Friday, August 28, 2020

SUMMER MUSIC FEST: A Night At the Movies

Artistic Director Keith Baker on keyboard leading the 5 piece band, various singers and musical groups have joined the fun over the years. This year, of course, the theatre closed its doors to the public in March due to the Corona virus pandemic. Keith Baker and his crew were not to be deterred. They’ve scheduled a three-part Summer Fest which can be accessed online after purchasing a ticket. I’ve just seen the second one, A Night At the Movies, and it was remarkable. Keith Baker, co- founder and Artistic Director, hosted the concert live from his living room and interviewed the soloists. Rebecca Robbins, Sean Thompson, Demetria Joyce Bailey and guitarist, Neil Nemetz and violinist Claudia Pellegrini before they performed. When Rebecca performed San Francisco in her living room, she was in one of five zoom squares surrounded by the band. With her gorgeous soprano voice she lifted her champagne glass voice high to match her voice! Sean Thompson has a soothing pure voice that is a pleasure to listen to as he sings Moon River and Unchained Melody. Demetria Joyce Bailey sings Stormy Weather and Goldfinger and if you close your eyes you could picture her in Porgy and Bess… a phenomenal voice. The 5 member band is frequently featured as you see and hear 2 guitars, a keyboard, a drum set and a violin. Although this is a virtual event, every soloist is featured in a visually unique and appealing way in a well-designed zoom arrangement. 

The last concert of the series a Broadway Summer Spectacular is scheduled for September 2, 4, 6.  It will feature Broadways bests from composers like Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein.               

      

No comments:

Post a Comment