Mardra Thomas as Lady Day

Mardra Thomas, Birch Creek jazz vocalist, will bring to life the music of legendary American jazz singer and songwriter Billie Holiday.  Mardra will be accompanied by a full Birch Creek faculty jazz ensemble led by pianist Reggie Thomas, and also including Jeff Campbell, bass; Rick Haydon, guitar; Dennis Mackrel, drums, Andy Ament, saxophone; and Cody Henry, trombone.

Billie Holiday (April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was nicknamed “Lady Day” by her friend and musical partner Lester Young.  According to many, her lifelong struggles with poverty and substance abuse added poetic tragedy to her lyrics, enriched the tenor of her voice and shaped the words she sang.  Her distinct delivery made her voice instantly recognizable.

Mardra Thomas, a professional jazz artist, has roots that run deep in her St. Louis birthplace, also the home she shares with husband Reggie near Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, where Reggie is a member of the music faculty.

In addition to the Billie Holiday portrayal on Sunday night, Mardra will perform several times from August 4 through 7 with the Birch Creek Academy Band in the Dutton Concert Barn at Birch Creek, three miles east of Egg Harbor. Ms. Thomas’s credits include regular performances with Reggie as part of the Mardra & Reggie Thomas Jazz Ensemble and OGD (Organ Guitar Drums).  Mardra has presented vocal workshops and master classes for Birch Creek students as well as colleges and high school bands around the country, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Festival in New York.

Mardra is also a talented actress as will be noted by her stunning interpretation of Billie Holiday. Her lead roles on the dramatic stage further include Sister Laura in Tambourines to Glory, Lady In Green in For Colored Girls, Mama in Terry McMillan’s Mama, and Power Woman in Menopause the Musical.

Birch Creek is Door County’s unique concert venue. General admission is $29 for adults, $10 for young adults 12 through 20 and college students, and $6 for children 11 & under. Purchase tickets by calling 920.868.3763 or visiting the Birch Creek campus, located 3 miles east of Egg Harbor on County E. Regular office hours are 9-6 weekdays with extended hours on concert nights. For more information, call 920.868.3763 or check the Web at www.birchcreek.org.  Celebrate Birch Creek’s 35^th season this summer!

“We have a number of retailers and long-time friends in Door County,” says David Bronner. “When we heard about the work of the Humane Society and their expansion project, it was a natural stop for the tour. All proceeds from the sale of our products at the show will be given to the Door County Humane Society.”

Bronner went on to say that his company built the massive bathtub in California and used it at several music festivals there before shipping it East.

“Tunes And A Tub” is the name of a free community event scheduled for Sunset Park on Third Avenue, north of Bay Shipbuilding, on Saturday, August 14 from 5 – 9:30 pm. Families are invited to come with their well-behaved, leashed dogs to frolic in the walk-in tub or just have a great time watching those enjoying the water and Dr Bronner’s Soap suds. (All the products are safe for dogs and used by many dog groomers locally). Food, as well as beer and wine are welcome in the park but hard liquor is not allowed.

DCHS Executive Director Carrie Counihan grins as she explains, “The Humane Society wants to continue being the adoption guarantee shelter that Door County residents expect, but it is imperative that we have more room to accomplish that goal. Now we have the opportunity to partner with Dr. Bronner’s to celebrate the start of our capital campaign and invite everyone in the community to enjoy the water, great music, and hear about our expansion plans. And yes, one of the most wished-for items in the renovated shelter building is an area to bathe bedraggled dogs and matted cats!”

Proceeds from all soap sales go to the DCHS building fund. Beginning at 5 pm on Saturday, August 14, the giant tub will be open to all (T-shirts over bathing suits are suggested) humans and dogs.

At 7 pm, a planned shift to a slightly more raucous tempo will take place with “The Art of Music” featuring a sunset concert that includes national touring artists Pamela Means, Dorothy Scott, melaniejane, and Hans Christian. Another local favorite, Julian Hagan, will join the group as well. In the audience will be one of Door County’s beloved philanthropists, Ralph Bronner.

As dusk falls over the bay and the Sherwood Point lighthouse begins flashing, the new film “Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap Box” will be shown. Dr. Bronner emigrated to the U.S., just escaping the horrors of WWII. In the next 50 years, he and his family established a company known for its corporate conscience and resolution to abide by the “Moral ABC” explained on the soap labels.

The Machine

For twenty years, The Machine has traveled the world, carrying on Pink Floyd’s legacy, while at the same time creating a legacy of their own. The Machine’s knack for recreating Pink Floyd’s music is uncanny (The Village Voice calls them “dead-on”), and their innovative jamming skills and elaborate light displays make their live shows unique, unforgettable experiences.

