Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 2017)
NOVEMBER 16, 2017 // 7 Master musician, soul singer play the peninsula LONG BEACH, WASH. — Tom Grant, a master musician, and Shelly Rudolph, a singer of soul, will perform at the Peninsula Arts Center (504 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, Washington) 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Grant, a natural en- tertainer, walks the line between jazz tradition and modern pop. This soft-spo- ken Oregon native’s song- writing produces propulsive R&B grooves, infectious melodic hooks and stylish ballads with equal ease. He plays jazz piano with the harmonic sophistication and deep sense of swing that only comes from more than four decades on the bandstand. As one of the Pacific Northwest’s most renowned musical artists, Grant’s career achievements reflect his unique ability to embrace the full spectrum of contemporary music. During the 1970s, Grant played with jazz luminar- ies like trumpeter Woody Shaw, saxophonists Joe Henderson and Charles Lloyd. His most life-chang- ing gig was with drummer Tony Williams, who him- COURTESY PENINSULA ARTS CENTER Tom Grant (foreground) and Shelly Rudolph will perform at the Peninsula Arts Center self transformed the 1960s Miles Davis Band both musically and commercial- ly into a worldwide jazz phenomenon. Rudolph, a sultry singer and songwriter, has a sense of adventure and a desire for discovering and conveying emotional truth. She has dazzled audience around the globe, including in New York, L.A., Japan, Korea, the West Indies and Portland, which she now calls home. Rudolph’s most recent album, “Water in My Hand,” has earned praise from regional and national publications. Tickets are $20 and available on Brown Paper Tickets, by emailing events@peninsulaartscen- ter.org, or by calling 360- 901-0962. Symphonic Band nabs grant, may perform with 3 Leg Torso ASTORIA — The North Coast Symphonic Band has received a $2,500 grant from the Fred W. Fields fund of the Oregon Community Foundation for general sup- port. The band anticipates using the funds for a special joint concert with guest art- ists 3 Leg Torso in October 2018. The Symphonic Band’s mission is to provide a quali- ty wind band experience for musicians and audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The mission of the Ore- gon Community Foundation is to improve life in Ore- gon and promote effective philanthropy. The founda- tion works with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds to support the community causes they care about. It awards more than $60 million annually in grants and scholarships. The foundation makes grants through an applica- tion process that involves local citizens in the review are admitted free. Dave Ambrose will call the dance and teach a beginners’ lesson at 7 p.m. The dancing will start at 7:30 p.m. and end around 10 p.m. Look for the “Dance” sign at the center’s en- trance on 10th Street. and evaluation of requests for funds. Application materials are available through the foundation’s Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may visit oregoncf.org. More information about the North Coast Symphonic Band is available at north- coastsymphonicband.org. Loves, sorrows of Spanish women sung at Liberty Contra-dance to live music Nov. 17 ASTORIA — The next regular third Friday con- tra-dance is Nov. 17. Dance to live music at the Astoria Arts and Movement Center (342 10th St.). No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. Admission is $5 to $10; dancers under 12 COURTESY NORTH COAST SYMPHONIC BAND Dave Becker conducts the North Coast Symphonic Band at the Liberty Theatre in October 2017. COURTESY LIBERTY THEATRE ASTORIA — Tacoma Opera will present Spanish folk songs by Joaquin Rodrigo and selections from Georg- es Bizet’s masterpiece “Carmen” 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at the Liberty The- atre (1203 Commercial St.). General admission tickets are $25. The story of “Carmen” is among the most famous of all Spanish stories. It is tragic in nature, which is central to the Spanish psy- che, especially for everyday women. Life for women in 19th century Spain was hard. Their men were tough, often brutal. Maintaining their homes and families was exhausting work, and yet their longing for love was strong. The music of Rodrigo and Bizet perfectly captures the trials and trib- ulations of these women, who are trying to find love in difficult circumstances. We experience the women’s heartfelt hopes, their sad longings and their fears. For centuries, opera has been associated with grandiose, large-scale and expensive productions that focus on spectacle, but the art form has, unfortunately, become financially inacces- sible to the general popula- tion as presented in Ameri- ca’s larger opera houses. Tacoma Opera is intent on redefining opera in this country as an intimate and accessible art that allows audiences to experience opera in a uniquely personal way, touching the heart and stimulating the mind.