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. Dr. Kenneth Kroesche is completing his first season as Director of the CCBB. He is currently Associate Director of Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba at Oakland University where he serves as the Coordinator of Instrumental Music. Ken holds a BM degree from Texas State University, and MM degrees and Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan. Further information available at 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 under the direction of Karen and Eric Simons. Their repertoire includes such classics as American Patrol, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Satin Doll, and Moonlight Serenade, but also includes contemporary hits by Brian Setzer and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to delight audiences of all ages. Vocals by baritone, John Telford, include “Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong) and “Unforgettable” (Nat King Cole). Further information available at www.jumpstreetswingband.com.

Melvin Rookus, Director of Music and Organist at Nardin Park presents his sixth concert of beloved American Patriotic Music, featuring improvisations at the Casavant pipe organ. This concert also introduces soprano, Melissia Perry, a member of Nardin Park and a 2009 graduate of Walled Lake Central High School who will be attending Adrian College as a music major. Melissia has played leading roles in high school productions of “West Side Story” and “Les Miserable”. In addition, Bagpipers Dave Martin and Ed Bicknell will join with organ performing “Highland Cathedral” and “Amazing Grace” What a grand evening it will be! 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. For the past 18 months they have been performing at the MGM-Grand Casino in Macau, China, and bringing part of their show here as they dress as Gondoliers from Venice and sing the enchanting melodies heard in that beautiful city. Click for a preview on YouTube.

Matthew Ball aka “Boogie Woogie Kid” has become a hit sensation with his virtuoso performances of Boogie Woogie 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 throughout the United States and beyond. What a treat to hear our Petrof concert grand piano, joined by drummer, RJ Spangler. Extensive information can be found at www.boogiewoogiekid.com.

Last summer we heard the Boogie Woogie Babies present their tremendous show “The Original 1940’s Revue” which was so well-received, we’ve invited Francesca Amari, Mary Rademacher, and Barbara Wisse to return in a different role. 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”, “Side by Side”, and of course … “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Singing together for ten years, their song stylings and tight harmonies are infused with a warm and entertaining stage presence that is both dynamite and riveting. Check them out at 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, with ties ranging from first-place honors at National Beatle band competitions to performances at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. This Detroit group has it all from a left-handed “Paul” to actual 60’s vintage guitars. Who could miss one of pop music’s most entertaining group, singing a variety of those famous tunes. For more comprehensive details, see http://beatlemaniaalumni.com/BeatClub.htm. You’re gonna love them …. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

Diane Penning, along with Connecticut pianist, Paul Bisaccia, provided us a magnificent concert called “Unforgettable Broadway” in October of 2008. Diane 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 is a resident of Grand Rapids whose performances of both classical and popular music have garnished raves from critics across America. Mr. Norris holds a Master’s degree in performance from the Eastman School of Music and has been a faculty member since 1986 at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen Arts Summer Camp, and founder of the Advanced Vocal Program at this esteemed northern Michigan institution. For more extensive backgrounds visit www.dianepenning.com  and www.interlochen.org/faculty.  What a awesome evening awaits you the first week of August.

OK, let’s set the record straight …. this group is really 3 guys and two gals. The name shall remain a mystery for now, and revealed at the concert. Get ready for a sumptuous smorgasbord of sophisticated sounds – an eclectic mix of swing, jazz,Texas swing, zany humor, and much more. This lively quintet from the Ann Arbor area performed here about 9 years ago. Their unique arrangements provide some of the best in American jazz, along with traditional popular music, with a few “originals” thrown into an hour of fast-paced showmanship. What an uplifting finale to a summer of memorable music at Nardin Park. More information can be found at www.greatlakespaa.org

Sunday
October 12,
2008
2 PM

Free

Diane Penning, Soprano, and Paul Bisaccia, Piano

PROGRAM:
  Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Phantom of the Opera” and “Evita”
  Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story” and “Candide”
  Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”, “The King and I”, “Sound of Music”, “Carousal” “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Camelot”, “My Fair Lady”, “Hello Dolly” and other Broadway hits.

Daniel Sullivan and Isabel Demers, Duo Organists

PROGRAM:
  “Peter and the Wolf” (With Narration)
  “Sabre Dance” (Katchaturian)
  “Fifth Symphony” (Excerpts)
  Beethoven “Nutcracker Ballet” (Excerpts)
  Tchaikovsky “Tannhauser & Meistersingers” (Excerpts)

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

PROGRAM: Seasonal favorites by
  Cherub and Wesley Children’s Choirs
  New Generation Youth Choir
  Nardin Park Ringers
  Handbell Choir
  Nardin Park Liturgical Dancers
  50-voice Chancel Choir
  Guest Instrumentalists

Sunday
January 25,
2009
2 PM

Free

The Merling Trio

PROGRAM:
To Be Announced From the Following:

  Traditional chamber classics by Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn, and others
  Folk music and tangos
  Innovative contemporary titles and composers

MSU Men's Glee Club

PROGRAM:
Traditional and contemporary music composed for male voices.

Sunday
 May 3,
2009
2 PM

 

Ken Medema

A native of Grand Rapids, this blind pianist-singer has an uncanny ability to respond almost instantly to a situation with an off-the-cuff song that mixes melody, comedy, and a bit of an edge to hammer home the previously spoken words.  He challenges Christians to be authentic and truthful in everything they do and to be a light to the world. What a wonderful opportunity to hear Ken Medema, live and in person.