Over the years, The Machine has accumulated a devoted legion of fans, performing everywhere from symphonic orchestra halls to psychadelic clubs. The wide-ranging appeal of their music has sold out their shows in countless theaters, large clubs and casinos across North and Central America, Europe and Asia. Floyd devotees and newcomers alike will find something to like in The Machine’s new, contemporary take on Pink Floyd’s classic repertoire.

Rolling Stone magazine writer Matt Diehl raves of The Machine’s live performances, “The Machine duplicates the sound and hits of Pink Floyd with chilling accuracy.” Matthew Weber of Spin magazine concurs: “The Machine sounds exactly like Pink Floyd.” Even Bob Ezrin, co-producer of Pink Floyd’s classic album The Wall, is enthusiastic about The Machine: “These guys are great!”

Tickets for The Machine’s performance (which begins at 8 pm) range from $22 to $30 and can be purchased in person at the Door Community Auditorium on Highway 42 in Fish Creek, on the phone at 920.868.2728, or online at www.dcauditorium.org. The performance is sponsored by IceCreamSource.com.

Founded in 2008 by Lynn Gudmundsen and Lloyd Michelson, the Bluegrass Camp provides weeklong, intensive instruction in the art of bluegrass music by an impressive array of credentialed professionals. This year, Billy Contreras, Rich Higdon and Jody Wood join returning instructors, Tommy Burroughs, Eric Lewis and Karen Mal for a display of expert picking, fantastic singing and outrageous harmonies!

Eric Lewis is a multi-talented instrumentalist who performs and records with some of the top Memphis artists. He has also toured the country with the first national tour of “Patsy!,” E-squared artist, Cheri Knight, and Prairie Home Companion favorites, Robin and Linda Williams.

In 2003 Eric received the Premier Player Award for Strings by the Memphis Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Tommy Burroughs has wowed audiences with his amazing fiddle, mandolin and guitar playing. He has won the NARAS Premier String Player award in Memphis a record of 7 times. He is an accomplished songwriter and is one of the most respected multi-instrumentalists in the Memphis area.

Billy Contreras is widely regarded as one of the foremost improvising violinists of his generation. Versed in wide ranging musical styles and at ease on multiple instruments. In the past year Billy has recorded with Hank Williams the Third, Charlie Louvin, and gospel singer Candy Staten. Most recently he has performed at Bonnaroo and at the Ryman Auditorium with The Black Lillies; he is featured on their debut album Whiskey Angel. Billy also did tour dates with The Deadly Gentlemen performing on stage with David Grisman. Additional venues in which Billy has performed include CMT, the Conan O’Brian Show, Farm Aid, France’s Jazz in Tete, the Grand Old Opry and The Roxy.

Karen Mal is a full-time musician based in Austin, TX. Best-known for her effortless and expressive singing, she’s also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist on guitar, mandolin and upright bass. With a degree in music from Long Island University, she brings to the table an extensive background in theater, Celtic music, bluegrass, and contemporary songwriting. She tours nationally as a solo singer/songwriter, and as a sideman for other performers.
Karen has won awards for her songwriting from the Kerrville Folk Festival, the Tucson Folk Festival, the Wildflower Music and Arts Festival, the Portland Songwriters Association, and has received national airplay for her three CDs on Waterbug records. Most recently, she composed music for Door Shakespeare in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin for their current season. When she’s not playing music she spends as much time as possible in the woods and on the river.

Rich Higdon has been performing for over 20 years. He has played with bluegrass groups, orchestras, folk musicians, and an Afro-Haitian dance company. Rich is currently a member of The Water Street Hot Shots, a group which plays a mix of old time string band, blues, and jug band music. Bass and percussion are his specialties though he is sometimes called up to play the jug, washboard, ukulele, kazoo, and even the sink. Rich lives in West Jacksonport, WI, where he works as a musician and potter.

Jody Wood grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and began playing Banjo in 1978 at the age of 10. In his teenage years, Jody was a member of the Dallas Galloway Family Band playing banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and guitar. He is a recurring fill-in for Raymound Fairchild at the Maggie Valley Opry House, while continuing to perform with bluegrass gospel bands. Jody has mastered all the great bluegrass songs we love to play and hear, and currently performs with the Flat Broke Bluegrass Band.

Tickets for the Door County Bluegrass Camp Kickoff Concert are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $8 for children under 12.  Tickets are on sale at the theater box office, 239 N. Third Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, 920.743.1760.  The box office is open from 10 AM – 3 PM, Monday – Friday, and one hour prior to performances.  Tickets are also available at Dancing Bear, 13 N. Third Avenue, Java on Jefferson, Corner of Fifth & Jefferson, and on-line at www.ThirdAvenuePlayhouse.com. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted.

