The British are coming, or at least their music is. A Columbus Arts Council show May 23 at 7 p.m. features area musicians and musical memories in the Rosenzweig Arts Center’s Omnova Theater at 501 Main St.
The Beatles, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, Donovan, Andrew Lloyd Webber — all will be represented in this event that revisits the “British music invasion” of the 1960s. The United Kingdom, however, produced venerable music long before that restless decade. That will be represented by pieces by earlier composers such as Henry Purcell, Thomas Moore and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
“This is a really exciting mix of popular tunes all the way to classic art songs,” remarked CAC Program Manager Beverly Norris. “The performers have really outdone themselves with the ‘assignment’ of performing music from or related to the British music invasion.”
A sampling from the diverse program includes songs such as The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and The Searchers’ “Love Potion No. 9,” sung by Paul Brady, and Donovan’s “Catch the Wind” and The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun,” performed by Roger Truesdale. Margaret Mary Henry will sing “Scarborough Fair,” and a duet with Alisa Toy of Webber’s “Pie Jesu.” Toy will also sing solo. In addition, the lineup boasts Tamie Adams, Rebekah Fairley with Tyler Hutcherson, Zane Lynn, Matt and Hope Maloney, Midge Maloney, Jack and Clara Marshall and Chad Seagraves.
“There is such a variety of performer styles and music — and really good musicians; they’re all volunteering their time and talents,” said Norris.
The show is one of two remaining events in the 2013-14 performance season which has featured the theme “Coming to America.”
“The theme was established to help us focus and study the many different nationalities that make up the American fabric, and the cultural contributions they have made,” the program manager explained. The final show of the season is British singer/songwriter Rupert Wates in concert at the arts center June 12.
Tickets to Friday’s show are $8 in advance at the arts center, or $10 at the door. Seating is limited; advance tickets are strongly recommended. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787. Event sponsors include Coca-Cola, Mitchell Distributing, WMSV Radio and the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
