Emily Thomas, Flute, Tomoko Nakayama, Piano, Alexey Gorokholinsky, Clarinet

One of the newest and most exciting chamber music groups coming out of New York City, ETA3 is a classical trio comprised of award-winning graduate students at the Juilliard School of Music. Named after a star-forming galaxy, Nebula, ETA3 also initializes the first letter of each musician’s name. Their 30+ annual concerts throughout the United States have received critically-acclaimed reviews, including those at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.  www.mmensemble.com

Douglas Bruce, Organist

Born and educated in Scotland, Douglas Bruce retired in 2001 after a career as Deputy Chief Accountant at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland. He has since pursued his dream of full-time organ-playing. As a recitalist, he has visited 22 states in the USA and 11 European countries, performing in major cathedrals, churches, and universities. His programming is audience-friendly and attractive to all listeners.  www.kirchenmusiker.de/solisten/alt/bruce.htm

All Nardin Park Choirs Melvin C. Rookus, Director of Music  

Ticket sales start Sunday November 1
A musical tradition of 32 years continues as a gift from the Nardin Park Music Department to the congregation and community. Once again, our singing choirs, hand bells, and liturgical dancers will offer traditional music of the season, along with the opportunity for the audience to join in singing beloved Christmas carols.

Metro-Detroit’s 40-Piece Award Winning Ensemble, Craig Strain, Director

This stunning ensemble is ranked among the top ten competition bands in North America. MCBB was established in 1996 with musical director Craig Strain at the helm as conductor, arranger, and composer. In 2001, just weeks after the 911 attacks, MCBB was invited to perform on their own merit as the state representative for Michigan State Day at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. They have given over 300 concerts in their 13-year history.  www.mcbb.org

Adam DeGraff, Violinist/Fiddler, Randy Morris, Pianist

Is it bluegrass? Is it jazz? Is it classical, old time, or blues? If Pianafiddle is performing, the answer is YES! Starting with a familiar tune, be it Bach or bluegrass, DeGraff and Morris improvise as they go, blending the traditional, the unwritten, and the spontaneous in compelling performances that astound, mystify, and bring laughter and acclaim from audiences. Adam is a classically-trained violinist turned fiddler, while Randy has played with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Hamlisch, and most notably, Kermit the Frog! (Actually, he played the real banjo as Kermit strummed along.)  www.pianafiddle.com

Thomas Pandolfi, Concert Pianist

International pianist Thomas Pandolfi (Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the Julliard School of Music) presents breath-taking concerts that are artistically challenging with selections rarely heard in a single program. He has performed extensively in Europe and China, and in September 2009 will make his first tour to South Africa. His concert at Nardin Park will contain a mixture of piano literature by Chopin, Liszt, Schubert, and Beethoven, fused with the sparkling music of Gershwin. Music critics rave about this emerging and daring young artist.   www.thomaspandolfi.com

David Bennett, Clarinet, with the “Dave Bennett Septet”

Dave is no stranger to Nardin Park, having first performed here as a 12-year-old (1996) and returning for a variety of concert and Sunday morning appearances. His career has since blossomed throughout the country, particularly through his “Benny Goodman Tribute” concerts with major symphonies in over 30 states. This concert brings together the finest Detroit-area jazz players, along with soloist Carol McCartney (Toronto), who collectively replicate the nuances of the original Goodman band, combined with a refreshingly new sound. This is Dave at his best!  www.davebennett.com

There is nothing more thrilling than an authentic brass band. In the style of British bands, the Capital City Brass Band was formed in 2001 and has quickly established itself as one of Michigan’s finest ensembles in this genre.  www.capitalcitybrassband.com.

Jump Street Swing Band started in 2002 and this 17-piece group has quickly established recognition as one of Metro-Detroit’s best-known bands. Their repertoire includes such classics as Pennsylvania 6-5000, and Moonlight Serenade, but also contemporary hits by Brian Setzer and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to delight audiences of all ages.  www.jumpstreetswingband.com.

Melvin Rookus, Director of Music and Organist at Nardin Park presents his sixth concert of beloved American Patriotic Music.  More about Mel Rookus.

Michael & Kimerica Parr are no strangers to Nardin Park audiences – this marks their fourth appearance which have included Broadway show-tunes, patriotic favorites, and classical arias.  Preview on YouTube.

Matthew Ball aka “Boogie Woogie Kid” has become a hit sensation with his virtuoso e piano performances. Holding a classical music degree in piano and a law degree, he is pursuing his love of piano playing with vigor and excellence.  www.boogiewoogiekid.com.

Francesca Amari, Mary Rademacher, and Barbara Wisse to return to Nardin Park singing in the style of all the great girl groups in pop music history, these harmonies are fantastic and the songs fun, fun, fun! Songs include “One Fine Day”, “Dedicated to the One I Love”, “Sugartime”, and of course … “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Their song stylings and tight harmonies are infused with a warm and entertaining stage presence.   http://cdbaby.com/cd/babies2.

The Beat Club delivers one of the most authentic Beatle-Tribute acts in the country. Each member is a “Beatle” veteran, This Detroit group has it all from a left-handed “Paul” to actual 60’s vintage guitars.  http://beatlemaniaalumni.com/BeatClub.htm.

Diane Penning, returns, with baritone, Jeffery Norris, and accompanied by pianist, Steve Larsen. Repertoire will include exquisite duets and solos from a variety of Broadway shows. Diane has been a faculty member since 1986 at the Interlochen Arts Academy www.dianepenning.com  and www.interlochen.org/faculty. 

OK, let’s set the record straight …. this group is really 3 guys and two gals.  A sumptuous smorgasbord of sophisticated sounds – an eclectic mix of swing, jazz,Texas swing, zany humor, and much more.  www.greatlakespaa.org