(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 8, 2009.)
Bowser and Blue perform July 10, Downchild Blues Band returns July 15, with classical music in between
By Gillian Brunette
Some of the best-loved pieces of music have been borrowed from the great classical composers and turned into film scores.Tunes such as Strauss’ Blue Danube (Austin Powers), Haydn’s Symphony 101, 2nd Movement (Prince of Tides), Mendelssohn’s Wedding March (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and Debussy’s Clair De Lune (Seven Years In Tibet), to name but a few, have introduced the classics to the masses.
An opportunity to hear these wonderful pieces of music, plus six other great scores, takes place on July 11 at the Algonquin Theatre, when the Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) presents Classics at the Movies with maestro Kerry Stratton and the 40-piece festival orchestra.
IN CONCERT: Maestro Kerry Stratton directs the festival orchestra at the Algonquin Theatre in 2008. The orchestra returns on Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m. with Classics at the Movies. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]
In the second half, Beethoven’s Emperor concerto will be performed by Belgrade-born American pianist Zora Mihailovich. Recognized internationally as a recitalist, orchestral soloist, recording artist and educator, she has performed in London’s Royal Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Brussels’ Conservatoire Royal.
“The festival orchestra has been a cornerstone of the Huntsville festival since year one,” said HFA general manager Rob Saunders. “Under the baton of Kerry Stratton, an internationally recognized conductor, this group of professional musicians plays regularly with some of the finest symphonies in the province. This year’s program will combine some very recognizable repertoire with an exceptional display of virtuosity through the piano concerto.”
The previous evening, July 10, the music and comedy duo Bowser and Blue return to the Algonquin Theatre stage.
George Bowser and Rick Blue have been writing and performing music and comedy together since 1978. Colorectal surgeons around the world are familiar with them through the song Working Where the Sun Don’t Shine, which was first heard on Madly Off In All Directions in 1997.
The duo appeared at the 2008 edition of the Just For Laughs comedy festival with Joan Rivers and many other fine comedians. That performance was telecast in January of this year on CBC television. Bowser and Blue hail from Montreal where they have recorded 10 CDs on their own You Guys label, and four on Montreal’s Justin Time label.
On Sunday, July 12, the popular afternoon of Jazz in the Garden returns to Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant. From 2 to 4 p.m. enjoy the beautiful gardens of Tall Trees, while smooth jazz sounds fill the air. Tickets are $15 and include tempting desserts, snacks and refreshing drinks. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair.
Back by popular demand, the six-piece Downchild Blues Band returns to the Huntsville stage after their ‘raise the roof’ performance in 2008.
It’s been nearly 40 years since Donnie (Mr. Downchild) Walsh and his now-deceased brother, Hock Walsh, formed the group that would be the inspiration behind the world famous Blues Brothers. Downchild was nominated for Blues Album of The Year at the 2005 Juno Awards, and lauded as Entertainers of the Year in 2007 at the Maple Blues Awards. Walsh has kept the music alive, and Downchild features some of the most well-respected musicians in the country, who have performed together for over 15 years.
This includes silky smooth singer and harmonica player Chuck Jackson, tenor sax player Pat Carey, beat man Mike Fitzpatrick on drums, rhythm captain Gary Kendall on bass, and former American supergroup rocker Michael Fonfara (of Rhinoceros fame) on keyboards.
Tickets for these and all other main stage performances are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, by dialing 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
