FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Born in 1968 in Statesville, North Carolina, organist Joby Bell earned a bachelor of music in organ and piano from Appalachian State University and a master of music and doctor of musical arts in organ from Rice University. He has served on the faculty of the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University since 2004 where he teaches organ and church music studies. His teaching specializes in practice techniques, memorization, service playing, choral accompanying, and maintaining grace under pressure - lessons always best taught by example.

William Shakespeare's iconic and timeless Romeo and Juliet is one of the greatest love stories in literature. The gripping drama spun out of the ancient grudge between two families makes Romeo and Juliet as relevant to modern society as it was to audiences four centuries ago. Star-crossed lovers follow their passion to the ultimate tragic end. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare offers some of the most glorious poetry ever written. Spoken by complex and memorable characters, the poetry establishes the standard for all love stories written since. With gorgeous costumes and music, enchanting parties, moonlit nights, dank graveyards, and blood-strewn streets, The Acting Company's fresh production breathes new life into this outlasting tale.

Nearly 30 years after his passing, pianist and bandleader William James "Count" Basie is an American institution that personifies the grandeur and excellence of jazz. Count Basie is the only bandleader in the history of jazz to have his orchestra still performing sold out concerts internationally. During their record-breaking tenure, the Count Basie Orchestra has scored 18 Grammy Awards, performed for royalty, and featured some of the greatest soloists in music history. Rapidly-paced fanfare filled with groove and Louisiana-inspired dirty trombone licks make this lively performance a momentous and rare treat for audiences of all ages. Guest vocalist is Carmen Bradford.

Celebrate Mardi Gras! Doreen Ketchens' Jazz New Orleans brings the best of New Orleans to our stage. Combining clarinet, tuba/trombone, vocals, drums, and piano, this group's primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world through performance and outreach. Doreen's Jazz New Orleans has traveled the world performing their joyful, energetic, original, and soulful music in 47 states and 24 countries and counting. They have established a stellar reputation with millions of fans around the globe as well as online fame with over 85 million views and viral videos!

The UD Concert Band and Jazz Band will open the show at 7:30 p.m. and perform a joint piece with Doreen at the end of the concert.