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.