Rye Creek includes Ron Trellue, Terry Axline, Bob Axline and Mike Murphy. They combine fiddle, guitar, mandolin, drum and vocals for a lively and uplifting performance.

Sweetie Pies of Fish Creek will be on site with delectable goodies, coffee, beer and soft drinks for sale. You may also feel free to bring your own bottle of wine.

Woodwalk Gallery and Events Barn is located south of Egg Harbor, one mile west of Hwy 42 at 6746 Hwy G. Tickets are $15 at the door. No reservations. Call 920.868.2912 or 920.495.2928.

Musicians from New York to Las Vegas join the Birch Creek Academy Band for one of their favorite gigs, concerts in the historic Dutton Barn just outside Egg Harbor. The barn’s natural acoustics have provided performers and audiences with an excellent venue for live music for 35 years.

Jeff Campbell, temporarily leaving his post at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, begins his 22nd season at Birch Creek, his 14th as Academy Band leader and Program Director. Campbell recruits the world-class professionals who teach and perform at Birch Creek.

Members of the Academy Big Band have played with the Count Basie Orchestra, the big bands of the Dorsey brothers, and such celebrated names as Frank Sinatra Jr., Jerry Lewis, Dizzy Gillespie, Mose Allison, and Marian McPartland. Their summer gig is unique: they perform at night on Birch Creek’s stage in concerts for the public and teach promising young musicians from across the country during the day.

“The Big Bands Are Back” on July 21 and again on July 24 features the Academy Band performing music selected from the works of jazz greats such as Swing Era clarinet sensation Artie Shaw; tenor saxophonist, arranger and member of the Count Basie Orchestra, Frank Foster; composer Billy Strayhorn, who is widely associated with his theme of the swing era, “Take the ‘A’ Train;” and noted American jazz pianist and band leader Bennie Moten.

“Basie, Ellington & Miller,” on July 22 and 23, will feature arrangements by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Glen Miller. On July 23, try out your swing dance steps when a section of the barn will be cleared for concertgoers to dance to their favorite Big Band hits.

All concerts begin at 8 pm. General admission is $29 for adults, $10 for young adults 12 through 20 and college students, and $6 for children 11 & under.

The box office outside the concert barn opens at 7 pm on concert nights, with pre-concert music in the campus gazebo at 7:30 pm. A picnic grove with tables is available for carry-in picnics.

Big Band Jazz Concert Dates:

July 21 – The Big Bands Are Back
July 22 – Basie, Ellington & Miller Vol. I
July 23 – Basie, Ellington & Miller Vol. I (Dancing Optional)
July 24 – The Big Bands Are Back
July 28 – Jazz & The Great American Big Band
July 29 – Big Bands Play The American Popular Song
July 30 – Big Bands Play The American Popular Song
July 31 – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Free Family Concert
July 31 – Jazz & The Great American Big Band
Aug. 4 – A Century of Big Band Music
Aug. 5 – Basie, Ellington & Miller, Vol. II
Aug. 6 – Basie, Ellington & Miller, Vol. II (Dancing Optional)
Aug. 7- A Century of Big Band Music
Aug. 8 – STARZ Series: Music of Billie Holiday featuring the vocals of Mardra Thomas
Aug. 11 – The Legacy Of The Big Band
Aug. 12 – The Great American Big Band
Aug. 13 – The Great American Big Band
Aug. 14 – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Free Family Concert
Aug. 14 – The Legacy Of The Big Band

To reserve tickets:
Tickets are $29/adults, $10/young adults ages 12 through 20 and college students, and $6/children 11 and under.

Call Birch Creek 920.868.3763 or click to download an order form.

Los Lobos

Ever since they began playing music together in their East Los Angeles high school, the five members of Los Lobos have blended traditional Mexican folk music with elements of blues, rockabilly, and jazz to create a sound entirely their own. Three Grammys and more than thirty years later, Los Lobos remain as compelling as ever, staying firmly rooted in tradition even as they find ways to break new and fertile musical ground.

Los Lobos distill the rich diversity of Mexico’s musical traditions into their own music, creating the catchy melodies and strong rhythms that have made their music memorable to American audiences for over three decades. One of their most classic hits, “La Bamba,” is still one of American music’s most recognizable tunes.

But despite their longevity in the music business, Los Lobos’ music never grows stale; Rolling Stone raves that “with the exception of U2, no other band has stayed on top of its game as long as Los Lobos. The band’s live performances are magnetic, jubliant experiences, not to be missed.”

Co-sponsor JJ Johnson (owner of JJ’s La Puerta Mexican Restaurant) expresses excitement about Los Lobos’ performance: “The band should be really good, and the tie-in between the Mexican food and the Mexican music will be especially cool.”

