chorale welcomed the Christmas Season with a beautiful program of music and dance.

Led by Artistic Director Jean Strazdes, the group has shown they are able to continue raising the bar with the passing of each year. This past summer the chorale visited Ireland where they performed and it appears they brought some Celtic magic back with them.

The lovely voices were accompanied by Kim Karchenes on piano, Mary Carol Kennedy on flute, Dianne Smallidge and Stephanie Sanders on percussion, and Robert Daigle on bass.

The program which opened with “Riversong: A Celtic Celebration” was lively and touching and continued with a number of beautiful Celtic songs. These included “Gartan Mother’s Lullaby”, sung  a cappella, a tune that touches on fairies in Irish mythology, “Oikan Ayns Bethlehem” from the Isle of Man, and the lively and fun “The Little Beggarman” about Johnny Dhu who worked hard at not working at all.

The first part of the program also had the beautiful “In The Bleak Midwinter” with words by Christina Rossetti. This has always been one of my favorites and I was not disappointed by this performance.

Alex Pratt recited the Kenneth Patchen poem “The Snow Is Deep On The Ground”. Written during WW II it is a moving piece that reminds us to have hope at all times. Mr. Pratt’s rich voice made this recitation simply wonderful to hear.

Stillson School Step Dancers

After intermission, there was a special surprise. The Seaglass Chorale was joined by step dancers from the Stillson School of Irish Dance. The Stillson School is the only accredited Irish Dance school in the state of Maine. This was truly a treat and the young ladies who performed were simply outstanding. Under the direction of Carlene Moran Stillson these world class dancers who have won numerous competitions  thrilled the audience. Having them join with the chorale was a lovely touch.

The program closed out with the ancient Celtic carol “Stars of Glory”, followed by “Shule Aroon”,  Ola Gjeilo’s “The Ground”, and a “Celtic Silent Night”. All beautiful music but made that much lovelier by the voices of Seaglass. A friend described the evening as “Fine threads on a woven tapestry.” That is a perfect description.

Of course, what would a Seaglass Christmas concert be without a sing-a-long? Ms Strazdes finished the evening by turning to and directing the audience in a medley of Christmas Carols. It was the perfect finish to a wonderful evening.

If you have not yet attended a Seaglass Performing Arts concert I would strongly urge you to do so.

“A Joyous Celtic Celebration” certainly left all who experienced it with enough Christmas Spirit to last them until next year. Just wonderful!

 Seaglass Performing Arts Presents 2017 Holiday Concert: A Joyous Celtic Celebration

Music, Theatre Announcements

Seaglass Performing Arts, under the direction of Jean Strazdes, is pleased to announce its 2017 Holiday Concert: A Joyous Celtic Celebration.

The Chorale had the honor of participating in an exciting Choral Festival in Dublin, Ireland this summer. Choruses from around the United States joined together in song and raised money for the Hospice of Ireland. In “A Joyous Celtic Celebration,” the Chorale will continue the musical flavor of Ireland. The chorus will be joined by dancers from the Stilton School of Irish Dance in Gorham and the concert will include a sing-a-long of familiar holiday songs.

The concert will be part of Kennebunkport’s Prelude Week on December 2nd with a second performance at Holy Family Parish Church in Sanford the afternoon of December 3rd. Saturday, December 2, 2017 South Congregational Church Kennebunkport 7:00 pm Sunday, December 3, 2017 Holy Family Parish 66 North Avenue Sanford 3:00 pm.

Tickets are available through seaglass [at] gwi [dot] net or via phone at 207.985.8747; and at Morse Hardware on Post Road in Wells. Tickets are also available at the door. Prices: $15/adult; $12/senior and student In support of the local area food banks, Seaglass is requesting your kind donation of non-perishable food items. Thank you for your generosity during this holiday season.
seaglassperformingarts.org

 

The Four C Notes

Music, , , ,

The Four C Notes
Give A Barn Burner Performance
In Arundel

The Four C Notes
At Vinegar Hill Music Theatre
Arundel, Maine
Saturday June 17 and Sunday June 18

Reviewed by Bobby Franklin

The Four C Notes

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre has kicked off their second season with the return of the Four Seasons tribute group The Four C Notes led by John Michael Coppola. I attended the Saturday night performance at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, and if this show was any indication of the upcoming season it is going to be a hot and lively summer in the converted barn that is one of the most beautiful venues for musical performances in Maine.

