March has much in the manner of music
Published 9:00 am Sunday, March 3, 2013
Column: Eye on the Arts, by Glen Parsons
Hopefully we are now on the other side of the major weather and are seeing signs of the spring thaw. That should get people out to enjoy all the arts events happening in the month of March!
First Lutheran Church will host Wednesday Lenten Recitals from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their sack lunch and enjoy a half-hour recital from local artists sharing their gifts throughout the Lenten season. Flutist Cathy Arhelger will perform on March 6, vocalist Mary Jane Pierson on March 13, organist Bob Tewes on March 20 and vocalist Brenda Ludtke on March 27.
Glen Parsons
Beginning March 7 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., the Lenten Organ Recital Series at Salem Lutheran Church at 115 N. Washington Ave., will feature Gail Thurnau from Christ Episcopal Church and Ascension Lutheran Church. On March 14, Bob Tewes from Grace Lutheran Church will play, and on March 21. Eileen Nelson Ness and Deb Stolarcek will play organ and flute music. Feel free to bring your lunch as you enjoy these free concerts.
On March 8, Albert Lea Civic Music will have a concert by Peter Simon, a pianist and humorist. The humor: Borge! The virtuosity: Liberace! Simon will perform an all-American-style program that will delight and excite audiences. Included will be a spectacular rendition of the much-loved “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin. Admittance to the concert is by season ticket only, and you may purchase a season ticket at the door.
On March 9, come to the Marion Ross Theatre to see The DC Drifters tribute to Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt and Sonny and Cher!
Show time is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20.You may reserve tickets on-line at www.actonbroadway or by calling the call center 1-877-730-3144 or by stopping at the box office any Thursday evening between 4 and 6 p.m.
The Albert Lea spring orchestra concert will be held at 7 p.m. on March 14 in the Albert Lea High School auditorium. It will feature students from grades 6 through 12 and will include selections from “Beauty and the Beast,” and a wide variety of music. This is not your usual classical orchestra concert. Tickets are available at the door.
The annual elementary/secondary student art exhibit at the Albert Lea Art Center will not be held at the Northbridge Mall this year. Instead it will be held at the Albert Lea Art Center in downtown Albert Lea from March 17 to April 5. There will be an open house on March 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 3 p.m.
The Art Center’s spring fundraiser, called A Sweet Soiree, will be at Prairie Wind Coffee Shop from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 21. The event will feature art work for purchase, delicious cupcakes by Sugar Chic, coffee tasting and live entertainment. Cost is $10 per person at the door.
Tiger’s Roar will be presented at the ALHS auditorium on March 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5. Come and support our students.
On March 26, the Albert Lea High School band department will present a concert for Music in Our Schools Month at 7 p.m. in the ALHS auditorium.Tickets are available at the door and are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Children preschool and under are free. Family and senior passes are good for this event. The concert will feature the Tiger band, symphonic band and concert band, as well as outstanding pieces from the solo and ensemble contest in January.
On March 29 at 7 p.m., First Lutheran Church will host the Lenten Oratorio “Canticle of the Cross” presented by the First Lutheran Church Chamber Choir, Albert Lea Community Chorus and a small chamber ensemble. This special musical presentation follows the path of the cross from the Triumphal Entry to the Crucifixion. It is based on Celtic folksongs and Celtic-styled original songs with new and moving orchestrations by Brock Besse. All are invited to attend. Admission is free.
On March 30, swing into spring with Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band to see “Sinatra!” Show time is 7:30 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 and you may reserve tickets on-line at www.actonbroadway or by calling the call center 1-877-730-3144 or by stopping at the box office on Thursday evenings between 4 to 6 p.m.
I hope you’ll enjoy many of these events as spring comes into focus!
Glen Parsons is a member of the Albert Lea Community Theatre.