Tickets for the Friday Los Lobos’ performance (which begins at 8 pm) range from $45 – 60 and can be purchased in person at the Door Community Auditorium on Highway 42 in Fish Creek, on the phone at 920.868.2728, or online at www.dcauditorium.org. Los Lobos’ performance is sponsored by Kris and JJ Johnson (JJ’s, JJ’s of Jacksonport, and the Waterfront) and Bill and Poo Calkins.

Felix Mendelssohn, born in 1809, was one of the first composers to lead a transition from the Classical to the Romantic Eras. Although his compositions are classical in form, they contain haunting melodies and passionate crescendos. Mendelssohn  wrote such mystifying and beautiful works that they continue to be favored and performed by musicians for more than 200 years.

Beth Chafey-Hon

The 4th Summer Concert at Hope Church features Beth Chafey-Hon performing the entire Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64. David Beck, virtuoso pianist and main artist in the concert series, will perform Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso.

Beth Chafey-Hon has been studying violin and performing throughout her life but most recently she has been extending her practice and devotion to music through her work with Hungarian violin masters, Ferenc Fenyo, and his daughter, Klara Fenyo Bahcall, at UW Oshkosh. She will be playing a new violin, recently created for her in Florence, Italy by master violin maker, Paulo Vettori.

David Beck

David Beck grew up Gurney, WI.  He attended St. Norbert College and was a student of Professor Elaine Moss.  He graduated in 2007 with a degree in Piano Performance.

David serves as the organist at the Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay. He is also accompanist for Gibraltar and Oconto Falls High School, a private piano teacher and a concert performer.  He frequently performs with musical and choral groups in Northeast Wisconsin.

Hope United Church of Christ is located at 141 S. 12^th Street in Sturgeon Bay.   Please contact the church at 920.743.2701, e-mail at hopeucc@hopechurchdc.org, or visit www.hopechurchdc.org for more information. A free-will offering will be collected at the door. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the Hope UCC Music Programs.  Seating is limited and first come, first served.

Al Rose

Al Rose finds poetry in everything and expertly puts it into music. Studying flute from 4th grade until he eventually lost interest in high school, Al picked up an old guitar collecting dust in the basement and became obsessed – not as a guitarist, but as a songwriter and singer. And the songs started to bloom along with coffeehouse gigs and a band stint as co-leader of the  Chicago-based Buffalo Trout.

His 5th and latest CD release, “My First Posthumous Release” was noted by Tribune music critics as one of The Best Chicago Indie Releases of 2008.

“With a mixture of irreverence and soul, this veteran singer-songwriter just gets better, funnier and more plaintively incisive with each release. His latest, “My First Posthumous Release”, mixes blues, country and rock influences with off-hand ease, while crafting indelible imagery. How, after all, can anyone resist a song that begins, ‘The X-rays were embarrassing’?” – Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

This year at Woodwalk, Al Rose will be accompanied by two of his band members in The Transcendos,  Steve Hashimoto on bass and Steve Doyle on guitar.

Door County favorite, Jeanne Kuhns is Woodwalk’s concert series host and will open the show, most likely joining Al for a few numbers. Culinary treats are provided by Sweetie Pies of Fish Creek, on site with delectable goodies alongside the coffee, beer and soft drinks for sale as well.

Woodwalk Gallery and Events Barn is located south of Egg Harbor, one mile west of Hwy 42 at 6746 Hwy G. Tickets are $15 at the door. No reserved seating, unless you are a season pass holder. Call 920.868.2912 or 920.495.2928.

Klara Fenyo

Conductor and teacher,  Klara Fenyo Bahcall leads The Clearing’s Chamber Music Workshops. A Professor of Music for Violin and Viola at University of WI Oshkosh, she graduated from the Budapest Bela Bartok Conservatory of Music with a degree in Violin Performance and received her Performance Artist and Pedagogy Degree from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, Hungary.

She won first place at the Hungarian National Violin Competition and was also the winner of the Budapest Chamber Music Competition. Until coming to the United States, she was the Concertmaster of the Hungarian National Opera and was soloist of the Hungarian Philharmonia Artist Management, as well as the soloist of the Hungarian Radio.

This year The Clearing celebrates it 75th year as a folk school. Here’s another great string concert, performed by students of all ages, from 19 – 78.  They will; play movements from a Mozart String Quartet, Shostakovitz Quartet #4, Music for String Orchestra will include: Serenade in E Major by Anton Dvorak for String Orchestra, Andantino from the String Quartet Op. 10, by Claude Debussy for String Orchestra and “Choreography” by Norman Dello Joio.