Dressed in vintage clothing and backed by a terrific seven piece orchestra, Mr. Coppola was joined by Aaron Davidson, Adrian Aguilar, and Tyler Ravelson. The Four C Notes do not impersonate the Four Seasons. What they do is put on a wonderful evening comprised of recreating the still very popular music of the group led by Franke Valli. They do this with energy, enthusiasm, and humor. Mr. Coppola sings the lead with his wonderful falsetto voice and he has what it takes. He also allows the other members of the group to showcase their talents, they all have theatrical backgrounds that add to their performances.

The show opened with Oh What A Night, and then the gang moved right into a medley of Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Walk Like A Man. The crowd was already feeling excitement as they were clapping and singing along. This was a high energy performance. As the Cs sang Sunday Kind Of Love a cappella I thought that much of the Four Seasons’ music is actually a cappella with instruments added to it. This led into the very popular Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.

Mr. Coppola sings the lead with his wonderful falsetto voice and he has what it takes.

In case you are thinking this was strictly a concert with one song after another being performed, that was not the case. There was quite a bit of showmanship involved. The Four C Notes were beautifully choreographed as they moved about the stage with precision but also with an ease that was very natural. The banter was funny and informative. Each member had a distinct personality and they all had fun playing off one another. Tyler Ravelson was the self proclaimed “Bad Boy” of the group, and on top of his marvelous bass voice he also showed his acting ability. He shined when taking the lead on Beggin’.  Aaron Davis stepped forward for the Doo-wop number Cry For Me and put it over smoothly. It brought the audience back to the days of street corner singing.

Adrian Aguilar, who had been in Rocky, The Musical on Broadway, led on My Eyes Adored You. It looks like Adrian developed a knock out of a voice while in Rocky and he was in championship form on this night. I will pass on the Yo! Adrian jokes as I am sure he has been hearing them long enough.

In an interesting medley called The Ones That Got Away, the group showcased a number of Four Season Songs that never made it to number ten on the charts. These included Save It For Me, Opus 17, Tell It To The Rain, and Girl Come Runnin’. While I was not familiar with these songs they had the unmistakable Seasons’ sound that drove so many other songs to the number one spot.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre

The band was showcased at the beginning of the second set as they performed an instrumental version of Grease. With one exception, they were made up of local talent drawn from the Maine and Boston areas and all were excellent. Two favorites of mine were there and were absolutely solid as usual. Rob Doquette on drums and the remarkable Tom Snow on keyboards. They are Maine’s gift to the music world.

In the second set things didn’t slow down a bit. The Four Seasons had a lot of hits and they were included here. Dawn, Big Man In Town, Workin’ My Way Back To You as well as Rag Doll triggered the nostalgia nerve in everyone there.

John Michael Coppola, who was in the Chicago production of Jersey Boys, is just superb in so many ways. He has made this show special in that it was really a night of great entertainment that left the audience shouting for more. His dedication shows alongside his gift as a performer and a singer, a gift that he has made great use of.

With the crowd on its feet there was certainly going to be an encore, and much like the finale of a Fourth of July fireworks display, the boys let it all rip out with Grease that featured each performer, and a reprise of Oh What A Night. What a finish to a great night, and Oh! What a night it was!

 

Miles And Miles Of Texas

Music, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Asleep At Wheel Swings In Burlington

Asleep At The Wheel

Presented by The Burlington Community Concert Series

Burlington High School, Fogelberg Performing Arts Center

Friday, June 9th

Reviewed by Bobby Franklin

There was no danger of anyone falling asleep at the wheel after this concert.

Western Swing was alive and well at the Burlington High School on Friday night as Asleep at the Wheel took the stage. From the opening notes of Cherokee Maiden, the near capacity crowd knew they were in for a special night of music.

Led by Ray Benson, who is going into his 48th year of performing, the group focused mainly on their specialty, the music of Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys. Mr. Benson was in fine form, but he wasn’t alone. The eight piece band was an array of solid talent, all of whom made it look easy.

Moving from Miles and Miles of Texas right into the classic Route 66 where Katie Shore got to show us that her amazing talent on the fiddle is matched by her wonderful voice. She was also terrific on I’m An Old Cowhand, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, and I Hear You Talkin’. She and Ray also teamed up for the Johnny Cash classic Big River.

