SUMMER MUSIC FEST: A Night At the Movies

Bristol Riverside Theatre is continuing its 25 year tradition of its Summer Music Fest. Held annually, these music events not only raise funds to help keep the theatre afloat during the regular theater season, but delight the audiences as well. With Co-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 corona virus dictated that the theatre close its doors in March due to the 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. Thanks to Keith Baker and his production team, this BRT virtual presentation is one that everyone will be talking about for virtually days on end.

Keith Baker, 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 gorgeous soprano voice, she lifted a champagne glass voice high to match the high notes she achieved at the song’s end. Sean Thompson had a soothing, pure voice that was a pleasure to listen to as he sang Moon River and Unchained Melody. Demetria Joyce Bailey's deep throaty voice was mesmerizing as she sang Stormy Weather and Goldfinger.  . In this virtual event, every soloist was featured from a different visual perspective. The zoom arrangement was well designed and unique.  The last concert of the series, a Broadway Summer Spectacular, is scheduled for September 2, 4, 6.  It will feature Broadway's bests from composers like Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein.