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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 2, 2016)
SEAcoast concerts bring variety, top-notch talent FLORENCE — When SEAcoast Entertainment Association announced its 2015-16 concert lineup, SEAcoast presi- dent Ernie Doud promised it would be another outstanding season of quality entertainment for Florence. So far, SEAcoast has delivered. Big time. The season kicked-off Oct. 9 when Latin Grammy-nominated pop/jazz/clas- sical artists Quattrosound wowed the Florence Events Center (FEC) crowd with their outstanding and diverse talents by introducing Florence to a delicious new blended genre called “popzzical.” Then, Nov. 21, renowned vocalist Ken Lavigne filled the FEC concert hall with his charm, wit and outstanding voice for a memorable evening of international caliber entertainment. Doud says the remainder of the season will get progressively better. “While most don’t get the chance to dine in the cafés of Seville or dance in the clubs in Havana, you will experience a sense of that passionate cultural vibe through the music of guitarist Jesse Cook and his band,” says Doud. Cook’s music has been featured on episodes of “Sex and the City,” “The Chris Isaak Show” and during several Olympic Games. Jesse and his group of multitalented musicians perform Jan. 29, 2016. On Feb. 20, Ballet Fantastique brings the premiere of Dragon and the Night Queen: Celtic Stories, which forges a new and dramatic retelling of ancient Irish legends in a vivid exploration of choreography and dance filled with riotous spirit. Violinist Cullen Vance and the Gerry Rempel Ensemble provide the exuberant live accompaniment. “On Friday, March 18, one of most popular and sought-after big bands in the world, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, returns to Florence,” adds Doud. “SEAcoast Entertainment will open the Florence Event Center’s flat floor so you COURTESY PHOTO Shuffle will perform in April as part of SEAcoast’s 2015-16 concert series. can enjoy big band music the way it was intended-with dancing and limited, open, cabaret-style seating; so buy your tickets early!” “You choose, we play,” say the mem- bers of the world-class ensemble, Shuffle Concert. From Baroque to classical and romantic; from jazz, to pop and Broadway, this group is so multitalented they let the audience select the pieces they will play. “You’ve never been to a concert like this,” says Doud. “Every performance is a completely customized and memorable experience.” Shuffle plays a rare Thursday night concert on April 7. “And you’ll be in luck on Friday, the 13th of May, when The New Hot Club of America comes to ‘wow’ Florence,” says Doud. “This dazzling ensemble is com- prised of some of today’s top gypsy jazz artists in North America. You’ll want to tango in your seat as they recapture the sound, style, and spirit of the 1930s-era Hot Club of France — right here in Florence.” For 35 years, SEAcoast Entertainment Association has provided Florence with world-class entertainment at affordable prices — from household names to undiscovered gems. “From classics to jazz, from eclectic to electric, from ballet to big band, Florence is loving this season’s variety. Our remaining five shows will offer some- thing for everyone,” says Doud. Individual concert tickets for the per- formances are $30 each, and $10 for those under 18. Tickets, artist profiles, show times, video clips and more infor- mation are available at SEAcoastEA.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the FEC box office, 715 Quince St., or call 541-997-1994. ‘Stormy Weather’ continues at Backstreet Gallery through February FLORENCE — Backstreet Gallery invites everyone to enjoy “Stormy Weather” now through February, when gallery members will join together as they create their own “Stormy Weather” art 2 0 • C OAST pieces for display. Local singer-songwriter Stephen McVay will bring his soulfull violin into Backstreet's New Year’s mix, along with his fine guitar. C ENTRAL • A r ts & En t er ta i n me n t • JA N U AR Y 2 0 16 He’ll set the moods with his own beau- tiful songs and their sweet harmonies, as well as those of others we know and love so well. Greet the New Year with the reception Saturday, Jan. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay St., will be loaded with great food, unique art, live entertainment and the merriment in cele- bration of 2016.