Katie Shore wasn’t the only fiddle player on the stage. She was joined by Dennis Ludiker who was Texas State Fiddle Champion. Dennis also played mandolin (“The biggest little instrument in the world.”). I believe I saw smoke coming from the instruments when Katie and Dennis tore into Tiger Rag. Mr. Ludiker could reign as champ for as long as he wants to. At one point I thought Dave Sanger’s arms were going to fly off as he hit the drums and State of Texas shaped cymbal.

Steel guitarist Eddie Rivers never disappoints. His solo of the classic Teardrop was just beautiful. Eddie also broke out on sax for the onomatopoeic Choo Choo Ch’Boogie. Which also featured Connor Forsyth on keyboard showing us a fine way to play a Steinway.

Ray took time out to remember Guy Clark who passed away in 2016 by singing his beautiful Dublin Blues. It was a touching moment made more so by such a lovely song.

Of course, it would not have been a Texas Playboy night without San Antonio Rose and Faded Love. Eddie Rivers told me whenever he is feeling low he listens to San Antonio Rose. It certainly is great medicine.

Ray Benson was born to perform.

Over the years band members have changed, and somehow Ray is always able to recruit new and amazing talent. Old hands Ray, Eddie Rivers, and drummer Dave Sanger have to enjoy having the new energy that Katie Shore, Connor Forsyth, Dennis Ludiker, Josh Hoag (bass), and Jay Reynolds (saxaphone and clarinet) bring to the group. While Dave and Jay sat towards the back of the stage their presence was right in the forefront. These guys are good.

Ray Benson Friday In Burlington

No AATW concert is compete without Ray’s very special version of Hotrod Lincoln complete with sound effects and Benson’s juggling. It is such fun. Years ago a friend and former member of the band told me Ray Benson was born to perform. I think of how true that comment was every time I see him.

The concert closed out with the audience on its feet having a blast. House of Blue Lights, one of my favorites, was followed by an encore that included Big Balls In Cow Town and, fittingly, the old Roy Rogers song Happy Trails To You with the crowd singing along. One final tune was the Texas Playboy’s Theme.

There was no danger of anyone falling asleep at the wheel after this concert. I’m sure toes are still tapping. I know mine are.

Seaglass Performing Arts, Under The Direction Of Jean Strazdes, Announces Its 2017 Spring Concerts: An Evening of Spirituals and Heavenly Broadway

Music, Theatre Announcements, , ,

 Saturday, May 6, 2017 Christ Church
Dane Street, Kennebunk 7:00 pm

Sunday, May 7, 2017
Wells High School Auditorium
200 Sanford Road (Rtes. 9 and 109), Wells 3:00 pm

The concert will include much loved spirituals as well as music from familiar Broadway productions (Godspell, Ragtime, Rent, Sister Act, West Side Story and more) and movies (Shrek and Working Girl). There will be two performances, the first on Saturday evening, May 6th, at Christ Church in Kennebunk; the second on Sunday, May 7th, at the Wells High School Auditorium at 3:00 pm.

 

Tickets are available through Seaglass [at] gwi [dot] net ; via phone at 207.985.8747; and at Morse Hardware on Post Road in Wells. Tickets are also available at the door.

Prices: $15/adult; $12/senior and student

Seaglass Presents: It’s Showtime – Opening Night

Music, Theatre Announcements, , , , , , ,

The Seaglass Chorale In Concert

SeaglassFresh off of their very successful performance, Reflections and Meditations, Seaglass Chorale turns to the Broadway stage for their next concert. Under the direction of Jean Strazdes the group will present a selection of music from a number of the great musicals including Wicked, The King and I, and Fiddler On The Roof. 

There will be two performances. The first will take place on Saturday, May 7th at Christ Church, Dane Street, Kennebunk, ME beginning at 7:00 P.M.

The second concert will be held the following day which is Mothers’ Day and will take place at the Wells Historical Society, 938 Post Road, Wells, ME. The performance begins at 3:00 P.M. and as a special treat, all the mothers in attendance will receive a special Mothers’ Day carnation

Kim Karchenes will be featured on piano accompanying the lovely voices of the Seaglass Chorale.

This promises to be a wonderful concert

This promises to be a wonderful concert and a very special treat for the Mothers’ Day weekend.

Tickets are priced at $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children and seniors. They may be reserved by calling 207-985-8747 or by going to seaglass [at] gwi [dot] net